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Major figures from across the worlds of music and entertainment have been paying tribute to the late Bill Withers, who has died at the age of 81.
The ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Lean On Me’ musician’s death on Monday (March 30) was confirmed in a statement issued by his family today (April 3), with his cause of death being attributed to heart complications.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” the statement reads. “A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.
“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
A flurry of tributes have been posted on social media this afternoon in the wake of Withers’ passing, including from the likes of Brian Wilson, Nile Rodgers, Jennifer Hudson and Graham Coxon.
You can see a selection of the tributes to Withers below.
I’m very sad to hear about Bill Withers passing. Bill was a “songwriter’s songwriter” and wrote so many great songs like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean On Me.” A real loss. Love & Mercy to Bill’s family. – Brian pic.twitter.com/dUGAre6Bjt
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) April 3, 2020
Rest in power Bill Withers. Your voice, songs, and total expression gave us love, hope, and strength. My soul always has & always will be full of your music. Your humility displayed & depth of your power as you carried us all to a better place. You're still & always will be Bill. pic.twitter.com/mkpcSBfuZv
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) April 3, 2020
Very Sad.. this clip of Bill and hos amazing band was a huge favourite for the Coxonaughts on the road. RIP
Withers – Ain't No Sunshine https://t.co/ELpQ2j1dE6
— graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) April 3, 2020
#RIPBillWithers Class, class and more class. https://t.co/nmdufDEpFP
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) April 3, 2020
Aw man, Bill Withers was really the greatest. Grandma’s Hands, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, Use Me Up, Just The Two Of Us and obviously Lovely Day are some of the best songs of all time. My heart really hurts for him, it reminds me of playing records with at my grandma’s house
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 3, 2020
Rest In Peace, maestro Bill Withers.
What a legacy.https://t.co/GBImqLRdPh— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 3, 2020
Just got word that Bill Withers has passed away
He sure graced us with some great songs
Lean On Me will always be a classic.
Rest In Peace Sir— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 3, 2020
Oh no my friend Bill Withers has died. One of the best songwriters and lovely humans ever. Fuck U 2020 U suck
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) April 3, 2020
RIP Bill Withers… that’s a really sad one. Such a unique amazing musician and song writer.. thanks for everything Bill….
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) April 3, 2020
R.I.P. Bill Withers
Super Legend
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) April 3, 2020
Ask any songwriter in the world and they will tell you Bill Withers was a genius whose life's work was a gift. Rest in peace. You are beloved.pic.twitter.com/3rbXxVs7jt
— Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) April 3, 2020
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