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Bill Withers was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, in 1938 and struggled with a stutter throughout his childhood. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 and served for nine years. After his service, he worked as an assembler for several companies, performing music at clubs and recording demo tapes in his spare time.
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He was still working as an assembler when he debuted "Ain't No Sunshine," which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1972. The three-time Grammy winner's music has been covered by artists like BlackStreet, Will Smith, Black Eyed Peas, Twista, and many others.
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"I write and sing about whatever I am able to understand and feel. I feel that it is healthier to look out at the world through a window than through a mirror," Withers said in footage from "Still Bill," a 2009 documentary about his life.
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The famous soul singer, died on March 30, 2020, due to heart problems.
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He also had bradyarrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that causes breathing issues
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The Withers family noted when he died that “heart complications” were to blame. They also added in their statement at the time: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. 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.
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“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," the statement further said as per 'NBC'.
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His death came at a point when the public had drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic. Health care workers, choirs, artists, and more had posted their own renditions of "Lean on Me" to help get through these difficult times.
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Bill Withers is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori. Following his passing, musicians and public officials reacted to his death.
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"Since my early high school days, Bill Withers’ music has been a cherished part of my life," wrote former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett as per 'NBC' news. "It added to my joy in the good times and also gave me comfort and inspiration when I needed it most," she further added.
Bill Withers, the famous soul singer, died on March 30, 2020, due to heart problems. He was known for his classic songs like "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," and "Lovely Day."
Withers' music still inspires people today, showing his lasting impact on the music world.