Bill Withers R.I.P.

[GregC]

Man, what a loss. I must admit it took me a long time to really become aware of and appreciate Bill's artistry. I knew Ain't No Sunshine (and honestly, the "I know" thing was annoying for a while --hey, I wasn't even 10 when it came out), but I didn't really know the same guy sang Lean On Me, and I didn't make the connection to Just the Two of Us, either.

Then about 10 years ago, John Legend and The Roots released a covers album (Wake Up) that included I Can't Write Left Handed. That powerful song caused me to look into Bill's work, the connections fell into place and I learned more about the man and his music. I am richer for that experience. Thank you, Bill. RIP.

 

[GregC]

Following up on this, Questlove did a DJ set online (he's been doing a bunch lately for charity), and last night he did one focused on Bill. Should make a good soundtrack for whatever you're doing around the house.

 

[crlujan]

My band put this together last week while in isolation from the West and East Coasts.

Here’s what I wrote in the video’s description...

RIP Mr. Bill Withers

We decided to dedicate one of these Isolation Jams to his greatness. I always thought of Bill Withers as everyone’s favorite uncle.

This here is World Keeps Going Around based on the arrangement from Withers’ Carnegie Hall performance.

Vocalists/instrumentalists! We’ve left this one without melody just for you. You’re all invited. Open up your Acapella app or whatever app you’re using and feel free to add to this.

https://youtu.be/A2gyeF4DW5g