The death of Bill Withers prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media from musicians, actors, politicians and athletes, demonstrating the widespread reach of his music.

With songs such as “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and the eternally gorgeous “Lovely Day” embedded in music history and pop culture, Withers’ legacy is intact.

Here is what some had to say in tribute:

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Bob Wood, the owner of the Relapse Theater, in his old space in West Midtown in 2017.  (Steve Schaefer/Special to the AJC)

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Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)