Bill Withers tributes pour in, from Alicia Keys to Russell Wilson to Kid Rock
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:
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
What a poignant writer whose songs are more relevant than ever right now💜 May music always bring us together! Rest in paradise to the magnificent #BillWithers 🕊 https://t.co/smITA9MKFO
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) April 3, 2020
Mr. Lean On Me Bill Withers changed frequencies! We have Lost Another Great One! Our prayers go out to his family & friends! His songs should always be in the Time Capsule of Love & Unity! What a Brilliant Man!👏Thx u for ur Gifts. R.I.P. Bootsy baby!!!🤩 @TheWithersBill @CNN pic.twitter.com/4EeTpKD1ZE
— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) April 3, 2020
Ah. Bill Withers. To whom was he not a revelation?
— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) April 3, 2020
Go well, old love x
Bill Withers was a master at expressing the need for human connection .. among his incredible repertoire, his song “Lean On Me” especially resonates now.
— Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real (@lukasnelson) April 3, 2020
We also know that he was a genuinely kind human soul, and we are grateful for his time on this planet ..
Rest In Peace Bill pic.twitter.com/5mZq2Y5gRR
Rest In Peace, Bill Withers - Kissin my love - (Live) https://t.co/A8p8qOSBGS
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 3, 2020
RIP BILL WITHERS
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) April 3, 2020
RIP Bill Withers
— Kid Rock (@KidRock) April 3, 2020
One of my favorites of all time. His “Live at Carnegie Hall” record has been at the top of my list for decades. What an incredible talent and genuine soul. He will be missed by so many. -Kid Rockhttps://t.co/uYvEQS5ZhJ pic.twitter.com/qvPvwohEMM
Rest in peace Bill Withers, thank you for all the amazing songs, you will always be a legend!
— Jake Bugg (@JakeBugg) April 3, 2020
RIP #BillWithers Thank you for sharing that tremendous talent with us all those years.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) April 3, 2020
GOD BLESS BILL WITHERS • 1938-2O2O tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/p7iKCMGwXy
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) April 3, 2020
Ain't No Sunshine... today.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) April 3, 2020
I am so sad at Bill Withers’ passing.
In this time of death and pain, I hold onto him. He was a true great soul singer. Most of my campaign events we played Lovely Day.
He gave us lifetimes of light and that flame will never be extinguished.
Mourning the loss of my friend and inspiration, Bill Withers. He was such an incredible songwriter and storyteller. I'm so glad he shared his gift with the world. Life wouldn't be the same without him.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 3, 2020
His music gives me so much joy. Press play on a #BillWithers track and it literally changes the atmosphere. Rest in peace, Bill Withers. pic.twitter.com/Mix6CSxs6T
— Susan Kelechi Watson (@skelechiwatson) April 3, 2020
Shout out to the magic of recorded music. Imagine if the transcendent Bill Withers died and we never heard his voice again
— Flea (@flea333) April 3, 2020
Fly high Bill Withers- the greatest of all time. This world didn’t deserve you. 🙏🏾 side note- his drummer James Gadson is also a legend and I was lucky enough to have him play on my upcoming album. pic.twitter.com/DCC1CxASMI
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) April 3, 2020
Damn I did not even know this video existed #BILLWITHERS Rest In Peace sweet man. No more appropriate song right now. @thestonepony @springsteen Thanks for posting this. Lean on Me. https://t.co/zjQQ1hRZ8U
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) April 3, 2020
Sad news today about the passing of #BillWithers. One of my first hits was a recording of “Ain’t No Sunshine”, a perfect song. I was very fortunate to meet him and he was so gracious. My thoughts are with his family today. RIP pic.twitter.com/wNDp0UGi0w
— Boney James (@boneyjames) April 3, 2020
RIP Bill Withers! The day our daughter Kaavia James came into this world-“Lovely Day” was our song of choice for her entry into the world. Thank you Bill Withers for creating a song that will forever be apart of our lives ❤️ 🙏🏾
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 3, 2020
Stunningly beautiful.
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) April 3, 2020
Especially today.
“We all need somebody to lean on.”
Thank you, #BillWithers. pic.twitter.com/0bK6vQGy3Q
The silencing of a sublime voice. RIP Bill Withers. Aint no sunshine.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) April 3, 2020
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 peace, Bill Withers, and thanks for all the lovely days. https://t.co/JDUfok1jYP
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) April 3, 2020
The world lost a legend. Soul singer Bill Withers' song Grandma's Hands is one of my favorites and reminds me of my grandmother and so many other mother-figures in my life.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 3, 2020
Let's all continue to live by his cherished lyrics during these times and lean on each other.
Bill Withers... you will be missed, but not forgotten.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 3, 2020
I remember always singing “Ain’t no sunshine” “Use Me” and “Lean On Me” growing up with my family.
We will sing it forever in my house. 🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/6aWOkIJrzA
One day I will play this song again because it IS a lovely day. For now, Rest In Peace dear man. Your music cheered my heart and soothed my soul.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) April 3, 2020
https://t.co/wdqebBRFkW
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
About the Author
Melissa Ruggieri has covered music and entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010 and created the Atlanta Music Scene blog. She's kept vampire hours for more than two decades and remembers when MTV was awesome.
