Musicians react massively to the message that soul legend Bill Withers died on Monday at the age of 81. John Legend, Flea and Chance The Rapper, among others, have nothing but praise for the singer.
For example, John Legend writes on Twitter: “Bill Withers and I celebrated his admission to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He hadn’t sung in public for years, but accompanied me and Stevie (Wonder, ed.) Lean On Me. Thanks for the inspiration and the memories, Bill. To everyone; take the time to discover his catalog. What a fantastic songwriter / storyteller. “
Debbie Sledge from the group Sister Sledge said she worked with Bill Withers at the historic Rumble in the Jungle boxing event in Zaire, Africa. “During the trip, he allowed me to draw a portrait of him. He was warm and kind, the perfect gentleman.” She is infinitely grateful to him “that his light still shines through his music”.
Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys is “very sad after hearing about Bill Withers’s passing”. Bill was a songwriter’s songwriter and wrote as many beautiful songs as Ain’t No Sunshine and Lean On Me. A real loss. Love to Bill’s family. “
Bassist Flea from The Red Hot Cilli Peppers wonders if anyone has sung popular music better than Bill Withers. “Take a bath in that voice. He touched my heart, over and over again. He had no interest in fame, games and power, so he left the music industry at a young age after getting what he wanted and enjoying his His songs will always be fresh, exciting, deep and sexy as fuck sound. Bill Withers, I love you. An endless source of inspiration and joy. “
Lenny Kravitz tweeted: “Rest in strength, Bill Withers. Your voice, songs and total expression gave us love, hope and strength. My soul has always been and will always be full of your music. You were humility and showed depth of your strength while you brought us all to a better place. You are still and always will be Bill. “
Chance The Rapper gets a bit nostalgic from the news. “Ah man, Bill Withers was really the best. Grandma’s Hands, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, Use Me Up, Just The Two Of Us and of course Lovely Day are some of the best songs of all time. My heart really hurts for him, it reminds me of playing records at my grandmother’s house. “
– .
