Bill Withers (R) at The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with (L-R) Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder & Paul McCartney (April 2015)
Seventies soul singer Bill Withers is being honored next month in New York City.
Often referred to as “Brother” Bill Withers by every radio DJ in the world during his hit-making years, he recently conducted an interview published in today’s (9/20) New York Times, in which he appears to be the same “Still Bill” who last recorded some 30 years ago; low-key – but defiant.
Bill Withers (Courtesy Jake Michaels for The New York Times)
His first three hits were all million-sellers; Ain’t No Sunshine (1971 • #3), which was produced by Booker T. Jones of MG’s fame, Lean On Me (1972 • #1), and Use Me (1972 • #2). His last hit, Just The Two Of Us, with the late jazz-r&b saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., reached #2 in 1981.
All are presented here in HD audio!
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[Note] Some audio song files may not play on smartphones, tablets or connected devices. A laptop, desktop PC or Mac may be required for optimal enjoyment.
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AIN’T NO SUNSHINE
Bill Withers
[1971]
[REPLAY]
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LEAN ON ME
Bill Withers
(Single Version)
[1972]
[REPLAY]
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USE ME
Bill Withers
[1972]
[REPLAY]
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JUST THE TWO OF US
Grover Washington, Jr. with Bill Withers
(Single Version)
[1981]
[REPLAY]
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Withers was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder on April 19th, 2015.
Bill Withers Being Inducted Into The ‘Rock Hall’ by Stevie Wonder
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To cap off a great 2015 for Bill, he will be honored on October 1st at New York City’s Carnegie Hall – a show which will recreate his 1973 album Live At Carnegie Hall.
But Withers, 77, who’s recording career spanned 14 years, indicates he’s not likely to perform at the event, saying –
“I didn’t respond to other people’s pressure when I was 35. I haven’t improved at 77.”
Bill Withers (Circa 1972)
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In the Times article, he also took the opportunity to reiterate his long-held contemptuous view of the recording industry – in particular, with his definition of the term “A&R” (Artists & Repertoire: the artist scouting and handling branch of record companies). Withers, who A&R people found to be “difficult,” instead defines the acronym as meaning “Antagonist and Redundant.”
The Carnegie tribute will feature contemporary artist Ed Sheeran (who often incorporates ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ into his show), ex-Doobie Brothers vocalist/solo artist Michael McDonald, legendary New Orleans r&b great, singer-songwriter & pianist Dr. John, saxophonist, songwriter & bandleader Bradford Marsalis and singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson, among others.
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Source: NYTimes.com – Read the Bill Withers article HERE.
Songs Source: The Music Vault of HouseoftheHits, Inc.
Billboard® Chart Data: Joel Whitburn’s Record Research (eBook Editions)
Record Sleeve & Label Graphics: Courtesy of 45cat
