New York - Bill Withers, a soulful singer best known for the 1970s hits "Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at age 81 from heart complications, Rolling Stone magazine reported on Friday, citing a statement from his family.
According to reports Withers died on Monday, March 30.
The singer-songwriter, whose full name is William Harrison Withers Jr, is a three-time Grammy Award winner who stopped recording in the mid 1980s, but whose hits are still tremendously popular today. He was inducted into the rock 'n roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
Withers is survived by his wife Marcia and children Todd and Kori.
Tributes started pouring in on social media immediately for the man whose unforgettable voice has left an indelible mark on the lives of millions of people worldwide.
undefinedToday we lost one of the best! Bill Withers just passed away at age 81. He was an extraordinary talent, with a soulful voice like no other.
— The Tylt (@TheTylt) April 3, 2020
Ain't no sunshine today. Rest In Power, King! 💔 pic.twitter.com/fTTv5DjGFn
undefinedRIP Bill Withers. The Overstreet family will forever remain huge lovers of your brilliance.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/uzxwvpsX5H
— Jason Overstreet (@JasonOverstreet) April 3, 2020
My heart is demolished . 💔💔💔
— Holly Robinson Peete😷🥰 (@hollyrpeete) April 3, 2020
I loved Bill Withers like a father.
I promised Bill last time we spoke I would always look out for his son Todd-who has autism.🙏🏽
My deepest heartfelt condolences to his beautiful wife Marcia, Kori and of course Todd.
I HATE 2020. I swear 😞 pic.twitter.com/VKdH1Ou011
My heart is demolished . 💔💔💔
— Holly Robinson Peete😷🥰 (@hollyrpeete) April 3, 2020
I loved Bill Withers like a father.
I promised Bill last time we spoke I would always look out for his son Todd-who has autism.🙏🏽
My deepest heartfelt condolences to his beautiful wife Marcia, Kori and of course Todd.
I HATE 2020. I swear 😞 pic.twitter.com/VKdH1Ou011
If any of you need to know how a good ordinary person deals with fame and fortune, watch this https://t.co/CBWtxmQKJt
— Paul Heaton (@PaulHeatonSolo) April 3, 2020
Rest in peace beautiful Bill