Bill Withers
Bill Withers, born William Harrison Withers Jr. on July 4, 1938, in Slab Fork, West Virginia, was an influential American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He hailed from a modest background as the youngest of six children; his father was a coal miner and his mother worked as a maid. Withers grew up in a coal-mining community and later moved to nearby Beckley for his upbringing.
Withers had a unique sound characterized by a blend of soulful warmth and a folksy feel, which made him one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in America. His music career began in earnest after he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he initially worked in the aircraft industry before fully committing to music.
His debut album, "Just As I Am," was released in 1971 and included his iconic hit "Ain't No Sunshine," which showcased his deep and emotive vocal style. The song became a major success and established him as a significant figure in the music industry.
Over the years, Withers produced several other hits, such as "Lean on Me," "Use Me," and "Lovely Day," each resonating with audiences for their relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. "Lean on Me," in particular, became an anthem of companionship and support, reflecting his personal values and experiences.
Withers dealt with issues of fame and recognition throughout his career, often expressing a desire for privacy and normalcy despite his success. He stepped back from the music scene in the late 1980s but remained a revered figure in the industry, influencing countless artists and being celebrated for his songwriting and vocal prowess.
Bill Withers passed away on March 30, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and resonate with new generations. He was remembered not just for his contributions to music, but also for his authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, which remain integral to his enduring appeal.
Still Bill
Written-By – Bill Withers
5:43
A2 Let Me In Your Life
Written-By – Bill Withers
2:39
A3 Who Is He (And What Is He To You)?
Lyrics By – Stan McKenny
Music By – Bill Withers
3:12
A4 Use Me
Written-By – Bill Withers
3:46
A5 Lean On Me
Guitar, Piano – Bill Withers
Written-By – Bill Withers
4:17
B1 Kissing My Love
Written-By – Bill Withers
3:49
B2 I Don't Know
Written-By – Bill Withers
3:05
B3 Another Day To Run
Lyrics By – Bill Withers
Music By – Benorce Blackman
4:38
B4 I Don't Want You On My Mind
Written-By – Bill Withers
4:35
B5 Take It All In And Check It All Out
Written-By – Bill Withers
2:40
A&M Records – Sussex – AMLS 68107
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: Aug 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Still Bill (1972) is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers, widely considered a masterpiece of 1970s soul and R&B. Following the success of his debut, the album solidified Withers' reputation for combining a "middle-class male perspective" with sophisticated, genre-blending arrangements.
The album is noted for its effortless fusion of multiple contemporary styles, creating a sound that is both laid-back and rhythmically complex. It seamlessly integrates smooth Philly soul, gritty Southern blues, "pimp-strut" funk, and acoustic folk.
Withers’ comforting baritone voice is described as "oaky" and "self-assured," providing a sense of "unflappable calm" even when addressing intense emotional topics. He is backed by members of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, who provided the album's signature "muscular funk" and syncopated grooves.
The album features several of Withers' most enduring hits:
"Lean on Me": A gospel-tinged anthem of brotherhood and community that reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Soul charts.
"Use Me": A sexual, funk-heavy track featuring a prominent clavinet riff; it reached #2 on the charts.
"Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?": A moody, paranoid exploration of jealousy driven by an understated, hypnotic groove.
"Lonely Town, Lonely Street": An uptempo, grooving opening track that showcases the band’s rhythmic tightness.
The album is included in both The Guardian's and Tom Moon’s "1,000 Albums to Hear Before You Die" lists. It is ranked #333 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Critics often cite it as Withers' finest work, praising its "unaffected" authenticity and "deceptively simple" songwriting that rewards repeat listening.