Bill Withers, known for writing and singing enduring hit songs from the 1970s such as "Lean on Me," "Lovely Day" and "Ain't No Sunshine," has died from heart complications at age 81.
Withers' family confirmed the news of his death to The Associated Press. The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s and lived a private life outside the public eye, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said.
His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on “Lean on Me” to help get through the difficult times.