Bill Witherswas a musical titan a once-in-a-generation songwriter whose expressive vocals and universal lyrics influenced countless artists.
Ahead, we look back at 10 of his most memorable songs.
“Lean on Me” (1972)
Withers biggest hit (and lone No.
Credit: Fin Costello/Redferns
It’s a hard one to forget.
The inimitably smooth jazz saxophonist wisely enlisted his friend for this track off his 1980 albumWinelightalbum.
Both hilarious and straight fire.
Among the memorable covers is a slithery slow burn version by MeShell Ndegeocello.
There is humor here sure, but real pathos and yearning.
It’s also become a cross-generational go-to breakup anthem for the recently dumped.
(Not Dr. Dre, the Jungle Brothers, Eric B.
& Rakim, or J. Cole, all of whom sampled it over the years).
Leah Greenblatt
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