Bill Withers death: Celebrities recall legendary singer's 'timeless' music as fans claim 'April is canceled'
Legendary musician Bill Withers, who blessed our ears and hearts forever with tunes like 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lean on Me', has passed away. The singer's family said Withers passed away on Monday from heart complications, according to the Associated Press. He was 81.
The news of Withers' death left the entire industry in shock and a sense of grave loss. As the planet struggles through these harrowing times, many had found an innate sense of belonging and faith in Withers' hit song 'Lean on Me'. The song had become quite the lockdown anthem as the world sees itself flummoxed and nearly devastated under the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Withers' voice—as always—kept people across the globe holding on to each other in support, solidarity and prayers.
As the sad news of his demise emerged, celebrities and fans shared their condolences and a few others expressed sheer disbelief.
Musician Chance, The Rapper lamented the grave loss, tweeting: "Aw man, Bill Withers was really the greatest. Grandma’s Hands, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, Use Me Up, Just The Two Of Us and obviously Lovely Day are some of the best songs of all time. My heart really hurts for him, it reminds me of playing records with at my grandma’s house."
'Hamilton' creator Lin Manuel Miranda tweeted: "Rest In Peace, maestro Bill Withers. What a legacy."
British TV personality Piers Morgan shared: "Yet more sad news... RIP Bill Withers, 81. One of the great singer-songwriters, the maestro behind so many iconic songs like Lean On Me, Lovely Day, Ain’t No Sunshine. Thanks for the music, Bill."
His fans were equally shaken by the news. One noted: "In this time, we need to lean on each other—virtually, of course—say a prayer for the great Bill Withers, RIP brother, thanks so much for the music!"
Another shared: "My heart skipped a beat to this giant breaking bad news." One fan wrote, "Damn, Bill Withers was truly so so good. One of the greatest, RIP legend."
Some were left in disbelief as they exclaimed on the social media platform: "B*tch we lost Bill Withers?! What in the f*ck. 2020 really coming at us." Others echoed sentiments about how "April is canceled".
Surging through a bevy of social media tributes, the reactions that were the most common were about Withers' timeless music.
"R.I.P. Bill Withers. One of the most amazingly beautifully talented musicians ever. His voice makes me feel like I'm home no matter how lost I feel," shared a fan, while another elaborated: "Terrible news to hear about Bill Withers. The man made and performed some of the most iconic songs ever written. His music is timeless One of my favorite artists of all time."
Of course, there were hundreds of messages pouring in with references to Withers most iconic song 'Ain't No Sunshine' which continues to be a love ballad even to this day, decades after its release.
"Ain’t No Sunshine When he’s Gone. Rest In Peace #BillWithers," wrote a fan on Twitter, while another reacted to the heartbreaking news of his passing, claiming: "The sun set today. RIP Bill Withers."
The other song that resonated throughout the fandom of musicians, admirers, and ardent followers alike was 'Love Day'. A fan shared: "One of my all-time favorite songs “Lovely Day”, which will always remind me of that crucial scene in the movie #127hours. RIP #billwithers." And speaking of reminiscence, Withers' impact on his listeners' lives was evidently beyond original soundtracks, as a fan shared: "It wasnt Saturday morning breakfast and then chores without Bill Withers playing in my moms house growing up."
