How did Bill Withers die? Death certificate reveals real reason behind 'Lean on me' singer's demise
The tunes of 'Lovely Day' can make your day and 'Lean On Me' is the balm the world needs right now. On March 30, 2020, we lost Bill Withers, one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of his generation.
At the time of passing, the reason for his death was said to be due to heart complications at the age of 81. But, it still makes us wonder: how did Withers really die? Roughly a month has passed and his death certificate reveals that the immediate cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest.
Obtained by TMZ, the death certificate lists the underlying causes were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bradyarrhythmia. On that day, he breathed his last at 10:44 am at Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center and was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in LA.
The African-American crooner was known for smooth, sublime classics during the 1970s, including the hits 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Grandmas Hands' and 'Just The Two Of Us'. His family described him as: "A solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other."
Their statement further read, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
After his untimely death, several musicians paid tribute to him at Canada's Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble TV Covid-19 relief fundraiser. Stars like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and Michael Buble, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Brian Wilson, and Nile Rodgers were among the big names.
Surging through a bevy of social media tributes, the reactions that were the most common were about Withers's timeless music. The Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz said, "My soul always has and always will be full of your music," while 'Hamilton' hitmaker Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted: "Rest In Peace, maestro Bill Withers. What a legacy." As one fan put it on Twitter, "Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone. Rest In Peace #BillWithers."
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."
Withers is survived by his wife Marcia Johnson and their two children, Todd and Kori.