Bill Withers (1938 - 2020) tells about songwriting and why he stopped releasing music. A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo (Dutch Public TV) from 2011.
He’s truly one of the greatest singers, songwriters, lyricists, and artists to ever walk the face of the Earth. He was just as talented as someone like Jimi Hendrix. Yet he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Das Krapital What am I missing? Yes, Hendrix was the greatest guitarist to ever live, and he was an absolute genius as a musician-But so was Withers. I’m not saying Withers had the same kind of impact that Hendrix did, but in terms of the talent that they possessed as musicians, Withers was just as great. Withers was like the McCartney of Soul music.
Back when I was a kid, my parents (RIP ❤️) were from the era of Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, etc. So they paid little attention to what was on the radio back in the 60’s and 70s etc. But my mom surprised me one day singing along to this song and knowing all the words. Whenever I hear this song, I think of her that day. 😃
we we're blessed by Bill Withers, he speaks deep wisdom and insight in this interview...and his music will be with us forever.... thank you sir for your unselfish gifts of music for us..
When I was a young teenager, going to school, there was a lovely young lady that I fancied. Whenever I looked at her I could not think properly. Whenever she was not at school, I wondered , where she had gone and when she would return. Even though I never saw her again, this song still reminds me of her.
This song is one that I have dedicated to my beloved daughter. I moved from Seattle, to Florida and every time I would send her to her grandparents in Seattle, to visit, I would get really sad and depressed not having her with me, as I was a single mom and it was just her and me. One day, early on, I heard this song and I just broke out crying and ever since then, I have used this song to cry to, so I can get all the emotions out and go on with my day, just a bit easier. She is now a 35 year old married mom now and she is living in Texas, while I am still in Florida and once again, I am a bit teary eyed, after watching this video. This song is very powerful and beautiful and doesn't have to be about a man missing his woman. I have loved this song, ever since I first heard it on the radio, when I was a kid.
"Ain't No Sunshine" came out the summer my best friend and I were driving her VW Beetle from SoCal to San Francisco. About every 15 minutes, it would come on the radio, and we were 2 young gals footloose and fancy free, singing at the top of our lungs with Bill Withers. 40 years later, whenever I hear that beautiful song, I can see the rolling golden grassy hills of California, feel the hot summer wind in my hair, and remember a carefree time with a wonderful friend who died far too young (61). RIP Karen and the inimitable Bill Withers.
Grandma's Hands is one of my favorite songs of all times BUT only if Bill Withers is singing it. That man could sing a page from the phone book and 'sell' it.
I loved Grandma's hands. Great brother honest about the whole experience didn't want nobody controlling him. " Im not from the ghetto im rural from country, Virginia" Bill Withers classic
This man reminds me of my father for more reasons than one. My father used to sing his songs and very well if I say so myself. And I do. Love his voice and music. I also like Stevie Wonder and had the privilege of hearing Mr. Wonder sing Ain’t no Sunshine with Bill Withers on stage as a tribute to him. Beautiful, just beautiful.
Ain't no sunshine is like an old friend you haven't seen or heard from in a while and when you occasionally bump into him, it's fresh and nice to see and hear his voice again. Old friends never die. Their spirit, the one God gave them, lives on in your heart forever and so will Bill's in mine. Bless him.
Literally one of the biggest bill withers fans ever. Was brought home from the nursery and the first thing she played was bill withers aint no sunshine. This interview just made my week
That song is perfection. Bill made a pure masterpiece! If A&R guys got their grubby hands on it and stacked all of that crap on it the song would not be as powerful as it is. So glad that he created it.
I can not be still when I listen to Kissing My Love (which is often). My heart gets glad, my face gets hidden behind a huge smile, my feet start moving, & my mouth starts singing !! & Just try to sing along with Lovely Day & not have one !! Grandma's Hands, used to ache sometimes & swell ! Grandma's Hands, boy they really came in handy if I get to Heaven, I'll look for, Grandma's Hands. We'll build big castles in the sky, just the two of us, you & I. Those are the Bill Withers songs that have soothed my soul & made my heart happy for over 40 years !!!
What a classic. I've always liked Bill's music. I need to find a CD with his greatest hits on it. I'll wear it out probably. So grateful that I was growing up in the '70's when all of this music was being written and recorded. From 9 yrs. in 70 to 18 in 79 it was truly a magical time to have been young. 60's - 80's was the best. Thank you Mr. Withers
I remember I got desperate trying to keep a woman in my life who, after fist fighting with her husband, decided to go back with him. I wrote and recorded a song in 3 part harmony with a guitar background. I opened up my heart and poured myself into the song. I mixed it down to 2 tracks and left it hiding on her desk. Right after I mixed it, I cried like a baby, even after listening to it 20 times in a row...
This man was truly special. A natural talent without pretense. I always love listening to Bill when I need a pickup. "Lovely Day" is the perfect morning song, when you are just looking to get out and make it a great one!
...I never saw Bill Withers SING on stage, but he was ON the stage...as part of a Benefit for Kids Who Stutter at Carnegie Hall....recreated his LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL..from 1972...with guest stars, like Ed Sheeran, Michael McDonald, Amos Lee, Kathy Mattea, Dr. John, Valerie Simpson, Aloe Blacc, Wynton Marsalis et.al. Just a wonderful night in fall 2016...or 2017. Wonderful night...and such fun to hear Bill talk about the origins.
Just the two of us and Lovely day always makes my day better when I hear those songs. Along with Ain’t no sunshine his songs create lots of emotions, good ones 😊
Born in my home state! Slab Fork, located West Virginia! Saw him perform this song on the stage at (WV) Glenville State College. my undergrad, alma mater!
Love understanding a song through the artist's eyes. It takes u on a totally different journey than u ever envisioned. I remember listening to my older brother & sister playing his music. Such raw talent!!
