"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
Strong Songs
The Journey of Bill Withers
This chapter chronicles the unique musical path of Bill Withers, detailing his humble beginnings and pursuit of a career in music later in life. It emphasizes his distinct sound, heartfelt lyrics, and collaborations with renowned musicians, showcasing the emotional depth in his hit songs like 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lean On Me.' The chapter also reflects on Withers' personal struggles and how they influenced his artistic identity, emphasizing the universal themes present in his work.
For the Season Seven finale, Kirk takes a look at Bill Withers' enduring hit "Lean On Me." In the process, he takes a broader look at a bunch of Withers' other most famous songs to better understand how this plainspoken, seemingly ordinary guy managed to write so many extraordinary songs.
Written by: Bill Withers
Album: Still Bill, 1972
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers from Just As I Am, 1971
- “Lonely Town, Lonely Street,” “Let Me In Your Life,” and “Use Me,” by Bill Withers, and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” by Bill Withers/Stan McKenny from Still Bill, 1972
- “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough, 1977
- “Just The Two of Us” by Bill Withers, William Salter, and Ralph MacDonald, recorded by Grover Washington Jr., 1981
- “The Way” by Meshell Ndegeocello and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” recorded by Ndegeocello on Peace Beyond Passion, 1996
- Excerpts from Live at Carnegie Hall, released 1972
- Excerpts from the 2010 documentary “Still Bill,” dir. Damani Baker and Alex Vlack
- 2004 Songfacts interview w/ Withers
- Withers' 2015 Rock Hall of Fame acceptance speech
- Record needle sound via Sounds Recorded
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