Los Angeles (AFP)
The American singer Bill Withers, one of the greatest voices of soul, to whom we owe in particular titles like "Ain't No Sunshine" or "Lean On Me", died from heart complications at the the 81-year-old family announced on Friday.
"We are devastated by the loss of our adored and devoted husband and father," she wrote in a statement, referring to "a lonely man" nevertheless "connected to the world through his poetry and his music".
"He spoke honestly to people and brought them closer to each other," added his relatives. "Although he lived discreetly with his close family and friends, his music forever belongs to the whole world".
"In these difficult times, we pray that his music will provide comfort and entertainment while his fans take care of those they love," they wrote.
Benjamin of a family of six, Bill Withers grew up in poverty in a mining community in West Virginia.
After having chained the odd jobs and to be enlisted in the Navy, he goes to Los Angeles to get started in music.
Despite a relatively short career, over fifteen years, he left behind world famous soul pieces, including "Just the Two of Us" or "Lean On Me", played during the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Three Grammy Award winner Bill Withers entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
© 2020 AFP