West Virginia native Bill Withers joined the L.A. music scene in the late 60s after a stint in the Navy. In 1970 he was signed to the Sussex music label and hit the ground running with his first album, Just As I Am, and its instantly classic acoustic ballad, "Ain't No Sunshine." Withers' understated, rootsy style was a perfect contrast to where popular music was going at the time, from pre-disco dance music to glam rock. His second release, 1972's Still Bill,became a career disc, with top hits "Use Me" and "Lean On Me," arguably one of the greatest songs of the past half century. Click Here for the full Bill Withers biography.
West Virginia native Bill Withers joined the L.A. music scene in the late 60s after a stint in the Navy. In 1970 he was signed to the Sussex music label and hit the ground running with his first album, Just As I Am, and its instantly classic acoustic ballad, "Ain't No Sunshine." Withers' understated, rootsy style was a perfect contrast to where popular music was going at the time, from pre-disco dance music to glam rock. His second release, 1972's Still Bill,became a career disc, with top hits "Use Me" and "Lean On Me," arguably one of the greatest songs of the past half century. Click Here for the full Bill Withers biography.
And while the talented Mr. Withers had a bunch of monster hits, one of our favorite songs by him is a gentle ballad about love and the perspective that time brings. Take a listen to the beautiful "Hello Like Before."