Bill Withers has died aged 81 of heart complication, his family has revealed in a statement.
"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father," the statement says. "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. 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."
Withers, who was responsible for hits including ‘Lean on Me’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Lovely Day’, is survived by his wife, Marcia Johnson, and their two children, Todd and Kori. He won three Grammy awards over the course of his career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. He retired from music early in 1985 having released eight studio albums.
