“Lean On Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” Singer-Songwriter Bill Withers Dead at 81

Legendary soul singer-songwriter Bill Withers has passed away age 81. The powerful voice behind songs such as “Lean On Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Lovely Day,” Withers died of heart complications in Los Angeles on Monday.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. 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,” a statement from Withers’ family reads. “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.”

While Withers had a string of hits in the ’70s, he effectively left the music industry in the mid-1980s. He is survived by his wife Marcia, and his two children, Todd and Kori.

This story is being updated.