Devin Jacobs
With hit songs like “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Bill Withers captured hearts and painted the raw emotions of life and love in his lyrics. Yet, for someone whose music feels so personal and relatable, a lot about his private life is rarely discussed. Read on as we explore his life and journey to stardom.
Early Life in Slab Fork, West Virginia
Bill Withers was born on Independence Day in 1938, in Slab Fork, which is a coal-mining town located in West Virginia. As the youngest of six children, he grew up in a modest home. His mother, Mattie, worked as a maid, while his father, William, was a coal miner.
Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles
He developed a stutter at a young age, which made it difficult for him to fit in. His parents divorced when he was three, and his mother’s family subsequently raised him in Beckley, West Virginia. Withers was only 13 when his father passed away.
Influence of Beckley on Young Bill
Living in Beckley exposed Bill to a range of musical influences. The town’s African-American and English cultural elements shaped his musical sensibilities and laid the foundation for his future career.
Introduction to Music through Church
Withers’ early exposure to music came from church. He participated in gospel quartets, where his love for music began to grow. This religious and community involvement gave him an early appreciation for the power of music in connecting people.
Enlisting in the U.S. Navy
When he was 17 years old, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. There, he served for nine years, traveling to various parts of the world. It was during this time that he developed an interest in singing and songwriting and began to hone his skills away from home.
Discovering a Passion for Songwriting
During his service in the Navy, Withers struggled to find songs that expressed his emotions. This frustration led him to start writing his own music. It was the beginning of what would become a prolific songwriting career.
Leaving the Navy and Moving to Los Angeles
After being discharged from the Navy in 1965, he relocated to Los Angeles in 1967. Determined to pursue a music career, this star moved to the city, hoping to find opportunities to record and perform his original songs.
Working Odd Jobs While Chasing a Dream
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Withers worked as a mechanical assembler at companies like Douglas Aircraft Corporation and IBM to support himself. He recorded demo tapes with his own money and performed in local clubs at night, tirelessly chasing his dream.
First Musical Attempt: “Three Nights and a Morning”
In 1967, Withers released his first single, “Three Nights and a Morning,” which was arranged by Mort Garson. Although it didn’t gain significant attention, it marked Withers’ first step into the professional music scene, later reworking the track into “Harlem.”
Skepticism about the Music Industry
Even after gaining some success, the soon-to-be-famous singer remained skeptical about the stability of the music industry. When his hit song “Ain’t No Sunshine” was released in 1971, he refused to quit his factory job, unsure if his music career would last.
Marriage and Personal Life
Withers married actress Denise Nicholas in 1973 while on the sitcom “Room 222.” However, their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1974. He then remarried in 1976 to Marcia Johnson, and they stayed together for 44 years.
Bill’s Two Children with Marcia Johnson
Marcia and Bill had two children together: a son named Todd and a daughter named Kori. They raised their family together while Bill balanced his music career with a strong commitment to his personal life.
Developing His Sound and Style
His music was deeply influenced by his early experiences in West Virginia and his travels during his Navy service. The sound combined soulful warmth with a folksy, genuine feel that made his voice immediately recognizable.
Preparing for His Breakthrough
By the late 1960s, Withers had amassed a collection of original songs and was preparing for his big break. Despite the challenges of balancing work and music, he continued to write and perform, setting the stage for his eventual success.
Saying Good-Bye to A Legend
Bill unfortunately passed away on March 30, 2020, at the age of 81 due to heart complications. Characterized by its sincerity and emotional depth, his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.