Cyrus Langhorne
New York rap veteran Nas is letting the world know how much Bill Withers inspired him. The hip-hop veteran has come forward to remember the life of the late music icon.
Big Facts
Nasir Jones went to his Instagram page Friday with a salute to Withers’ greatness. The Queens native shared a few of his favorite Bill songs and acknowledged his now-publicized passing.
“Lovely Day, Lean On Me, Grandma’s Hands. All Timeless Songs. Thank you for giving us so much. Peace Bill Withers” -Nas’ Instagram
High-Key Details
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made sure to pay his respect to Withers’ memory. Diesel went to his Instagram page to share a throwback clip of the music pioneer.
“REST IN POWER UNCLE BILL @90shiphopjunkie thanks for this”
Wait, There’s More
According to reports, Withers actually passed away earlier in the week. Despite his death happening on Monday, it didn’t turn into national news until Friday.
The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said. His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on “Lean on Me” to help get through the difficult times. (AP News)
Before You Go
Bill’s music has played a major role in both pop and political culture. Former presidents have embraced his tunes and they’ve also landed on highly prestigious music lists.
Lean On Me, a paean to friendship, was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Ain´t No Sunshine and Lean on Me are among Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. ‘He’s the last African-American Everyman,’ musician and band leader Questlove told Rolling Stone in 2015. ‘Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.’ (Daily Mail)
