Bill Withers was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and musician with a soulful and timeless voice. He was best known for his incredible hits that defined a generation. His full name is William Harrison Withers Jr.. He was born on July 4, 1938. As of 2026, his age would have been 88 years old. He was born in the small coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, USA.
He was a master of soul and R&B music with a remarkably distinctive sound. His famous songs include “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lovely Day,” and “Just the Two of Us.” He released classic albums like Just As I Am and Still Bill. He recorded for labels including Sussex and Columbia Records. His estimated net worth at the time of his death was $40 million.
He passed away on March 30, 2020, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of hope and humanity. This article shares his full bio, career, and enduring legacy.
Bill Withers Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William Harrison Withers Jr. |
| Stage Name | Bill Withers |
| Age (2026) | Would have been 88 years old |
| Birth Date | July 4, 1938 |
| Death Date | March 30, 2020 (aged 81) |
| Birthplace | Slab Fork, West Virginia, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) |
| Weight | 172 lb (78 kg) |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Record Producer |
| Career Start | 1970 (signed to Sussex Records) |
| Viral Songs / Famous Works | “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lovely Day,” “Just the Two of Us,” “Use Me,” “Grandma’s Hands” |
| Albums / Projects | Just As I Am (1971), Still Bill (1972), Live at Carnegie Hall (1973) |
| Record Label | Sussex Records, Columbia Records |
| Family | Parents: William Withers (miner) and Mattie (maid) |
| Marital Status | Married to Marcia Johnson (m. 1976–2020) |
| Children | 2: Todd Withers and Kori Withers |
| Achievements | 3 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2015), Songwriters Hall of Fame (2005) |
| Net Worth | $40 million (at death) |
| Income Sources | Music royalties, songwriting, publishing company, real estate |
| Eye Color | Not publicly listed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type / Build | Average |
| Shoe Size | Not publicly listed |
| Chest Size | Not publicly listed |
| Waist Size | Not publicly listed |
| Biceps Size | Not publicly listed |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
Bill Withers Real Name
Bill Withers’ full birth name is William Harrison Withers Jr.. He was named after his father, William Withers Sr.. He used the nickname “Bill” professionally. He never adopted a stage name. His real name appears on all his albums.
He signed contracts as William Harrison Withers Jr.. His name is associated with soul music greatness. It appears alongside other music legends. His real name adds a personal touch. He is known by it worldwide. His identity is authentic and strong.
His name is now synonymous with timeless classics. Fans know him simply as Bill. His real name reflects his family heritage. He is remembered by it with love. His legacy is carried on by his children.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | William Harrison Withers Jr. |
| First Name | William |
| Middle Name | Harrison |
| Surname | Withers |
| Nickname | Bill |
Bill Withers Early Life and Education
Bill Withers was born in the small coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. He was the youngest of six children. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a maid. His parents divorced when he was just three years old. He was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley.
He developed a stutter as a child and had a hard time fitting in. He was only 13 years old when his father died. His childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. He worked odd jobs to help his mother. Music offered a release from his struggles.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for nine years and traveled throughout the Far East. While in the Navy, he overcame his stutter and became interested in singing and writing songs. He left the Navy in 1965.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Slab Fork, West Virginia |
| Raised In | Beckley, West Virginia |
| Parents’ Occupation | Father: coal miner, Mother: maid |
| Parents’ Divorce | When he was 3 years old |
| Father’s Death | When he was 13 years old |
| Enlisted in Navy | Age 17 (served 9 years) |
Bill Withers Parents and Siblings
Bill Withers’ father was William Withers Sr.. He worked as a coal miner. His mother was Mattie (née Galloway) Withers. She worked as a maid. He had five siblings, making him the youngest of six children.
His parents divorced when he was three years old. His father passed away when Bill was 13. His mother raised him with the help of her family. He was very close to his mother. He often spoke about his humble beginnings.
His family background shaped his character. He remained connected to his West Virginia roots. His parents’ hard work was a constant inspiration. Their struggles influenced his songwriting. He honored them through his music.
| Family Member | Relationship | Occupation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| William Withers Sr. | Father | Coal miner (died when Bill was 13) |
| Mattie Withers | Mother | Maid |
| 5 Siblings | Siblings | Bill was the youngest of six |
Bill Withers Wife or Girlfriend
Bill Withers was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Denise Nicholas in 1973. She was known for her role on the sitcom Room 222. The marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1974.
He then married Marcia Johnson in 1976. They remained married until his death in 2020—a marriage spanning 44 years. Marcia was a stabilizing force in his life. They had two children together, Todd and Kori. She managed his publishing companies.
He was a devoted husband and father. His family meant everything to him. His wife and children were by his side. They continue to carry on his legacy. His personal life was private but full of love.
| Relationship Field | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife | Denise Nicholas (m. 1973, div. 1974) |
| Second Wife | Marcia Johnson (m. 1976–2020) |
| Children | 2 (Todd Withers, Kori Withers) |
Bill Withers Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938. He passed away on March 30, 2020, at the age of 81. If he were alive in 2026, he would be 88 years old. His height was 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 m). His weight was approximately 172 lb (78 kg).
He had black hair that turned grey with age. He had a dark skin tone. His body type was average. He was known for his warm and genuine stage presence. He dressed simply and comfortably.
He maintained a healthy lifestyle. His passion was music and family. He often wore suits or casual shirts. His look was classic and approachable. He was a true gentleman.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 81 years |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) |
| Weight | 172 lb (78 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
Bill Withers Before Fame
Before fame, Bill Withers lived a regular life. He worked as a milkman after leaving the Navy. He also worked as a mechanical assembler for companies like Douglas Aircraft and IBM. He was determined to make a living.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1967 to pursue music. He recorded demo tapes with his own money. He performed in clubs at night while working factory jobs during the day. He was 27 years old when he decided to pursue a music career.
His big break came when his demo tape was heard by Clarence Avant of Sussex Records. He was signed to a contract in 1970. Even after his first hit, he refused to quit his day job. He believed the music business was unpredictable. His hard work finally paid off.
| Before Fame Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Jobs | Milkman, mechanical assembler |
| Moved to LA | 1967 |
| Day Job | Worked at Douglas Aircraft, IBM, Ford |
| First Demo | Recorded with his own money |
| Signed to Sussex | 1970 |
Bill Withers Career
Bill Withers’ career took off in 1971 with his debut album Just As I Am. The album featured the iconic hit “Ain’t No Sunshine”. The song climbed to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It won him his first Grammy Award. He was an instant success.
His second album, Still Bill (1972), was even more popular. It contained the anthemic hit “Lean on Me”. The song became a global anthem of support and unity. The album also featured the million-seller “Use Me”. He was on top of the world.
He released a total of eight studio albums during his career. He moved to Columbia Records in 1975. His later hits included “Lovely Day” (1977) and “Just the Two of Us” (1980). He largely walked away from the music business in 1985. He chose to focus on his family.
| Career Milestone | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| Debut Album | Just As I Am (1971) |
| First Hit | “Ain’t No Sunshine” (1971) |
| Second Album | Still Bill (1972) |
| Signature Hit | “Lean on Me” (1972) |
| Moved to Columbia Records | 1975 |
| Final Hit | “Just the Two of Us” (1980) |
| Retired from Music | 1985 |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 2015 |
Bill Withers Social Media Presence
Bill Withers was not active on social media. He passed away before its widespread use. He did not have verified Instagram or Twitter accounts. He focused on music and family. His music is available on all major streaming platforms.
His official website is billwithers.com. It shares news about his legacy and music. Fans can find his discography there. His children manage his online presence. They keep his memory alive.
He connected with fans through his music. He preferred authentic connection over digital. His social media is managed by his estate. They post about his music and history. His legacy lives on digitally.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Website | billwithers.com | N/A |
| Not active | N/A | |
| Twitter (X) | Not active | N/A |
| Not active | N/A |
Bill Withers Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2020, Bill Withers’ net worth was $40 million. He earned this through his successful music career. His songs are still streamed millions of times. He also earned from songwriting royalties. His music catalog is incredibly valuable.
He also owned a publishing company in Beverly Hills. This was a highly lucrative business venture. He made smart real estate investments over the years. His royalty income made him a fortune. He lived a comfortable life.
His net worth continues to grow posthumously. His music is featured in films and commercials. His estate earns millions in royalties each year. His financial legacy is secure. He is a true success story.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Music Royalties | Significant |
| Songwriting | Substantial |
| Publishing Company | Lucrative |
| Real Estate | Valuable |
| Total Net Worth | $40 million |
Bill Withers Legacy and Impact
Bill Withers is the “People’s Singer.” He made music for everyone. His songs are about love, struggle, and hope. “Lean on Me” is an anthem of unity. “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a classic of heartbreak. His music is timeless.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. He won three Grammy Awards. His songs have been covered by hundreds of artists. His influence is immeasurable.
He walked away from fame at its peak. He chose family over fortune. He proved that success can be humble. His music continues to inspire new generations. He is a true American icon.
| Legacy Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The People’s Singer |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 2015 |
| Songwriters Hall of Fame | 2005 |
| Grammy Awards | 3 |
| Years Active | 1970–1985 |
| Iconic Songs | “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” |
Bill Withers Nationality and Religion
Bill Withers held American nationality. He was born in West Virginia, USA. He was proud of his American identity. He had African American ancestry. His roots were in the Appalachian region.
He was raised in a Christian household. He sang in gospel quartets as a child. He rarely discussed religion later in life. He focused on music and humanity. His songs have a spiritual quality.
He celebrated American holidays. He enjoyed Christmas with his family. His personal faith was private. He respected all beliefs. His identity was musical first.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian (gospel background) |
| Current Beliefs | Private |
Bill Withers Future Plans and Goals
Bill Withers passed away in 2020. He had no active future plans. He had retired from music in 1985. He was content with his legacy. He wanted to spend time with his family.
He had expressed interest in making a comeback. He performed a few times after retiring. He attended a tribute concert at Carnegie Hall in 2015. He appeared on stage briefly. He was still beloved by fans.
His legacy is carried on by his children. They manage his estate and music. They keep his spirit alive. His future was cut short by age. But his music will live forever.
| Future Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Enjoyed family life |
| Tribute Concert | Carnegie Hall (2015) |
| Legacy | Managed by his children |
Bill Withers Awards and Achievements
Bill Withers received numerous awards. He won three Grammy Awards. He won his first for “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971. He won his second for “Just the Two of Us” in 1981. He won his third for “Lean on Me” in 1987. He was nominated for six more.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He received the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in 2006.
His songs “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His achievements are countless. He is a true legend. His awards reflect his impact.
| Award / Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award (Best R&B Song) | 1971 |
| Grammy Award (Best R&B Song) | 1981 |
| Grammy Award (Best R&B Song) | 1987 |
| Songwriters Hall of Fame | 2005 |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 2015 |
| West Virginia Music Hall of Fame | 2007 |
| ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award | 2006 |
Bill Withers Business Ventures
Bill Withers’ main business was music. He owned the rights to his music catalog. He also owned a publishing company in Beverly Hills. This company managed his songwriting royalties. It was a very successful venture.
He also invested in real estate. He owned property in Montecito, California. He made smart investments over the years. These ventures added to his wealth. He was a shrewd businessman.
He did not have many corporate deals. His business was his art. He focused on music and family. His business ventures were modest but profitable. His legacy is his music.
| Business | Role / Ownership |
|---|---|
| Music Catalog | Owner |
| Publishing Company | Owner |
| Real Estate | Investor |
Bill Withers Fashion and Brand
Bill Withers’ fashion was simple and classic. He wore suits and shirts on stage. He often wore glasses. His look was approachable and warm. He was a true gentleman.
His brand was authentic soul. He was known for his honest lyrics. His name is associated with “Lean on Me.” He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. His brand is timeless.
He let his music speak for itself. He was a fashion icon in his own right. His style was influential. He is a legend. His image is iconic.
| Fashion Item | Signature |
|---|---|
| Suits | Classic, warm |
| Glasses | Scholarly look |
| Style | Approachable gentleman |
Bill Withers Public Image
Bill Withers is seen as a soul legend. He is respected for his talent and integrity. He has a clean public image. He had no major scandals. He is known for his humility.
He is seen as a man of the people. His songs speak to universal experiences. He walked away from fame at its peak. He chose family over fortune. This earned him even more respect.
He is also seen as a gentle soul. He was honest and genuine. His public image is positive overall. He is a role model for musicians. His legacy is secure.
| Public Perception | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Musical Talent | 10 |
| Integrity | 10 |
| Humility | 10 |
| Controversy Level | 0 |
| Fan Respect | 10 |
Bill Withers Category Section
Bill Withers is a soul singer, songwriter, and musician. According to the category rule, he falls under Singer / Music Artist. Therefore, we present his songs and discography in bullet points.
Bill Withers Songs List
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” (1971)
- “Grandma’s Hands” (1971)
- “Better Days” (1971)
- “Harlem” (1971)
- “Use Me” (1972)
- “Lean on Me” (1972)
- “Kissing My Love” (1972)
- “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” (1972)
- “Lovely Day” (1977)
- “Just the Two of Us” (1980)
- “I Want to Spend the Night” (1977)
- “Hello Like Before” (1977)
- “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” (1977)
- “Don’t You Want to Stay” (1977)
- “Make Love to Your Mind” (1975)
- “She’s Lonely” (1975)
- “I’ll Be with You” (1977)
- “Naked & Warm” (1976)
- “Who Is He (and What Is He to You)?” (1972)
- “You Got the Stuff” (1976)
- “Tender Things” (1975)
- “Close to Me” (1975)
- “Ruby Lee” (1975)
- “Heartbreak Road” (1975)
Bill Withers Albums / Discography
Studio Albums:
- Just As I Am (1971)
- Still Bill (1972)
- +’Justments (1974)
- Making Music (1975)
- Naked & Warm (1976)
- Menagerie (1977)
- ‘Bout Love (1978)
- Watching You Watching Me (1985)
Live Albums:
- Live at Carnegie Hall (1973)
Bill Withers Movies / TV Shows
- The Exorcist (1973) – Cameo as himself (uncredited)
- Saturday Night Live (1975) – Musical guest
- The Midnight Special (1975) – Performer
- Soul Train (1971, 1972) – Performer
Bill Withers Hobbies
- Playing guitar and piano
- Writing songs and poetry
- Spending time with family
- Reading books
- Watching sports
- Enjoying nature
- Listening to music
- Cooking soul food
Bill Withers Favorite Things
- Food: Soul food, Southern cuisine
- Color: Not publicly known
- Movie: Not publicly known
- Singer: Lou Rawls
- Holiday Destination: West Virginia
- Instrument: Guitar
- Song: “Lean on Me” (his own)
- Pastime: Making music
Bill Withers Interesting Facts
- Bill Withers was born with a stutter and overcame it in the Navy.
- He worked as a milkman and in an aircraft factory before fame.
- He refused to quit his day job after his first hit “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
- He won three Grammy Awards for his songwriting.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
- His song “Lean on Me” has become a staple in churches and schools.
- He co-wrote “Just the Two of Us” with Ralph MacDonald and William Salter.
- He largely walked away from the music business in 1985.
- He was married to his wife Marcia Johnson for 44 years.
- He had two children, Todd and Kori.
FAQs
1. What was Bill Withers’ real name?
His real name was William Harrison Withers Jr. He used Bill Withers professionally.
2. How old would Bill Withers be in 2026?
He would have been 88 years old in 2026. He was born on July 4, 1938.
3. How tall was Bill Withers?
His height was 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 m).
4. What was Bill Withers’ net worth?
His net worth was $40 million at the time of his death in 2020.
5. Was Bill Withers married?
Yes, he was married to Marcia Johnson from 1976 until his death.
6. What is Bill Withers most famous for?
He is most famous for his iconic songs “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Lovely Day.”
7. Does Bill Withers have children?
Yes, he had two children: Todd Withers and Kori Withers.
Conclusion
Bill Withers, whose real name is William Harrison Withers Jr., is a true soul legend. He would have been 88 years old in 2026. He was born on July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia. His height was 6 feet 2 inches and his weight was 172 lb. His career started in 1970 with Sussex Records.
He released iconic albums like Just As I Am and Still Bill. He recorded for labels including Sussex and Columbia Records. His estimated net worth was $40 million. He is a Grammy-winning artist and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. His music will inspire generations to come.
He passed away on March 30, 2020, but his legacy lives on. His songs “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” are timeless classics. He will be remembered for his soulful voice and honest songwriting. Bill Withers is a true American treasure.