The world suffered a great heartbreak after the death of musical legend, Bill Withers.
On March 30, 2020, the news confirmed that the musician passed away due to heart complications.
Bill Withers shaped the music of the mid 20th century. With his unique approaches to the genres of soul, R&B and funk, he attained worldwide recognition and had music on the Billboard charts throughout his long-running career. Even now, his songs are still relevant as ever in the hearts of so many people. As it turns out, Stevie Wonder inducted Withers into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Wonder shared some kind words and honest compliments to his fellow musician and friend that day.
A lot of things happened on that show during that day, including a moving speech from Withers as well.
Still, another highlight was Wonder singing Bill Wither’s breakthrough hit, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” with the singer himself sharing the same stage.
Though it didn’t come as a surprise, Wonder brought his own musical magic to the Withers classic.
It all started with a few jokes.
“Stevie said I could be here to assist him on the Harpejji player,” Withers told the audience as they sat in their chairs on-stage. After that, Wonder began his spectacular performance of the song. He brought out a funky vibe as he tapped his instrument and soulfully sang along. Just a few seconds in his performance, he was able to charm Withers and the crowd.
As they approached the second verse, the bass and synth entered to accompany Wonder.
It greatly complemented Wonder’s Harpejji, giving the song a more powerful kick. Withers’ soul ballad instantly became a bopping song as Stevie transformed it into his own.
We’re guessing everyone in the crowd had goosebumps as they reached the middle of the song.
Wonder’s musical arrangement was top tier.
As they approached the song’s bridge, Wonder melodiously bent the notes as he sang the repeated sequence of the lyric “I know,” allowing it to build up more and more until the song reverted to the verses.
Withers was thoroughly impressed with Wonder’s amazing vocalizations of the song.
The whole time, he cannot help but smile and giggle as he looks at him.
As it turns out, Wonder brought the song to a whole new level of awesomeness.
The room was filled with Wonder’s raging vocals as he hit the roof with a ton of high notes during the song’s outro. He made plenty of improvisations throughout the song—and it was almost like he was the original singer!
You could notice Wonder’s constant awe for his friend as the song finally reached its end.
Everyone stood up to pay their respects by giving them a thunderous round of applause.
As this performance shows perfectly, Withers’ legacy will surely be preserved for a long time to come.
The video of the performance was uploaded on YouTube five years ago which reached almost five million views.
Still, it was only recently when clips of the 2015 induction were released by the R&RHOF official channel on YouTube. Perhaps it was meant as a tribute to the late Bill Withers. Whatever the reason, Withers’ music has already planted its roots deep in our hearts, and will never die as long as we continue to water it with our love and appreciation.
Watch the spine-chilling performance of Steve along with Bill on the stage by clicking on the video below:
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