Bill Withers Acceptance Speech at the 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

[@X-hk6yk]

the charisma is just insane

[@josh0g]

"Stevie Wonder knows my name, and the brother just put me in the hall of fame." Beautiful.

[@bryannec5370]

I was going to write that one down. Good one! :)

[@afrosoul1369]

The best acceptance speech ever. Class act . Rest In Eternal Peace Still Bill

[@lindalyte7307]

@AfroSoul👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I agree ....Best ever!! Mr.William Harrison WithersJr.( One Cool Brother😎😎, who in my most humble opinion.... was very underrated!!) " Lean on me" Use me", " Ain't no sunshine when she's gone", Grandma's Hands", Lovely Day".....just to name a few💫💫 An intellectual, humorous man... with a Soulful voice, an individual who came on the scene in his 30' s left the recording industry not to long after....this honor was ....well deserved. His songs are.....Timeless🍃🍃 Rest in Peace, my Brother😔😔

[@knaziringram4589]

Amin AfroSoul Amin!

[@afrosoul1369]

Linda Lyte You ain’t never lied 🤥

[@afrosoul1369]

K Nazir Ingram Ameen

[@iamhere1315]

@@lindalyte7307 PREACH⚘

[@benjones6103]

If Bill Withers is not the definition of "cool" then I don't know cool.

[@rooseveltdavis9559]

You can say that again my friend. Bill is the coolest of the coolest. RIP Bill.

[@CeCe-yo3el]

Right. Cause he smooth as hell.

[@dtv1966]

@@rooseveltdavis9559 I was going to say the same thing. I bet if you look in the dictionary under cool Bill Withers picture will be there.

[@haleyrichardson8818]

Handsome too. RIP Bill 💗

[@brendahess104]

@@rooseveltdavis9559 emotional.

[@geebus83]

I love this man. I aspire to be this kind, articulate and authentic.

[@brgreg8725]

I will never stop telling people how they should listen to this gentleman’s music

[@ladyteeeee670]

Br Greg me either. People are missing out

[@unexpectedvixen5685]

People are missing out

[@taleinz1]

53 years old . Known a few of his songs , but boy I will look more into his music

[@BBPalmer420]

Even his deep cuts like Sweet Wanomi .. Bill was the real deal

[@WriteousBible]

The best induction speech ever. So eloquently written and spoken.

[@fionadublin7848]

Nothing written about that.

[@bobmattos9449]

Fiona, there was minimal written, the rest came from the heart.

[@CupofCloud]

he’s the real deal. i get warm happy tears thinking about him

[@Charleybones]

Bruce's intro to U2 is very good too.

[@Adulteducation8]

That is the most incredible, beautiful, straightforward, no bullshit, honest, down to earth, funniest, and touching speech that has ever been recorded. And of course those adjectives can be applied to the man who gave that speech.

[@chuckybaby1973]

"Who else came here with a Legend and a Wonder?" what a classic line.

[@julieelizabeth510]

Yes!

[@rrf85]

Withers: Hold on that teleprompter. Stevie Wonder: I didn't use it! hahahahah

[@azznbad1]

That has to be one of the best lines ever at an induction. Stevie still got it going on. lol

[@julieelizabeth510]

I love it!

[@linda653]

I was wondering what Stevie said. Thanks.

[@coldwinter5710]

The sun will ALWAYS shine for you Mr. Withers! Time for you to rest now. Your job is done here...and your work will live on forever. 🙏💗

[@congofall]

Mr. Bill was such a profound musician and songwriter, and his songs are still relevant today. “Besides who else came here with a legend and a wonder”. RIP

[@roberthayes9842]

When you think and talk like a poet your probably Mr Bill Withers RIP Bill

[@caymin4677]

Your music will help us get through these times

[@julieo6266]

Amen

[@DetroitLives313]

I would have loved to have seen this a while back, but now he's gone. Why now? My condolences to the family of Mr. Bill Withers. I've loved your work since the early 70s. Rest in peace and thanks man.

[@tinecrinec4769]

They are posting it now because the Hall is a crock of shit, they truly don't care. It seems they purposefully wait until the inductees die to post their inductions.

[@DetroitLives313]

@TineCrine C Right on! You know you're right! It's just exploiting the death of a well loved artist to get views. I'm sure the members of his family that could not be there that night would have loved to see this in 2015!

[@deejones8196]

I saw it on KZbin back then. This quality is definitely better.

[@trysometruth]

Yeah could we please not use this as yet another means to vent and rant? KZbin has enough of that. Just celebrate the artist.

[@tinecrinec4769]

@@trysometruth you are clueless

[@beyourself2444]

His music is like poetry, he’s so beautiful, earthy and amazing.

[@deborahann5791]

RIP Mr. Withers....Thank you for you Lovely songs!

[@photographerjonathan]

what a special man, I could listen to him going off script all day long. and you can't get more classic than his songs.

[@stedye]

Love his phrase : Each form of music has its own constituency. Well deserved honor to this Brilliant songwriter.

[@rsears78]

Glad he was alive to see this, great, humble man

[@moondawg3693]

"Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend and I'll help you carry on". Thanks Mr Withers for being my hero.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Bill was an amazing storyteller. Spoke from the heart...no script or hesitation. Brilliant man R.I.P.

[@TouchofShunshine]

I love being around old people like him who can spin a yard so great.

[@wcreview8227]

Just one of the greatest acceptance speeches EVER

[@antonioallen1763]

My God.. He may have started his career later than most but the talent and genius was already in him. What a wonderful singer/song writer. To have graced us with his presence. You don't need to be a Stevie Wonder or Whitney Houston to hear a gifted artist. They may have one more accolades early in their lives but it does not take away from this LEGEND.

[@giovanacuzcanotorres7110]

Never is late. The age doesn't define what you want to do

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

Thank you sir for your MAGNIFICENT music

[@karenbaumgartel6077]

So witty, down to earth and on the ball! Condolences to his family, rest in peace Mr. Withers!

[@locadisa]

You mean America's "Sir Bill", cause he deserves it.

[@karenbaumgartel6077]

@@locadisa absolutely!

[@kevinc764]

An ordinary man that created extraordinary songs RIP. STILL BILL

[@brgreg8725]

This is one of those “ ABOUT GD TIME” moments!! How Mr Withers took this long is mind blowing!” RIP YOU WONDERFUL LEGEND

[@tinathomas8593]

I'm so glad he was alive to receive his induction into the Hall of Fame!!

[@johncopeland3826]

Man , his family are so proud of him . The look of love and happiness on their faces was brighter than sunshine .... Beautiful .

[@monteyoung7126]

Bill is an icon in music history. Nobody can dispute that!!

[@carlosbambos]

I could listen to that voice for hours.

[@SDSFG45]

THE BEST ACCEPTANCE SPEECH IVE EVER HEARD, ANYWHERE!...I had no fuckin' idea, Bill Withers was a stand up comic...God knows, I thought he was a world reknown, music icon. His music catalogue is the stuff of legend, and its a body of work that a serious fan can EASILY attach a lifetime's worth of memories, to. I love the man to death....he looks just like my Uncle Jim. And I know whereever Mr Withers is, in the after-life, he is making music and making folks double over in laughter.

[@TheMoparman]

Bill is one smooth cat, man. Respect to the legend.

[@christhompson6010]

I like the way his acceptance speech gives people outside the industry a glimpse of what its like behind the scenes in the recording business. That its not all glamor and tabloid magazines. A lot of collaboration that goes on to create that winning hit that consumers dont know about.

[@michellewright99]

I had no idea Bill Withers was so witty, but also likeable. I really enjoyed this.

[@nicolaslegrand9379]

Pardon my triviality: There's no comparison to his coolness and to the warmth of this man. It goes to the intimate. Raw yet so smooth, raw because stripped bare of any pretentiousness and gimmick. To me, putting on his music is like the ritual of going down to the cellar and choosing a fine wine to be shared with the only the finest of friends. His Carnegie Hall Concert? Oh the gem!!! Really miss him as some and I would have loved to see him. Luckily, I still listen to him and my gorgeous daughter and wife cherish the moments. I wouldn't have had it any other way! I absolutely love watching beat the rythm as Stevie plays his tune. Gorgeous moment!

[@terrenceragin5555]

Rest in Power Bill Withers. So glad you got your flowers while you were alive..

[@angiedixon3230]

Rest in peace Legend!💞...Your music lives on....

[@wuodbonde]

Eloquent, classy, smooth, warm and funny. His style of communication in both music and speech.

[@Dara604]

My father introduced me to this man and his music! "Grandma's Hands" is my favorite of his. It reminds me of my two grandmothers who are gone now, especially my father's mother, who I called Grammie. It was her favorite song as well. Thanks Bill! RIP, and I hope you are singing to my Grammie up there in Heaven.

[@timallbritton7329]

I'm in tears. What a story - what a legacy.

[@KennCramerHanberg]

"Who else came here with a legend and a wonder"- Brilliant remark

[@peggyoneill5288]

RIP See ya when I get there . You were a great man. I grew up in southfield. And your music. ❤

[@DetroitLives313]

@Peggy Latham Oneill YES! Remember CKLW?

[@Bella_Mar]

What a great storyteller! I could listen to him telling his tales for hours. A true legend! RIP, sir 🙏🏻

[@Michelle-06]

RIP William Harrison Withers Jr. July 4th 1983 -March 30th 2020 A true Legend Never is forgotten! My daughter said he is an Angel Yes he is!

[@brgreg8725]

One of the few times the R&R HOF got it right & put this underrated legend in his rightful place before it was too late!!

[@josmclove4426]

Absolutely!

[@justinwmusic]

Coolest cat that ever lived. Telling the story of his success and all the people and coincidences involved in the journey made for such a meaningful and useful speech for other aspiring pros.

[@Frank4evers]

Man, that's the best speech of all times. RIP. BILL WITHERS

[@shmueloluwa]

Can't get enough of that voice. A most cool dude. RIP

[@musicexpert2]

God bless you, Bill Withers. Love your wit. Wish we had you for a longer time & that you'd given us more music. C'mon, Mrs. Withers! We know he was recording new songs! Release them!

[@chiefd3290]

That is how you deliver a speech! Bill Withers' music will live on.

[@ronniethomas4857]

Rest in peace Bill Withers! Thank you for blessing us with an incredible catalog of music that will live forever. From Ain't no sunshine to Grandma's Hands, Use Me, Just the two of us, and the amazing war song I Can't write left handed, we will remember your poetic songwriting / story telling simple yet profound. A man of wit, charm, humility, and class, your gift will continue to be treasured throughout many genre's of music forever.

[@clumsiii]

wo i never heard I Can't Write Left Handed before - thank you

[@dextec49]

Old school soul storytelling by the late Bill Withers. He is a legendary soul treasure, legend. Watts 103rd Street Band is legendary too. I love him going off script and given all genres of music their props. 🙏 Mr. Withers, RIH and to Stevie Wonder for being a classic Soul Brother as always.

[@camilolym]

What a cool man

[@cynthiaperkins5584]

Talent PERSONIFIED...RIH Mr.Withers,Your voice and songs will live on forever.That smooth,cool voice will be imitated but never duplicated.

[@Stressed2Capacity]

I know you're in heaven Bill....it's a LOVELY DAY!!!

[@willer3399]

Truly a master class on how to give an acceptance speech.

[@msve3730]

This is a man that has lived his life to the fullest. Slow and steady and just an all around cool cat.

[@gregcantelli594]

That's how you tell a story.

[@cstevenson5256]

What a man, the kind of man you could spend every lazy afternoon with and always walk away soulfully enriched. His work his truly special.

[@beliveausboys71]

RIP Bill Withers . The true mark of a musician .Induction into the Music Hall of Fame. The songs will live forever

[@bobmattos9449]

Absolutely loved Bill's music as a young teenager, and to this day still listen to him quite often (I love technology). He was such a stand up man and a class act for sure. The "Sunshine" will never be as bright as it was with you here on Earth! Thanks for the music and the memories. RIP Mr. Withers.

[@ryansyd4224]

Still can't believe he's gone, RIP legend

[@Perfection634]

Crazy wonderful speech. So happy he received this award. He has saved a lot of lives with his magic including me. He music will always bring miracles in everyone’s lives that hear his music. Bright blessings where ever you are in the hemisphere Sir Bill Withers.Namaste

[@nitat4601]

I've enjoyed Mr Withers music since childhood...His sound is second to none, bc his style & sound was original & great... Down to earth & mellow...Get you moving, but you listen & sing along...He was original & humble, & enjoyed the industry & many other singers"Stevie Wonder Knows My Name & The Brother Just Out Me In The Hall Of Game" 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Such A Class Act & He Is Missed...Thankful for His legendary Music He's Left For Us To Enjoy & Applaud 🎸🎙️

[@allanbahati1942]

This man was an incredible wordsmith. Proper play with words

[@locadisa]

Yes Bill. You made your mark in this world while some of us are still struggling to find it. Thank you for the wonderful soundtrack of my life! RIP Sir Bill

[@gyanissimo]

…a brilliant man…thanks for all your music inspiration…🙏

[@brendalane9221]

Thank you Bill Withers for sharing your amazing music with the world.

[@artturek4822]

Rest in Peace. Thank You for your beautiful music that took and I others away from our troubles and challenges and allowed us to get lost in your amazing talents.The ultimate compliment is that all these years later your music still is fresh, immediate, and amazing.

[@clydekaila123]

Long live with love Bill Withers ❤

[@britturk123]

What a wonderful speaker he was. R.I.P beautiful person and brilliant musical writer and singer of life.

[@davidmalik9821]

You know a guy is good when you actually forget some of his hits. And remember, he walked away from the business on his own terms. I, of course, have my favorite: "Use Me." However, that is only one gem in a mine and mind of a creative force. Rest in peace and power brother.

[@NestorV]

A great, humble speech from a great artist. RIP

[@turdferguson400]

I will miss Mr Withers for the rest of my life with all my heart and soul. Vale, beautiful man. Fly high with all the other angels. 💜

[@walterpartee5984]

That is hell of a great speech: Mr Bill Withers. You will be missed: *****Rest*In*Heavenly*Peace*****

[@wvpirate]

Bill Withers makes me smile. One of my favorite performers who I miss on a daily basis. Fortunately he left behind wonderful music that will live on. Thank you!!

[@wcreview8227]

OMG I didnt think I could love him any more than I did and he proved me wrong!! What an incredible human being!! Humble yet Monsterous, Funky, yet Qwirky, Just SOO deserving of this award and so much more... I wish I could have known him and played with himm.. Just one time of Use me up! or Lean on me!! UHH Im just overwhelmed ... God Rest his beautiful Soul

[@JedBayes]

Bill is the coolest man to ever live. I hope a movie of his life is made one day!

[@allisonmohon9662]

They don’t make ‘em like Bill anymore ❤ what a speech!!!

[@adrianewton1192]

Thank you Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for this post... RIP Bill

[@torquetrain8963]

This man is a Father to so many men. God Bless him.

[@rooseveltdavis9559]

Rest in peace Sir Withers. Your recordings in the 1970's was unbeatable. Thank you for your beautiful music. From a long time fan directly to you my friend. farewell.

[@NiGHTSaturn]

I may have gotten into Bill’s music WAY too late, but at least, I enjoy his records as if they were released today. This man was a diamond. Sweet as sugar can be.

[@cl_the_loon]

what a legend with an incredible voice and beautiful songs!!! R.I.P. Bill Withers

[@Wesley_C]

Your songs of your best decades..It’s the amazing grace. RIP Withers 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@Edotter]

This man had SO much class... and talent to boot. RIP.

[@keithbutler9466]

"Used to babysit the Melvoin sisters." Wow. Those kids were lucky.

[@kurtadams3021]

The LEGENDARY Mr. BILL WITHERS

[@We_know_somethings.....]

"Stevie wonder knows my name, and the brother inducted me into the hall of fame." what a line

[@reddrw1]

R.I.P. Brotha...Your Music will live on Forever.

[@StaishaIsHere]

Beautiful music. Timeless and eternal.

[@davidgibbs7232]

Lovely speech by a lovely man and a superb artist.RIP.

[@kevinm9412]

There really isn't much better than watching this man's joy and love in a long deserved moment. Rest easy Bill, you will always be the coolest cat I ever heard.

[@msve3730]

I am honored to hear this man's speech and am glad that he was still alive to accept it 🙏.

[@flowerpot3855]

This was THE best Induction speech EVER!! And I have seen a many. RIP Still Bill.

[@olufemiadeleye9462]

"I will always remember the good things." Bill Wither

[@Bobby_Digital37]

This was simply awesome!!! Rest In Peace sir!!!

[@julieannemichelle]

I love Bill!!! I saw a documentary on him . I think it was called Still Bill.

[@locadisa]

Its hidden away on you tube(for now) for those who havent seen it.

[@julieannemichelle]

Akoben Renaissance I loved it!!!! I really got to know Bill and why he didn’t create more music.

[@aubreyscott4979]

platinumblondie I saw it,!it was touching, magnificent and marvellous.

[@JoeVideoed]

@@aubreyscott4979 Me too. Was sad to see he couldn't find his own father's grave due to neglect.