Bill Withers In Conversation With Aloe Blacc At ASCAP EXPO 2015

Iconic singer/songwriter Bill Withers sits down in conversation with Aloe Blacc for a rare public appearance at the 10th Annual "I Create Music" Expo in Los Angeles. Watch video of the on stage interview as the reclusive musical genius discusses influences, religion, the difference between music and the music industry--and why he refused to cover Elvis Presley ("Well, that just pissed me off") --OKP TV's cameras were there to capture it all.
Videographers: Sama'an Ashrawi ( / samaanman )
Andrew Litten (vimeo.com/alitten)
Editor: Eddie Grams ( / grams )
Producer: Ginny Suss
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[@williamnorvell]

Love the bible quote. He will be missed. Hope he is in his grandmas hands

[@oakboyh]

We better cherish him while he's with us.

[@acajudi100]

I do!

[@daveowens]

...and keep that vibe rolling for the next generations.

[@irisis4019]

:(

[@colguy17]

@@irisis4019 :/

[@irisis4019]

@colguy17 haha I see someone doing a Bill Withers session 🙏 RIP

[@mizzterE]

"Let your reward be in the doing of it." Maybe the single most valuable piece of advise for any artist, anywhere.

[@cabanpl]

He did not sale his soul . Like many artists.. Strange but very wise

[@magnaviator]

wisdom is knowing when to walk away when you're happy.

[@cinni6826]

He is the most interesting artist of all time, so wise and intelligent

[@kingoftheseamusic]

Cinni he’s not though, he’s among many

[@rasheeda1303]

Sound like he practiced what he preached 🙂

[@AdanBean]

How can you not love this man?

[@thelmajjones2414]

My Condolences to His Family Friends and All of His Fans that Loved Him and His Music Rest In Heavenly Peace We Will You and Your Music

[@isaiahangelo]

This brother dropped mad jewels! Blessed my spirit

[@simphiwek6321]

My hands are reaching the floor and I'm picking up these jewels brother.

[@nomorewar333]

Bill Withers. True class act. As good as it gets. Very special human being. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your gift. "If you feel like you have the gift, make yourself available and the world will let your know.... There are happy people that top out playing at holiday in... but they are happy people..... don't value your gift according to where you fall on the scale of professional commercialism... Don't confuse music with the music business..."

[@datjoy4437]

I love the way he straight blunt and to the point and the wisdom that comes out of his mouth I would have loved to had him as a grandfather

[@nappyscribe1987]

I loved him. Been crying and my husband bought me pizza and shrimp to cheer me up. We didn’t know this had happened. I was paying a bill and got the news on the computer about his death.

[@TOTayo-]

R.I.P. to Singer/Songwriter/Musician, Mr. Bill Withers. #RIPBillWithers

[@thomasroby5273]

Great conversation. So cool for Aloe Blac to interview him, from one artist to another. R.I.P Mr. Withers. Thank you for your gifts to the world. Thank you for your music.

[@TheArtist_DavidLance]

So wise, this man. This is a great interview!

[@PhillipAnsell]

A great quote @garyvee from Bill Withers - "If you feel like you have the gift and you want to find out, make yourself available and the world will let you know."

[@donaldcurry9472]

That man was the absolute truth. When he said "I didn't know a dam thing about the Ghetto & either did Elvis that was as real as it gets.

[@vanvann2008]

I loved Bill Withers I never knew this man but. Just to listen to his music and to listen to him speak. You know while he was here on this Earth he left an incredible impact on us all. God thank you for the time we had him. Rest in peace

[@harlemstutter]

I adore him, I'm so sad right now. RIP Mr. Withers.

[@kateyray6126]

A gentle and wise prophet he is! Love this.

[@phoenixrising_1973]

OMG!!! He's wearing a T-Shirt with CLARENCE AVANT picture!!!! RIP MR BILL WITHERS. Sending love & appreciation to Mr. Avant everything you Both have done is hitting me like a tons of bricks talk about the "REAL QUIET STORMS"...#humbled

[@n2lrecords775]

RiP legend of soul Bill withers Your legacy will always be caried by us

[@reddrw1]

You have to Love him for being Honest, And very intelligent. R.I.P Brother..R.I.P.

[@JenKlarfeldjenuineindigo1]

Smiling tuning into this beautiful man, the legendary Bill Wither's gifted heart, music, wisdom, wit, and soul. Grateful for every drop of Sunshine he gifted us, and while sad for all the beloved family, friends, and fans worldwide, his dimensional leap home to the light, is a gift to Heaven, as we was to Heaven on Earth. May you be lovingly welcomed by Grandma's hands, Spirit, heart, and more, Beautiful Spirit. Thank you for who you are, and for so many easy to treasure, deeply personal, spiritual, beloved gifts alighted in this world. There's something so poignant in his passing at this time marked by many currently at home, and simultaneously as we protect health, love, family and privacy, simultaneously connecting with the whole world. So much synchronicity!

[@paulx873]

he always was true to him self never said what people wanted him to say

[@brainsareus]

Not trying to be an asshole, but, it's himself.

[@craigdavis5407]

R.I.P. Mr. Bill Withers!!!🎹🎹🎹🎸🎸🎸🎵🎵🎵🎤🎤🎤🎧🎧🎧🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@stedye]

Love his response to Roses are Red Violets are Blue ! “ How in the world did end up talking to a brother like you “ . You see in that response why he was a legendary songwriter.

[@louderthanabomb]

Still Bill

[@phil5301]

Wow!! I never checked out many of his interviews. I would've love to sit on the porch in the country with him in his later years and talk just for an hour.

[@richiebeard994]

Just for the record In The Getto is a Mac Davis song Elvis covered it. Moving on... The first six notes I ever heard Bill Withers sing over the radio was "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone" and, I was sold. Somebody played his first album for me and when I heard Gramma's Hands I knew that he was just gettin' started, he wasn't even warmed up yet!!! God Speed Dear Sir.

[@lauramason9735]

Speak the truth Billy! So intelligent, wise and real!

[@cinni6826]

Man what a treasure to be lost! I love him so much!!

[@ValenNitto]

RIP to the legend. Will always continue listening to you on sunny days in my car with the windows down.

[@tvlchic]

Love Bill Withers! He is the best!! So talented and honest.

[@crystalj9725]

one of my favorite interviews of Mr. Withers. He made me smile while hearing him sharing his stories and life.

[@lu.chris2002]

He made u smile for him

[@crystalj9725]

@@lu.chris2002 listening to him and all of his stories just make me happy and of course I think he had one of the best Smiles ever. Extremely comforting

[@lu.chris2002]

@@crystalj9725 i started to listen to his songs since 4-5 months circa. 2 days ago i heard the news about his death and it's been heartbreaking

[@crystalj9725]

I know what you mean. I cried big tears when I heard. I've loved his music for years. Funny that in all that I'd been listening to I had never come across "I Wish You Well" it is now another of my favorite Bill Withers tracks.

[@coldwinter5710]

Excellent! RIP fine Sir...your brilliant music will live on forever! 🙏💗

[@iPursueHappiness]

I love this! Bill is one of my favorite artists of all time.

[@vaskey784]

Can't believe he is not here anymore

[@craigdavis5407]

True Legend!!!

[@wikkedchik90]

first rate human being

[@Rexjunett]

Talent and Wisdom normally dont go together. Very few people have this Gift, Bill has it in spades...

[@SophiaFletcherMusic]

We love you, Bill. Our hearts go out to your family. Vale profound Maestro ✨💗🎶💗✨

[@wuodbonde]

A rare and beautiful interview with a rare and beautiful artist. RIP Bill Withers, thank you for the music

[@dhess140]

The reward is in the doing. Perfect!

[@soulman1419]

Seems like the real deal to me 👍🏻r.i.p bill withers ✌🏻

[@mgmassey174]

Love getting to see Withers playing licks..i wish that I could play What a lovely human.. Love what he said about playing music cause you love it.. Not denying yourself.. Just brilliant

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Oh God ,your with the Angels now love !

[@maxtaxplusdotnet]

R.I.P. 🙏🏿BILL WITHERS

[@rainbowbrite621]

I loved this so much!!! I wish it was longer!!!!

[@iamtheuse6321]

I remember watching the documentary Still Bill and thinking what a down to earth and decent human being Bill Withers is (was) The world needs more guys like him, he was thoughtful, smart and caring a man RIP brother and thanks for touching our lives.

[@garybritton2274]

Man of honor dignity and grace courage to say what we felt in our hearts and mind became the strength and truth we seek for generations .

[@velvetindigonight]

How I wish I'd met this man................ Where ever his sprit is now I'm sure he is making music............... Great man and I do not type that lightly. Be Blessed and Thank you for 'Lovely Day'......................................

[@Hueyfreeman24]

:( R.I.P sir you will be missed

[@jameskeeney2032]

To escape a life in the coal mines of Slab Fork WVA and touch the lives of so many millions of people is an amazing accomplishment. Bill Withers was an extraordinary man who made some unforgettable music. God rest.his soul he was a gift to the Human Race . James Keeney

[@itsYarni]

The way Aloe looks at Bill, knowing that he is a genius and that it is an honour to be in his company. Beautiful.

[@omarpasha2968]

I learned a lot about Bill! And, I'm glad I listened to this video! It was a blessing!

[@abrahamjackson6019]

Bill Withers is the truth.....

[@bertha528]

Amazing man and amazing soul❤️God bless Bill Withers and May he rest in eternal peace 🕊I listen to his music when I was little and loved 🌻He left a mark in me since Ain’t no Sunshine touched my heart and soul as if it was written for my mother❤️‍🩹

[@Warp75]

I’ve always said when Bill goes we will all be in deep shit. We are RIP ✌️

[@mikesharpsongs]

This was a real blessing, thanks for posting

[@elizabethdentis8598]

This was a great interview. I've always lice Bill Withers' music, style and voice. His music speaks to your soul. He's definitely in his "Grandma's Hands". May he RIHP You Are Sorely Missed ⚘⚘❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rickyarme7393]

Damn brings a tear to my eyes. We'll miss you

[@angelagoodwin5758]

Love his philosophy about life and success. R.I.P. to one of the most poetic and soulful singer- songwriters.

[@TOMKHOMION]

Rest in peace....bill

[@Auntkekebaby]

I love this man!!

[@larz2649]

Bill Withers is a man of the dozen people - or so - I always wanted to meet and have a conversation with.included in my short list is the likes of a _sweet_ man who is a Lama, a former POTUS that honestly likes to be called Billy by other Fellow Americans and who could deny a place on a shelf for my favorite female singer of the 1960's, who called out to my young mind about peace, love and respect.

[@karlarunnels7626]

This was a great interview! Loved every minute of it.

[@nicolelallawmawmi2426]

Rest well🥀

[@lindalyte7307]

He was one deep intellectual, with a profound opinion on various matters🤔🤔 Oh yeah....... and a gifted singer/ songwriter/and composer.....as well !!😎😉 R.I.P. Brother William Harrison Withers Jr.😔😔 4/2020

[@jmobass]

God blessed US with the wit, wisdom, soul and MUSIC of Bill Withers - thank you Bill!!!!!

[@christopherwithers9019]

Bill putting the “wit” in Withers😎 RIP to a TRUE LEGEND. My soul brother from another mother🙏🏻

[@SleepingSoldier]

That ghetto statement was straight up truthful. I think the same way when going to see my grandmother. Any stops I make in between, I don't want some lowlife trying to sell me a bad mixtape or drugs. *Just passing through*.

[@donaldcurry9472]

You absolutely missed his point about the Ghetto. He said that it pissed him off when they asked him to do the song because he never lived in a Ghetto or was raised in one & neither was Elvis's ass, so how could they &/or he sing about something he doesn't have first-hand knowledge of. Look at Elvis. Here's this white man singing a song that he knows nothing about to sell records always trying to emulate a black man. Bill was the pure "truth". R.I.P Brotha Bill. They don't make men like Bill too often.

[@lorraynebartley5168]

@@donaldcurry9472 well said!

[@donaldcurry9472]

@@lorraynebartley5168 for you to call the people in the Ghetto low-lifes, there are lowlifes in all parts of this Society & the conditions that many of those people were "born into" created those low-lifes. It started from Slavery to this day. It was created by "racism", "capitalism" & inhumane subspecies called " The European".

[@donaldcurry9472]

My apologies Lorane. My comments were meant for Justin. He called them low-lifes.

[@keemyfoke]

Will they release the full interview? this is really good?

[@soulman5665]

I would like to see the full thing myself.

[@wandabrown1544]

I love all His 🎤🎼🎹🎶. In my Playlists, 💯🙋😍💖💖💖👌👋

[@AaronOptimal]

Rest In Peace Legend❤️💯

[@sherigentry4955]

RIP Bill 💔

[@J-Hue]

4:33-4:55. People laughed, but I think he was being serious there.

[@unique74muzik]

You have to think quick with him in terms of wit and honesty.

[@unique74muzik]

great observation

[@emergencyian5198]

Most certainly serious and right on!

[@DebraLove888]

This is a complicated book 🌹

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan Amazing man & musician. Try & listent to Carmen McRae perform Bill's song " Paint Your Pretty Picture,With A Song "---It's brilliant .

[@rcthomas6925]

The drummer in the video on Ain't no Sunshine is Mr. James Gadsen. Traveled all over the world with him ...

[@stevepabb]

Great man, rest in peace....

[@plantbased5673]

"I don't know nothin' about no ghetto and Elvis don't either." 😂

[@georgetitusglover4560]

Legendary

[@zikfocus]

True Legend, AMAZING 😎 person

[@doctorgoredan69]

reverse flash talks to flash

[@diamondlil597]

Hello like before 🍸 Mr Withers, you are so centered, your time is forever, thank you for your common

[@mysticman9331]

RIP Bill. You were a funny man at times.

[@christopherward5065]

He makes such pungent observations, no wonder he wrote and played music where each song was as bright and complete as a pearl.

[@riffmaster5805]

it's always a lovely day with you man.... it's always a lovely day... Rip

[@jtothecfanclub]

Waw. Really really like this video. Thanks, Mr. Withers!

[@carlborman5165]

Thank you thank you thank you.

[@BigTwill0218]

Bills an o'l country boy

[@zatiticherry3421]

BigTwill0218 A real one for sure!!! Thank God for that!!

[@allen6924]

He's way more intelligent than an ol' country boy. That's why he never returned.

[@winniejohnson5559]

Allen C. Being a country boy is more than your physical location.. it’s a mindset also.. he is still a country boy at heart.. you take that with wherever you go..He has been all over the world most likely and still at this age , he still a good ole country boy so to speak and he is proud of it for sure.. I know a few of his cousins and they are pretty much the same..

[@zatiticherry3421]

I love how he shut Aloes pretentious intelluctuallizing down with with and wisdom; and didn't set the tone for the interviewer, while humbling him too. Respect to Bill for that;we have to treasure the wisdom of the elders!

[@ewunikeaminata]

I don't think Aloe was being pretentious.

This is awesome!

[@americanshyster]

A true legend !

[@isobellamobimobi1789]

God bless you Bill x

[@martintrueloveistherealmag3937]

I will have to listen again.... but what makes sense makes sense..... 🙏

[@johnmorrissey3253]

NOT NO MORE RIP BILL GOD BLESS U

[@theresafox2816]

This dude is smooth like butter.😂😂🤣🤣😀🙄

[@spacediva]

Hallelujah

[@aarifleander1179]

Funny as always and ever...lmao..I will miss you....

[@sprialdancer]

#BillWithersRIP