British guitarist analyses Bill Withers live in 1973

[@stertim]

I worked with Bill at Weber Aircraft in LA in the early days. He mostly kept to himself, but a nice guy. He worked in what they called "the dustbowl" area of the factory where fiberglass parts were sent for sanding. Weber provided particle masks(thank goodness, or he may have not kept that wonderful voice long). But at lunch you could always find him outside on a picnic table scribbling down songs with his mask still on. He was a man obsessed with his music. I watched him write the lyrics to "Grandma's hands". RIP Bill. You will be missed by all that knew you...

[@hman2912]

That's a cool story. Thanks for sharing

[@FranconiaFriend]

Always liked Bill Withers, he was a great lyricist. I've just been listening to a greatest hits album. "Grandma's Hands" is a great song .. can't listen to it without getting a bit choked up.

[@toneenorman2135]

Wow,that was good timing in life,huh? Amazing!

[@ericheine2414]

It's a spiritual, gospel in its roots. "Ain't No Sunshine" was written while he was working for Ford Motor Company on the assembly line. I think it was he was assembling Ford Mustangs. Bill did alright- for himself and for others. I think he gave more than he ever took. Thanks Bill, Thank you twice.

[@1peanut]

do you ever wish you had friends to cry with when the greats pass. like i feel music so deep it makes me cry. then when an amazing artist dies i wonder if others feel what i feel. So sad.

[@LillyMarz777]

@@1peanut yes we do. I will be gutted when Meat Loaf passes.

[@buckjohnson1119]

Water Islife Your pain is shared. Eric's comment rings true to me,also. I wonder who is replacing these great musicians/Souls? The world needs to RECLAIM people being themselves; to communicate their message to the world. Especially in the realm of Music. Its bitter sweet starting my morning with Bill's message. Thanks Fil, for this dedication, to Bill Withers.

[@jv-ep2tc]

@@LillyMarz777 I am working on a new essay and must use the Meat Loaf line.

[@ericheine2414]

@@jv-ep2tc I like Meatloaf too a lot. Bat out of hell I have it on CD, I have it on vinyl, and I have the video on VHS. Do you recognize him in the Pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp. That's a versatile guy who made a great contribution. Thank you Meatloaf. Thank you twice

[@danr5105]

I just have to say "first". This thing about saying goodbye to musicians we have listened to for so long. Hard to put in words. These people have showed us a part of their "insides' through music. No blood or even business connection but I still feel a loss.

[@sonnymaupin9267]

yea and more and more of our childhood idols are falling away. We are just at that age I guess

[@tjvanpopta]

@@sonnymaupin9267 yes, soon all these amazing genius songwriters musicians will no longer be with us, leaving Bieber ,Swift to carry us forward. How utterly depressing....

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I agree. I cried , I was absolutely devastated. He was a legend to so many of us . I’d been playing his music , prior to his passing. Your right , some people so bare their soul, he was one of the few real sincere people who really sang with so much love and passion. Trying to be nobody but himself. There’s something to be said for being real , especially in today’s world . He was like a fine wine , lol, that had already aged , after one song . You want more and more . Til you fill me up .

[@jamespennington9719]

How true! Appreciate your thoughtful comment!

[@usermo]

Lovely day is my favorite song by him. RIP Bill Withers

[@kensod6034]

Thanks professor .. Every time you pull out the pic stick... I especially pay attention...

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

Such a simple song. Such a simple melody. Such easy lyrics that everybody can relate to during some point in their lives. All of these bands beat each other trying to get the best phrase or melody. This guy just had it. So easy for him. RIP BILL

[@SuperJaspersmom]

Extremerecluse Fallows. He captures the poetry in the every-day, the mundane, what you see so often you stop seeing it. My favorite is "Grandma's Hands." He reminds us to PAY ATTENTION to what you have right now. Never stopped playing him, never will...

[@Hurricaneintheroom]

Sad to hear this. RIP. He was such a great singer. In the 1970s he wrote some great songs. Not only Lean On Me but Grandma's Hands & Ain't No Sunshine. Loved all of them.

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Fil !!!! I must say it pains me to hear this. Bill was one of those rare birds,composer, lyricist, and singer, a true artist who had the ability to just reach out and grab you by your soul. All lovers of music should be feeling a heartfelt loss. On a side note.. We can thank Lou Rawls for providing the spark that encouraged bill to take off on a career in music without even meeting the man.

[@lindaz1290]

Interesting tidbit of info about Lou Rawls being his inspiration. How did you know that, David?

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Linda! Google ...... =^> No, I couldn't remember all the songs he did and so quickly Googled his name to get a list in my mind of all the wonderful songs that he had written and that tidbit just happened to be there. When he got out of the Navy in 65 he went to a nightclub and Lou Rawls was there playing and it just hit him I can do that.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

David Cantwell Thats amazing !

[@olivepoola9153]

Very sad that we lost another legend. Wish he wouldn't have had so much trouble with the record companies. Who knows how many wonderful songs we never got the privilege of hearing. He stayed true to who he was and never lost sight of that. Proud to be a fellow West Virginian and instilled with the same values that inspired him to write "Lean On Me"!! RIP 💜

[@theawakeningheard410]

Thank you Fil. You always show respect. One of Americas best gifts to the World.Bill Withers, a true Man.

[@Neal_Schier]

I like how the drummer is choking the hi-hat instead of just letting it close. A great technique and a very nice touch.

[@kaspinet]

I noticed that too. I also love how the bass is spare but strong.

[@MarkLeonTanner]

His name is James gadson... Complete badass player...

[@invisibledooley]

It's such a subtle performance by the backing band.

[@georgeorwell4534]

His music was comprised of such simple riffs but he injected them with so much meaning and soul. What an artist.

[@robrichards8074]

R.I.P. Bill, Thanks for sharing your gift.

[@julieford8788]

My daughter adored his voice as I do! RIP dear sir. 💙

[@lastone783]

Lost another good one. Thanks, Fil, for remembering Bill❣️

[@cachickadee]

I love your tribute to Bill Withers here. He was always a favorite of mine singing his songs with his soulful voice.

[@racinnut77]

Thanks for this video, Fil. I've been loving this beautiful song since I was a kid. It's an uplifting message we all can use now.

[@kaspinet]

Beautiful analysis, Fil. This song breaks down your defenses then fills you with strength. RIP Mr. Withers.

[@LeeBee-hs6mj]

Fil thank you so much, perfect ❤️

[@lindaz1290]

Sadly, it seems like you've done more tributes to great artists lately Fil, and this one is no exception. Great artist, great song, great analysis...

[@b42baritone]

I love the music of Bill Withers. His lyrics were straight to the point. Songs like Lean On Me, Aint No Sunshine And Just The Two Of Us are just classic that everybody will remember and sing along. Another one of his classic song is Grandma's Hands. That song does not get to much air time on the radio, Maybe because it such a short song. He is now with his Grandmother and holding her hand. Thank you Fil for remembering him.

[@thetheraine]

years ago I bought one of his albums only for 'ain't no sunshine' and I ended up loving the whole album... a unique and talented man... bless Bill... : )

[@gmb858]

Fil, thanks for the very thorough and thoughtful summation on Bill Withers' career. Bill was independent, confident and focused on what he wanted to achieve. His simple, direct and velvet voice communicated on the spiritual, mental and emotional levels. Musical tastes began to diverge in the 1970's but ask any music fan about Bill Withers and universally people replied, "Bill Withers? Oh yeah... he's the man."

[@robincortez6586]

GREAT TRIBUTE!!💟 This music will live on. It is TRUE SOUL MUSIC!!👍😍

[@jamesalexander7540]

As someone who grew up in the Metro Detroit area starting in 1967, I truly appreciate the T-shirt that Bill was wearing during the recording.

[@ianthomas2728]

In these horrible times I hope that everyone can somehow find a ‘Lovely Day’. Bill Withers, a great artist and a heartfelt review. Thanks Fil.

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Fil, as you always say" songwriting is the hardest part." and Bill left us with truly great work!!!------------------thanks

[@mariefc8504]

What an amazingly talented musician Bill Withers was, he stayed true to his values. His story is remarkable, nothing mediocre about him. Thank you for the classy critique, Fil.

[@vivian4949]

Everyone of my generation absolutely loved this song. 💖💖💖 💎💎💎 🌟🌟🌟

[@kensod6034]

R.I.P. Brotherrrrrrr. G.B.Y. . We all have sorrow.. Ongoing circle of life... Rock 🎸

[@lin2thez341]

Such an incredible talent. My favorite has always been "Use Me."

[@mrheem44]

me too- that riff was soooo ccol

[@bustedrav]

The funk is so heavy in that tune, he had so many great ones.

[@rembrandtpaintingandrestor5007]

Rest In Peace, Mighty Bill

[@lessnodgrass1381]

Excellent analysis of an excellent artist with an amazing God given gift. Bill Withers was an inspiration for millions of musicians like myself who wrote simple songs out of deep reflection. Tom Scholtz from the band Boston was another artist who kept his job even though he had a number one album on the charts. That is rare humility we don't see much of today.

[@michaelogden5958]

Nice one, Fil. RIP, Mr. Withers.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Bill's songs were our friends, our crutches during the troubled times we went through. And that was no preparation for these times. What a great person, musician and singer. As usual, an analyses that is worthy of an eulogy. Fil should give a class in music theory that should be required viewing for every child and parent at birth. And then before singing "Happy Birthday" they should watch it again. Music has been part of our genetic make-up and every civilization uses music as a way to teach, build a sense of community. Unfortunately in our society we lose this part of ourselves. Not everyone is a musician, but you need to at least speak in that language since it is part of all of us. If you don't use a language, you lose it.

[@popland1977]

The poor man can't even have a propper funeral. We live in strange times

[@reallymysterious4393]

R.I.P to a true LEGEND. Today's "stars" have less dignity and class than Mr.Withers had in his little finger ...

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Well , Thanks To our Fil , he did save the day . That was one hell of a tribute. When I grow old , I’d be incredibly humbled to have someone say anything remotely close to what Fil said . Fil ,again as always,you have this innate ability to take it to a whole other level. Fil was definitely meant to teach ,sing , play ,and do everything musically related,indeed. Beautiful Memorial Tribute. This is something I hope that his family gets to see and hear . They would be very touched . Incredible Job . From Two incredible Men !

[@glamgal7106]

@@reallymysterious4393 You definitely hit the head on the head about Bill Withers being a true LEGEND and that today's "stars" have less dignity and class than he had in his little finger.

[@popland1977]

@@freespiritwithnature4384 Fil?

[@adrianewton1192]

Amen

[@ivannovotny4552]

Thank you Fil for your timely presentation. Well done as always. Cheers.

[@puddysue]

Such a phenomenal talent. Those skills, that voice... in studio, live... fabulous!

[@GrafStorm]

What a great song, what a great human. These are the sentiments that we need today. More of this needs to be put forth, we are human beings. Got to love the honesty. Ty Fil.

[@dsbobst50]

I can feel the man's pain just thru his performance, incredible!!

[@bud3094]

Thank you so much Fil for such a great tribute to an American icon and legend, RIP Bill, Thanks for the great music !

[@paulablissett9396]

Bill Withers came to us back in the day when music was music , raw, no auto-tuned, no back ground antics, he is one of The Best who now has joined all the greats in Rock and Roll,the jamming up there must be incredible .... I loved all his tunes, not a bad one recorded, Lean On Me is very fitting for these crazy times, Rip, Bill Withers, you will be missed...... As per usual Filip, a fabulous analysis, thank you!

[@tjvanpopta]

I agree, when music was music. Pure and simple. I miss the times when there were amazing singers and authentic musicians out there.

[@alanna8983]

This song and Bills voice singing it are for the ages! I'm in tears!

[@denisestout6558]

I’m liking this video before it starts because Bill Withers is awesome but nobody in this bloody country seems to know who he is good on you for shining the light!! His vocals on Lovely Day are so dreamy

[@wallsmartsme]

Bill Withers was a great legend of our lives. He contributed so much. Rest in peace 🙏 Bill Withers. Good review 👍 Fil

[@gdmiller26]

Thank you Fil

[@jamespennington9719]

What can you say! Bill Withers had a thing! I loved his music as a kid when it was playing on the radio and as I got older it took on new and deeper meaning! Sorry your not here any longer Bill! R.I.P. Fil! Just doin this at this time means something to me! Thank you!

[@kelvendyson1508]

Fil, 1st of all hope you are doing well in all this COVID madness and everyone in the UK!! This is one of the emotional songs in times of troubles like we are in now!! We need this song now more than ever!!😥 Cheers mate🍺..R.I.P to Mr. Withers and thank you for recording a song with heart felt and real words!! I have friends like that..hope you do too!!

[@kathleensmith950]

This song was so needed by so many at the time in US alot of antiestablishment Vietnam war was horrendous, draft demonstrations, abortion legalization. Lots of people needing someone to lean on! RIP Bill and thank you for your music.

[@Spikeattack1]

Fil, I could definitely tell you could relate to Bill on an artist level! Great tribute!! Please consider covering this song; I like what I heard when you sang the chorus!!

[@rodduke7669]

Thanks for a good interesting analysis. Rod

[@drewpall2598]

Very nice analysis, You did justice to a fellow artist. "Rest in Peace Bill Withers" thanks for all the great recordings, television appearance and concerts footage you left behind for us to lean on in troubled times.

[@lblesbowden6748]

Fil, You are a musical Zen Master. I loved Bill Withers since the 70s. Quest Love said it correctly when he said that Bill was "Our Springsteen". Great work as always.

[@jeffbenjamin_551]

LUV U BILL RIP🤘🤞✌️

[@davewilson2961]

What a unique genius! Knowing the backstory of how he applied a fairly rudimentary chord sequence to drive his song is amazing. It is the voice--the power of a voice that would not be denied--that sets him apart. Many are called--He was chosen.

[@joebersik9846]

Great job Fil!! Great talent....great songs!!

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! Thanks so much for letting us enjoy Bill as we also sadly say goodbye to him! One of the good guys...one who put such feeling into his music! It seems we have to let some of the best musicians go to Heaven way too soon...God sure has some beautiful music this week...Kenny Rogers meeting up with Bill...what music they must have shared! RIP.....he will be missed! ✌️

[@redwoods7370]

I will never take any of the great music and musicians for granted again. God bless your soul, Mr. Withers.

[@seriesscratchx9807]

Another voice from my childhood now moving on to another dimension. Thanks for the analysis/tribute. He was a true artist.

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

Aint no sunshine,is a real soulful song ,and a real heartbreaker,you really can hear it in his voice,such a talent,will be sadly missed,one of the true artists who put himself into the songs ,and you felt every word, unsre appreciated ,but this highlights ,just how genuine he was/is, never to be forgotten.

[@susim4503]

Thank you Fil. Another great analysis. What incredible gifts Bill gave us. How many times have we heard this story about record labels? How much great music have we missed out on?

[@kevinmccracken6241]

So sad to see another legend pass on...loved Bill...can't believe how time is rolling by so fast...so happy I grew up in the age of the greatest music ever recorded...

[@NickRatnieks]

Bill Withers- his performance and songs take you to the core of human emotions- there is no fluff, just pure expressions of feelings we can all relate to. Contrast this to the endless overwrought and dishonest performances we see, these days and I know what I prefer. Give me Bill every time.

[@DreamsSketcher]

Bill RIP. Amazing songs that moved us. Spoke to us...

[@billgross2097]

Songs from my childhood are still so pertinent in life now. Many things have changed but I always return to music. Thanks for this Fil and thank you mom for making me appreciate one of God's greatest creations....music. I say childhood but I was 15 when this came out and much more into rock but I've always loved all music.

[@tonyledrew3989]

Fil you nailed it he had a great voice first time I heard this song I was hooked !! Great Song !, another legend gone.Would liked to have heard you sing the full song would have been nice touch in memorial !!!

[@MisterBaltimoron]

Bill Withers was a fabulous musician. His songs gave us hope and brought us together. May he Rest In Peace and his music continue to soothe our souls.

[@barbaradownie3265]

BEAUTIFUL SONG💖

[@artimusgordon398]

I was a teenager when Bill came into prominence and his music was incredibly important to me. No better tribute then that.

[@lesmcnabney1761]

A good and fitting analysis which serves as a tribute to a great artist.

[@aprils6589]

Thank you for the tribute. A longtime fan of Bill Withers and all his music. One of the sweetest is 'grandma's hands'.

[@darkhalo0868]

Bill was one of my favorite singer/ song writer. Most of his songs were simple but Brilliant. It's like sitting down and talking to an Uncle or grandfather unleashing sage advice. I call his music "Comfort Music". I remember as a kid we use to sing this song all the time. He will be missed.

[@toecutter3100]

Another brilliant vid, Fil! Thank you! I am always been a huge fan of Bill Withers and his incredible sensitive songs. My alltime No.1 Withers-song is "Grandma's Hands", simple, silent and so emotional little song. 👍

[@Johnc259]

Sir, thank you once again for the outstanding insights into music. Thinking of these artists as human beings is something I didn't ever consider. To have record labels telling you to write trash would be soul racking. Mr Withers' songs seem so deeply personal and kind. I'm always amazed at what you teach an old man about music. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. ☮️.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@JHarder1000]

Fil. Now that you have expanded your musical palette to include non-guitarists , you are greater than ever. Your channel is an oasis in our cultural desert

[@feedwinnie]

Beautiful tribute Fil. 💝

[@RCAnderson42]

Such soulful songs he wrote... It's so meaningful to hear the stories of his life that made him what he was, and what his music will live on to be, indefinitely. 💖 My favorite haunting memory of Bill Withers is from my culinary school days. We had a mock restaurant class, and our instructor, Mr. Anderson, (The epitome of a perfect gentleman, he was! He was like watching art!) would play us Bill Withers and Van Morrison at 7:30am while we got our front of house ready for service! I couldn't have asked for a much better way to fill my heart, wake up, and have a 'Lovely Day.' ☺️ The videos where you teach by demonstration are always 'class', so thank you! (pun intended)

[@tamijahns553]

My 24 year old co-worker passed away on Friday. Most likely from this horrible virus. I listened to this that day and just cried. ❤

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I am so very very sorry sweetheart. Try to hang tight hon,we’re all in this together. ❤️ To you ❤️To your friend. Stay healthy ok.

[@tamijahns553]

Thank you. He was so young. And has a twin sister. It's heartbreaking.

[@NoviJimB]

One of my absolute favorites back in the summer of 72. You can't see it clearly here, but he's wearing a Pine Knob t-shirt. There's a video from this same show where he's doing 'Ain't No Sunshine' where you can see it clearly. Pine Knob is an outdoor music theater just north of Detroit where they've been having concerts since 1972. He must have played there at some point before he did this show. We used to go there with a big group of friends from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. Back then you could bring your own food and drinks, so of course we always did. We'd all sit on the lawn and basically have a party with some really great live entertainment. Never did see Bill live.

[@adrianlyord5300]

Great song and awesome voice with Soul ! Rest In Peace Bill Withers.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Thank you for doing this. He was so amazing. This was a song for all time. It resonates especially in our time of Covid19. A great, great singer and songwriter and he will be missed🕊

[@zerores2005]

Keep on using me, Lovely day, Grandma's hands. I listened to Lovely Day on the radio last year and ordered a couple of Bill Wither's albums. I didn't know he was in the US Navy, but I went through basic training in the USAF and at church, they played Lean on Me every Sunday. RIP Bill.

[@moritzhummel9747]

Thank You Fil - please do the entire acoustic version :-) Any time you feel a bit downish - listen to "Lovely Day"...

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

Another great analysis and demonstration.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@robsorenson68]

One of my favorite singer-songwriters in any genre. Bill Withers was revered by his fellow musicians; there’s a great story about his first time going into the studio; he asked the producer who was going to do the vocals! Sometime during those sessions, Graham Nash was apparently in the studio. He sat Bill down and said “you don’t know how good you are.” Ain’t that the truth. The catalog is small - partially due to his utter disdain toward the music industry - but what he DID leave us is extraordinary.

[@calfolk7381]

Bill’s songs and spirit will live on forever

[@kayredburn930]

YOU DO SUCH A WONDERFUL JOB. LOVE YOUR SHOW. IT IS SO SPECIAL. THANKYOU FOR LETTING US ENJOY YOU.THANKYOU. BE SAFE OUT THERE. OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE. SO COOL....PEACE AND LOVE

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Sad indeed Fil great respectful analysis, Jeff in LA USA

[@LonoTheOno]

Brother, thank you for this review, and for your in-kind, sympathetic treatment of this unique performer. You gave a great musician those rarest of musical components, space and simplicity. Thanks loads, mate.

[@Maltloaflegrande]

Excellent idea to do this. Bill Withers was something else.

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

RIP Mr Bill Withers. He gave us so much soul. 🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

Thanks for this insight ,into this special artist Fil,I have even more respect for him now ,than ever ,true to himself,he did it his way ,when many give in to fads/gimmicks ,the definition of self expression,and so down to earth,too, he will be sadly missed ,the world needs more musicians like this ,we were lucky to have him.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Thanks, Fil for a great analysis.and tribute to Bill Withers, I sure listened to a lot of his songs this weekend. The 2015 Rock 'n Roll HOF induction as great visit as he shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and John Legend. His speech was full of quick wit and wisdom re: record companies. When he died I realized how natural it was in the last weeks of my Mom's 94 years of life, for me to make my cell phone ringtone "Ain't No Sunshine, " 'cause she listened to all my favorite songwriters while sharing a crush on Dean Martin. It's just how relatable his songs were to me, and you enlightened me some more! Thanks again,Fil! Comforting words about a real hero! ❤️

[@lennonjw9]

Fil...you are the quintessential freakin Deacon rock and roll artists man as John Lennon use to say. You have become essential AND a great reminder in my discover and infinite trip through the evolutions the revolution of music and I thank you as an analysis AND teacher and great musician in your own rite. now to the song at hand! I remember going to one of our local department stores Valley Fair in Newark and my mother bought this record [she would buy some good records (great in out time) Staple Singers Al Green, which I inherited she bought this record and we sat there and we listen to it over and over and over, my father's sister from Cleveland was visiting, Ain't No Sunshine and the rest of Bill hits we he went to be with the music gods in heaven, the band in heaven got much better when he got there, but I lost a part of my youth and my culture and thank you for this on, it took me almost 20 years to finally mourn my hero of all time John Lennon and hearing this song tonight, I sang it tonight with Bill and I tried to do that note just one step above his and it sounded good, I sent Bill due and proper, so thank you for this one and thank you for being a great artist, great teacher and now an essential part of my Discovery and evolution of Music. Well done young man! PS I saw Stevie Wonder and Glen Campbell sing blow in in the wind on live TV, I see you like Glenn a lot great star and even session man...rock is dead...long live rock!

[@dalem8332]

Great performance with that soulful voice. Great stripped down performance! He always seemed to write and sing with such emotion from the heart. Feeling it. Songs like this one or the Bluesy Ain't no Sunshine to Use Me, Lovely Day & Grandma's hands. Talented versatile artist. Thankful for the catalogue of great music he left us with. What a life he had! Excellent Analysis my friend! Thanks! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@angelabrake5618]

Bill knew how to sing us a story,songs that will be remembered years from now!Great analysis!

[@tjvanpopta]

This is such an meaningfull song. Especial these days. I miss those days when music had something and touched your heart. Thanks for analizing this masterpiece Fil !

[@pledgestone]

I had a girlfriend turn me onto Bill Withers about 25 years ago, and I'm sure glad she did. I've been a huge fan ever since. This was the second song I learned to play on piano. Amazing.

[@ftlauderdaleborn1098]

Thank you Fil. 🎶💖

[@jessiem276]

Beautiful song! Bill sounds like a great person...May he rest in peace. You have a beautiful voice, too! Hope you have a great week, Fil 💙

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!