First time SEEING BILL WITHERS perform LIVE - Lean On Me (BBC In Concert, May 11, 1974)

[@teresacartwright5406]

This song was a hit in 1972 - it's hard to believe it's over 50 years old! Human nature doesn't change and the songs reflecting such sentiments remain relevant no matter how much time passes. Thanks for playing this & your comments.

[@jimmyers264]

The other day I saw a list of the top songs from 52 years ago. 1972 and when I saw the list I was shocked. I knew them all. I thought 50 years would be doo-wop and bobbie sox. Not classic rock. Gettin old sucks. But it beats the alternative.

[@tigerpinky]

There are songs out there that just hit like an arrow in the soul, this is certainly one of them.

[@JohnA000]

Bill Withers is great. Ain't no sunshine is my favorite. He was at the top of his career and he just walked away from it all.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

He knew the secret.

[@pamelarex1877]

I am in tears....takes me back love this song so much....memories

[@lynette.]

That voice is like a time machine.😊❤

[@karenpowell6063]

Same here 💕😢

[@stephaniewarthen]

My uncles had just come back from Vietnam. They brought back a love for all genres of music, Bill Withers included. I sing this song at the top of my lungs at home.

[@wendyryder2708]

Good on you! When I watch reaction videos I often sing along! Not everyone likes my singing though! lol!

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

On a long tiring march, everybody winded, some Army private started singing this song. Soon everyone joined in, making our fatigue a thing of yesterday.

[@ceceliarussell-jayne2447]

I went to a huge national gathering of people in recovery last year. Man, it was amazing to hear 40,000 people trying to stay clean one day at a time sing this song.

[@lindasartandsoul]

He writes and sings from his soul. Lovely Day is such a feel good song too

[@renlessard]

His breath control has no peer. Love his voice so much

[@l-bird]

That's what I was thinking. Glad you mentioned it!

[@pamscarr8696]

Better than Dimash?

[@redzwestisbest]

Bill served in the Navy until his later 20s...that is why he got a later start.

[@kelvinsmith4381]

Love Bill Withers, so happy you are checking out some of these classic artists. Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Perc Sledge, Ben E King, The Drifters to name a few

[@darrinlindsey]

He was as much of a national treasure as his music has become. Such a powerful voice.

[@melissagrover9727]

This is the music I was raised on, my mom loved Bill. This is such a beautiful song.

[@Robsan40]

Bill Withers may not have a Huge catalogue of hits, but he has a handful of the Biggest hit songs in history.

[@Fruit17-ip4vl]

You are right! 😎He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Song 🎵 Writer’s Hall of Fame in 2005. His impact is so great! ❤😎

[@pamela2843]

Sometimes, your reactions make me cry. I cry for what’s nostalgic, what is forgotten and all what’s unknown. Also, I cry for everything I remember too well. Love that you explore what is unfamiliar to you, everyone should. G-d bless you and your family.

[@pamelachappell1089]

Amen!

[@matzabean]

Listen to EVERYTHING from Bill. He’s low key the realest one. His Live at Carnegie Hall record is almost too good. The documentary Still Bill is totally worth the watch. You’ll love the man as much as you love the musician.

[@craigbolton5093]

One of the best things to come out of my home state of West Virginia

[@MommaBird52]

Yes, born in Slab Fork, raised in Beckley!

[@gypsygirl3255]

Shout out for Spencer!

[@daleross9001]

No doubt , goosebumps here too 🤠

[@crochet_everyday3248]

You want to watch "Grandma's Hands" live at Carnegie Hall, with his intro. He tells a story about his grandmother you don't want to miss.

[@alexacevedo7751]

This song sounds like something that should've been passed on through centuries, from generation to generation. There was a need for this song in the world and Bill filled that need RIP Bill

[@robertthecag1230]

If you want another uplifting beautiful song. Louis Armstrong What a wonderful world.

[@cog4life]

8:26 gives me chills every time. Every. Time. 😊

[@glennburch1081]

Grew up with this music. The 60s and 70s and 80s, greatest rock/blues era to date! The talent pool, as a whole, just isn't the same today. Always enjoy your reactions.

[@chelseahaley8350]

Love this song! I actually walked out to this song at my 8th grade graduation! Great memories! U really can't go wrong with anything by him! His voice is just really special! ❤️

[@staciemoisa4884]

I grew up listening (and loving) Bill Withers' music in my house. This song was one of my favorites as a kid! This song is so powerful, because it makes you feel like there will always be someone there for you, while at the same time telling you to be there for others, too. Ii is like a big hug in a song. I remember singing it with my mom in the car, and I remember singing it with my best friend. lol.

[@RavenSW1979]

Thank you for bringing light to this man. The first thing I noticed about his song list is they were all covered by much bigger names. Shining light here is a beautiful moment

[@christinahatch1606]

I'm so glad you reacted to this song. This is my favorite song of all time.

[@suzanneprock7286]

This was always a favorite of mine. "Aint No Sunshine" is another good one I grew up with.

[@gwydion56]

The way he can sing live and just reach right into your soul and leave goosebumps all over your body. He was the real deal.

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

Everybody that I have ever known loved to hear this man’s music. He was just another part of why my music era was perhaps the best music ever in this country. The 60s and 70s were unbeatable and we knew it was something special and we loved it so much. Still do!

[@revaflowers3115]

Such an iconic song of the time.Still just as strong of a message as the day he first sang it.

[@bkm2797]

Saw Bill Withers live here in San Francisco back in the mid 70's, it was a wonderful evening. Love so many of his iconic tunes, this one of course, Grandmas Hands, Ain't No Sunshine,Soul Shadows, Just The Two Of Us, Lovely Day, I just love his voice and lyrics. BP thanks for the memories 👍❤️

[@kimcutts6153]

🇬🇧 Love Bill Withers. "Aint No Sunshine" "Lovely Day" & "Just The Two Of Us". Three more beauties from BW. ❤️🎶🎼

[@redhotchilifan98]

His voice always gives me absolute chills

[@MrKittenmitts]

One of those songs thats so good, you actually forget how good it is.

[@daniedel6333]

My favorite of his is "Ain't No Sunshine". I could play it over and over.

[@unical76]

Bill Withers was a gift

[@drewSmith-il2jh]

This is an absolute timeless classic. Everyone starts singing this song when it's played and is as relevant today as it was in 1972. When I went through my chemo treatments for cancer in hospital and the hospital radio dj asked if he could play a song on the hospital radio this is what I asked for, when he asked why I wanted it played I said because this song applies to everyone on the wards in the hospital receiving treatment for whatever ailed them.

[@debbiechang5781]

What a gorgeous performance! This is why I love live recordings. Amazing! 🌺✌️

[@Mvtobebo]

I love bill withers. My first time hearing him was my sisters vinyl and it was "use me"

[@jayeisenhardt1337]

When they jammin then silence except for Bill Withers voice and them James Gadson drums. Then a bit of funk to close it. I love that song.

[@jakespam02]

If you have never led a room in this you are missing out. Led a summer camp in blessing to this, magical, cannot carry a tune.

[@irmaoksanen6830]

That bass at the beginning is crazy and the whole way through. Never knew this existed. Thank you.

[@lisaharrigan1370]

Boy, this song has stood the test of time! Just as relevant today as all those years ago!

[@anitawright7169]

This is such a good song. His voice is unbelievable. Love your reaction!

[@susanengland3919]

This song was a huge hit in the 70s, it got a LOT of air time and deservedly so.

[@shirleydurr411]

Have you heard his "Grandma's Hands"? I think it'll hit you in the feels. It does that for me.

[@Ecosse57]

my favorite.

[@smbonna]

Video is almost over and I just noticed he has a Pine Knob music Theatre shirt on. Pine Knob is an outdoor amphitheater just north of Detroit. It was nice in the summer to sit out on the grass and listen to great music from great artists..

[@squirehobbs6754]

Seems back in the day I remember him saying he was a Navy Vet...awesome reaction thank you.

[@markcarter822]

I really love your reactions, your facial expressions and your body language as well as all your insite and what you interpret.

[@aeonise]

For some reason, I always think of Bill Withers and Lou Rawls together. Probably because each of them have singularly incredible voices, pure soul for Withers and plush velvet for Rawls. I'll suggest one song for each: Just the Two of Us for Withers and Lady Love for Rawls.

[@mckenziepaigemusic]

I enjoyed this reaction a lot! Bill withers is one of my very favorite artists, he has SO much soul, it gives me chills every time and I have to sing along! Keep up the awesome content!!

[@darikmatters8866]

I never saw this version.. Its all about the Bass !!! FIRE..

[@kevins2961]

Fantastic performance. The BBC did so many of these live recordings back in the day (and still do with the Jools Holland show etc) and we are lucky that they keep great archives. It also shows that these musicians were the real deal , no auto tune, no post processing, just straight to tape

[@kennethohnemus3192]

I got goosebumps from this and I've heard this hundreds of times. ❤❤❤❤

[@josephvalenzuela311]

Great reaction to a great artist and a great song. BTW I am one of the very few people that prefered Bill Withers version of Lean On Me, over the remake from the 80's. Thank You.

[@daveking9393]

Such a great performance and performer. Go back and watch the other ones live. They're just such great performances

[@pahbradley]

One of my Favorite Songs and I love his Voice

[@frankscarborough1428]

Love this song and Bill Withers. This gave me chills

[@gennyyelton4392]

My mom said this was her song for us...I sang it to my son and nephew. My nephew sings it to his kids and I hope my son continues passing it on when he is blessed with children ❤

[@sgholt]

Great song, Bill Withers is just amazing... :) Things were so different back in the day...love the old tunes. :)

[@aura81295]

Great music touches you like that - the combination of lyrical messaging, rhythm, melody, vocal and performance delivery ❤

[@biggsly5000]

Strong voice and perfect tone and delivery is spot on, no one on American idol could do it better ever.

[@bradlane3662]

I live in the coalfields of southern WV. Bill grew up about 30 miles north of where I live. His hometown is Slab Fork WV, although the town of Beckley tries to claim him for financial reasons. He was not from Beckley. He was a fantastic singer and one of my all time favorites.

[@guystephens2881]

am gold . bill, marvin, dobie gray music had so much soul in the early 70s.

[@janetsilverhawk7204]

Grandma's hands should be your next Bill Withers reaction.

[@Ecosse57]

💯%

[@karenpowell6063]

I remember when this song was first released, early seventies classic became my favorite song. It's my go to song when I'm feeling down. And Bill Withers voice was one of the best of all time IMHO❤️👍👍

[@MommaBird52]

He grew up in a town a few miles in WV. Check out Use Me and Grandma's Hands as well. He was raised by his grandma!

[@susanhenke8441]

One of most favorite songs in world. His voice is beautiful. I was 9 years old when it came out. ❤ soul music with meaning. Love joss stone great singer.

[@cyu5251]

This beautiful song with his soulful voice, gets you right in your feels ❤ Thanks for this absolute treasure ❤❤❤

[@kcook2256]

Love his music. I’ve been singing his songs like comfort food for the soul since I was a kid. His songs just stay with you. 💕

[@Frankincensedjb123]

A song that played on the radio very frequently back in the day. Great song, great writing, great vocals. Good stuff.

[@angelado3]

He has so many great songs !! Lean on Me, Lovely Day

[@rhiahlMT]

Love Bill Withers. Such good stuff.

[@cog4life]

Ohmygosh, I love Bill Withers. This song in particular. Such a timeless song. Please swallow your pride…❤They don’t write songs like this anymore. 😊One of a kind voice! He loves what he’s doing.

[@susanwhibley9679]

tears here I have never seen him perform live always loved the song but this...fantastic!!

[@beadybaby]

NA theme song ❤❤❤ When I attended in a meetings from 1993 until 2003, from the beginning to being part of the program there was never any questions about what songs like this meant

[@primroze1]

Yep. One we grew up with Bill's mucic. ❤❤❤

[@victoriagrove5344]

Bill Withers is incredible!

[@TheJohnnywbred]

One of first songs I vividly remember. I was 10. This and Alone Again Naturally. Both on radio so often ❤

[@gracemichelli.2am124]

Legendary

[@michellestrange6798]

Thank you! This is one of my all time favorites!

[@michaelhxhdhdjdj]

I just found my old school playlist this week nd back listening too the legends and classics like this

[@mrh3578]

Such a wonderful voice and performance

[@smitty60-su2xf]

CLASSIC is all i can say ...awesome video...

[@suepall5425]

My favorite song on the radio in junior high! Back in the day!

[@xScooterAZx]

This song brings up great memories of being a runaway in Hollywood. Awesome precious memories. Sitting on the sidewalk in front of the Gold Cup. People going by and just giving us change. No need to ask for it.People were better people then. My friends and I were just youngsters,around 15 and 16. We lived on toast and coffee. most of the time. XD Summers walking the Blvd,eating tacos at the Taco Time across from the Gold Cup. Sorry,..I got carried away there.

[@deborahdennehy9937]

BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation! Bill Withers was an excellent sing with Lean On Me!!!

[@heartwork8318]

That was great! Goosebumps galore! Nice!❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

[@mmess8585]

Great song! Loved it ever since I was young. Was one of the first 45s my brother ever bought and we listened to it many times!

[@headache1959]

Need to check out some Billy Preston--"Will It Go Around In Circles." and "Something From Nothing"

[@julieCA58]

Good memory

[@tonimartim5056]

Nothing from Nothing.

[@derekgraziano9499]

Great choice ... This song Is a masterpiece

[@richarddaugherty8583]

Bill Withers! I have always loved his music! Loved how you reacted to this... it obviously resonated for you! All of us need a friend to be there when we're down and not thinking straight. You should also react to Grandma's Hands. It's short but oh so powerful! Also Harlem! Bill's poking fun at certain folks and it's not as well known, but a great song.

[@scenicrouteart]

Love love Bill Withers…and Lou Rawls!!❤

[@tom56ism]

I remember this song when it came out. I love the message of this song.

[@scott3744]

So great... 👍😎

[@maharet64]

the ice man! i just love his music. RIP to a legend ♥

[@_Love_-ru7pz]

One of my top favorite songs ever.

[@karenmandeville7116]

i turned 18 on May 11, 1974! always loved this song!

[@pauletteriddle3776]

Simple but beautiful!

[@lisadavenport2390]

These songs are some of my fave songs of all time. 😢😢😢 This gentleman was sooooooooooo much of a legend. Love his soul and fire 🔥 Love from Lisa the lyme warrior 🦠💚 Got a new diagnosis on top of everything of systemic inflammatory arthritis. I’m starting a treatment tomorrow and praying 🙏 it works. This song was what I needed to hear tonight. 😊Thank you @Black Pegasus Raps 💚💚💚

[@antoniawe]

Lots of memories✌️✌️❤️❤️🪖🪖