Bill Withers is best known for the million-selling classic "Lean on Me," which topped both the R&B and pop charts in spring 1972. But it was actually another gold single that first introduced the singer/songwriter to the public. The West Virginia native had toiled away at various jobs including making toilets before he was introduced to Sussex Records head Clarence Avant. "Ain't No Sunshine" is a mellow ballad that's awash with soothing strings as Withers' folksy drawls emote that there's darkness when the love of his life is missing. The mid-song break is an amazing showcase of the singer's breath control. Withers' Sussex sides included top session musicians including former members of Charles Wright's Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band best known for "Express Yourself" and "Loveland": drummer James Gadson, keyboardist Ray Jackson, guitarist Benorce Blackman (co-wrote with Withers, "The Best You Can" from Making Music), and bassist Melvin Dunlop. Winning a Grammy as Best R&B Song, "Ain't No Sunshine" sold more than a million copies, going to number six R&B and number three pop in summer 1971.
Ain't No Sunshine Lyrics
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
And I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know,
Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
I’m a huge 50s, 60s 70s music fan!
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