Still Bill: The life and songs of Bill Withers

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Singer-songwriter Bill Withers had an unusual path to musical acclaim and he was born an asthmatic stutterer who was often told "you can't do nuthin'." He did not own a guitar until he was 32 years old, the same year he started his musical career--while keeping his job fabricating toilets for Weber Aircraft, just in case. His first album, 1971's "Just as I Am", came with a hit single, "Ain't No Sunshine," which hit No. 3 on the pop charts. He followed this auspicious start with a string of hits, including "Lean on Me," "Use Me" and "Grandma's Hands." Nine Grammy nominations also rolled in
during the next 15 years, with three wins.

But in 1985, Bill Withers just stopped. He did not fade entirely from public view--he was inducted into the Songwriting Hall of Fame in 2005--but there were no more albums from this prolific artist. Still Bill, an intimate and engaging portrait of this music icon, takes its name from Withers's second album, and also answers the questions about who Bill Withers is and where he has been since his music career ended. -- From the Facets announcement.

"Still Bill," a new documentary about Bill Withers, plays Feb. 12-18 at Facets Cinematheque, 1517 W. Fullerton. Here is an online concert:

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9 Comments

By Herbert Gambill on February 11, 2010 12:08 AM

I look forward to seeing this documentary and it was a nice surprise to see his song "Ain't No Sunshine" used for the super bowl trailer last Sunday for the new PS3 game "Dante's Inferno."

By Ricky Carmona on February 11, 2010 9:48 AM

I'm really interested in seeing this documentary. I've been a fan of Bill Withers for a long time. For awhile I actually thought he had passed away and then I saw the trailer to this which led me to put in on my own site. Bill Withers is similar to Sly Stone to me in the sense that he had all this fame and was at the top of his game and then he just vanished. Sly's disappearance had more to do with drug problems though. But to be able to step away like Bill did and be at peace with it is really intriguing to me.

By Cash Hartzell on February 11, 2010 4:32 PM

Love this collection. Big fan of Bill Withers. Jesse Thorn did an amazing interview with Mr. Withers on his program "The Sound of Young America" a few months back that I found to be very interesting. I look forward to the documentay.

By Anne on February 11, 2010 6:20 PM

It's only playing in that one theater? Tell me I can at least get to see it on DVD eventually

It's good to know Bill Withers is doing well anyway.

By Rick A on February 12, 2010 6:04 PM

I got goose bumps reading your description of the documentary. I would love to see this and learn more about this fascinating man, whose music I have loved for so very long.

By EricTN on February 12, 2010 10:58 PM

Respect.

By Vikaya on February 16, 2010 5:46 PM

The movie is incredible. The URL is www.stilbillthemovie.com. You can get screening and DVD info there.

By Annie on February 17, 2010 12:52 AM

Grandma's Hands is a prayer of a song, the listener can feel the love and respect. Wither's sincerity in emotion is what makes him stand out from the herd. Love this guy, is this movie playing in Minneapolis?

By Lydia Little on October 21, 2010 4:57 PM

I am a music teacher, I would like to get in contact with Bill Withers. I would like to ask him to come and play for elementary students at the school that I teach at the present moment. Can you tell me who I need to contact, in order to fill this request.