We’ve somehow managed to survive through July so far, eh? Well, July is a busy month in music history.
- One of the most important figures of the blues, Chicago blues especially, Willie Dixonwas born 110 years ago on July 1
- James Cotton was born 90 years ago on July 1
- Syl Johnson was born 89 years ago on July 1
- The B-52s Fred Schneider celebrated his 74th birthday on July 1
- The iconic Debbie Harry celebrated her 80th birthday today on July 1
- Evelyn “Champagne” King celebrated her 65th birthday on July 1
- Depeche Mode‘s Yaz’s/Yazoo’s and Erasure‘s Vince Clarke celebrated his 64th birthday on July 3
- Dr. Lonnie Smith was born 83 years ago on July 3
Bill Withers was born on this day 87 years ago.
As a pop artist Withers’ rise to fame is highly unusual in contemporary pop standards: He had been in the Navy for close to a decade and spent a significant portion of his life working as an assembler for Ford, IBM and Douglas Aircraft Corporation before he wrote and recorded his first two hit songs — at 33.
To me what made Withers’ songs so great, is that they came from profound, lived-in experience. And as a result, he could say the things that you’ve always felt but couldn’t exactly put in words. Always thoughtful, yes. Always crafted, yes. Funky, hell yes.
I don’t think Bill was capable of writing a bad song. I just don’t believe it. So why don’t we celebrate the life and music of the greatest singer/songwriters to ever do it. Happy birthday, Bill! Happy birthday, wherever you are!
Discover more from The Joy of Violent Movement
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.