In 1985, at the height of his career, performer Bill Withers dropped out of sight. After hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Grandma’s Hands”, “Lean On Me”, “Use Me”, “Lovely Day”, “Just The Two Of Us” this gifted artist retreated from concert touring. The battles with the record company grew tiresome so Withers retreated from public life and began his reclusive existence. Filmmakers Alex Vlack and Damani Baker, a pair of music fans, persuaded Bill Withers to talk about his life and career as part of a documentary. Also included are interviews with Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Graham Nash as well as musical performances of “Ain’t No Shunshine” by Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket and “Who Is He And What Is He to You” by Living Colour lead singer Corey Glover. Still Bill presents an intimate portrait of this wonderful artist. GRADE: A-
SCENE LISTING
1. “Ain’t No Sunshine” [9:10]
2. Sold Out [4:53]
3. Slab Fork [9:38]
4. Born Cool [3:22]
5. A Whole Lotta Life Real Fast [3:31]
6. Sensitive But Tough [6:14]
7. On Your Way to Wonderful [6:14]
8. What Do You Want Your Legacy to Be? [7:43]
9. Desperation Grows Louder [10:18]
10. “Telephone Song” [3:15]
11. “Blue Blues” [4:50]
12. “Grandma’s Hands” [7:05]
I was stunned a few years ago when someone on “American Idol” sang “Ain’t No Sunshine” and no one else seemed to remember that it had been recorded before and had been a big hit. Talk about growing old! It’s nice to know Withers is still around, even if he’s not performing anymore.
Bill Withers is still around, Deb, and has plenty to say in this documentary. I was fascinated by his story.
I’ll probably have to wait for this one on DVD. It’ll never make it to Milwaukee.
It’s on DVD, Beth. AMAZON has it for $16.
Ain’t No Sunshine is my favorite,
I really like Bill Withers’ LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, Patti, .
I thought he withered away years ago. Nice to know he’s still around.
Ha! Your rehab must be going well, Bob. You’ve recovered your sense of humor.
I liked many of his songs, would rather hear the originals then covers.
You would really like BILL WITHERS AT CARNEGIE HALL, Rick. Excellent performance, great sound.