Withers hit so hard in the 70s. My college friend said “Bill Withers got more soul in his little finger than you or me got in our whole bodies!” Bill Withers makes my top 10 all-time artist list. His Live in Carnegie Hall album is a real treat. It was out of print on vinyl for many years, I was lucky to find a copy in a used record shop in New Orleans ca. 1977. Happily, it all came back eventually for everyone to enjoy. Check it out!
'Use Me' was the first song I ever heard from Bill Withers. I was on a military base after being inducted during the Viet Nam war in 1972. I fell in love with the song, and was shortly afterwards introduced to 'Lean On Me'. His music has stayed with me throughout the years. What a great influence on my life. Thank you for reacting to this. Btw...there's more to the story about what happened that night, but I'll save that for another day, but it was so good.... Ha!
Bill Withers is a great artist, songs of his which I recommend are: "Lean On Me", "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh", "Who is He (and What is He To You)?", "Hello, Like Before", "I Wish You Well", "Lovely Day", "Harlem", "Make Love To Your Mind", "Liza", "Hope She'll Be Happier", two tracks with other artists, "Soul Shadows" with The Crusaders, and "Just The Two of Us" with Grover Washington Jnr.
Jay/Amber, you'll love his "Lean On Me" and "Just the Two of Us" (with Grover Washington Jr. on Saxophone!!) edit- Jay that's R&B legend James Gadson on drums and percussion. Amber, thats Melvin Dunlap on bass.
Bill Withers started in the music industry later in his life, being almost 30 years old before giving music a try. Use Me was his 2nd highest charting single, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. He did have a #1, Lean On Me, which is the 1st song that comes to my mind when someone names him.
" Every 1's A Winner " - HOT CHOCOLATE 70s Soul / Rock and R&B 🎸 this classic 70s groovy song has one of the best guitar riffs ever adds a funky suave and very catchy tone that turned this sound so very famous back in the day. And still decades later it's still Grooves on.
Mick Jagger covered this on one of his solo albums. Another song of Bill Withers to check out is, Who Is He (And What Is He To You). Some more suggestions for male r&b/soul singers and songs from the 70s: Al green - let’s stay together, you ought to be with me, call me, sha-la-la, tired of being alone, I’m still in love with you, here I am (come and take me), look what you done for me, love is a beautiful thing, for the good times, funny how time slips away (ray price) also with lyle Lovett, put a little love in your heart with annie lennox; Stevie wonder - As; Rockie robbins - you and me; Major Harris - Love won’t let me wait; William bell - tryin’ to love two; Tyrone davis - turning point; Joe simon - drowning in the sea of love; Lou rawls - natural man
Love the Stones and Mick Jagger. They may be my all time favorite band. Definitely in my top 5 (hey I am named after one of their songs that is also my fav), but Mick Jagger’s cover of this is not one of his finer moments. He shouldn’t have done it. You can’t improve on Bill Withers version. No point in trying.
Lean on Me was his biggest hit and had such a cultural impact during the Vietnam War. I love all the songs they have done by him, but I'm surprised they haven't done Lean on Me. It is what he will be remembered for.
There was no connection to "Lean On Me" and the Vietnam War. And no, Bill will not be remembered for "Lean On Me". Right now "Lovely Day" is making the rounds as the top Bill Withers song (73 million views). Before that "Ain't No Sunshine" (23 million views) was making the rounds. "Lean On Me" is sitting at 7 million views.
"Lean On Me" was Bill Wither's only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. ("Use Me" #2). I believe the Club Nouveau version of "Lean On Me"in the 80s has stolen some of Bill's modern thunder with stream counts.
@@denpea-mm8zr - Being #1 means it was the most popular song that week. That doesn't necessarily carry over to a song that an artist will be remembered for forever. When you think of Chuck Berry, do you think of his #1 hit "My Ding A Ling" or do you think of #8 "Johnny B Goode"? 73 million views for "Lovely Day" versus 7 million for "Lean On Me" is about as telling as a stat can be, regardless of Club Nouveau's version.
@@shyman99 I understand what you are trying to say. But, I was a radio DJ in the 70s and 80s and have never heard of "Lovely Day" . Is it's recent popularity due to a movie soundtrack or something ?
LOVE this song. As a kid hearing this, I just really liked the sound of it and his amazing voice. As an old man, I can really relate to the lyrics..R.I.P. Erica!
When Bill Withers passed away a few years ago, we lost a true Gem and Artist. He had a real work ethic as a writer and musician. There are probably Hundreds, maybe Thousands of Bill Withers songs that will never be heard or published. It was said that he woke up every morning and went to work, just like any job. In his home studio, he would sit with pen and notebook and a guitar or piano, and just start writing and developing melodies. If he came up with something he liked, he would record a rough version with him singing and playing guitar or piano. After a little listening, if he stilled liked it, he would call in some of his regular studio guys and record it in a formal process. After he had enough songs recorded, he would put them together in an album and release it. Sometimes, songs might go on the shelf for a while, or may not even be kept at all. A friend of his said in a corner of his office and studio, there are stacks and stacks of notebooks full of songs and lyrics and melodies, and stacks of tapes that have never been heard except by him, and maybe the few guys he had record them.
Withers's voice was so clear, and this song was like a normal conversation that rhymed and hit a lot of high notes. Such a great song by such a great talent. I loved this song way back in the 1970s when it was on the radio.
Growing up a white boy in rural PA in the 70’s, you have no idea how cheated I feel sometimes musically because of how limited we were as far as radio and TV. Fortunately I have a dad who served in the Navy and travelled all over the world in the 60’s. He discovered so much music which turned into a passion for him. He then exposed me to things that I otherwise would never have heard. Bill Withers was one of them once he arrived on the scene. But he wouldn’t let me watch Soul Train because of how the women dressed lol. Times were different back then. And so was the music. I sure do miss them.
Hard for me to understand how younger generations miss on all this great music? Bill Withers is before my time too, but I def knew about his music. But, glad some people are catching up.
He composed his own music, and I wonder how much he controlled the studio musicians and arrangements, because they're wonderful - a great compliment to his vocals.
Really love Bill Withers, saw him here in San Francisco way back in the 70's, this is another great tune of his, sooo smooth,lol! Thanks Jay and Amber🎄
If you haven’t listened to Just the Two Of Us I think you will love it….especially since Amber loves the sax! It’s considered a song by Grover Washington Jr. who’s the sax player but the vocals are Bill Withers….it’s incredible!”
Great song! Bill Withers had soul! Use Me, Lean on Me, Ain't no Sunshine.......I still listen to these songs at least twice a month. Have them downloaded to my phone. Amber, your t-shirt reminds me of how beautiful Whitney was, but you've got her beat! Thank you for the videos. I listen/watch often. Merry Christmas to you, Rob and your beautiful family! Mark from Michigan
I never get tired of hearing Bill Withers. This is my favorite song of his. What a vibe. If you want to hear a great funky vibey rhythm track along with stellar vocals, check out Slippin’ Into Darkness from War. Choose an early cut when the original members were still together. Pure banger!! The 1972 video from The Midnight Special is great!!
I was hoping you would get to this one. Amazing groove. I was introduced to his music with Ain't No Sunshine and Grandma's Hands which you have done. Use Me came out the next year and it is my second favorite of his after Ain't No Sunshine. Lean On Me and Just The two Of Us are my suggestions of what to listen to next. There is also a documentary about him called Still Bill that came out in 2009. You will tear up when his daughter Kori plays her song for him
Oh lord one of my favorite singers. So so good. There is a documentary on him you should try to watch. He just left the business one day because he couldn’t take the bs! Unbelievable dude!❤
Such a great great song. Reminds me of how many times in my life that song was stuck on my mind all day long. Now it's gonna happen again. Great stuff.
That unbelievable funky, heavy bass backing, r&b from the 70s is absolute FIRE. Another great sound we are so desperately missing in today's music. Bill had a great voice and his music was filled with soul and funk and swagger... can't stop lovin' this!
You two are really fun to watch. I'm a big fan. I live in Norman, OK and am a huge OU fan. I'm an older guy and you two play the type of music I cut my teeth on. Keep up the good work. Its nice two know that your generation has appreciation for the artist that gave R & B its soul.
Right on! This is my absolute favorite Bill Withers tune. I grew up hearing Just the Two of Us and Lean on Me all the time. I heard Ain't No Sunshine less often, but still a lot. But I didn't hear this great tune until I bought a compilation album of his in my early college days. When everyone else was getting into Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum, I was going back to the 70s listening to all the acts I missed out on in high school (when I first got turned on to Led Zeppelin and the other classic rock stars of that time).
Love that this guy was an aviation mechanic in the U.S. Navy for 9 years, ending his service in 1965. RIP, Bill, and thank you for your service!
I used to imagine what it would be like if he and Jim Croce had made some music together. Amazing!!…I’m sure.
I love I Can't Write Left-Handed... such a deep song by him.
That’s cool to know that he was a fellow Navy Veteran! ⚓️🦑🇺🇸
@@DPRyan-vd5pp agree! As am I, RM2 1968-1972.
Why do you love that ?
Bill Withers - more soul than a Southern Baptist Convention
Every time I hear this song on iHeart Radio I crank up the volume........classic CLASSIC music! Bill Withers and his band were amazing!
Bill Withers is a national treasure. Period.
I saw the title and thought, "Aww, man are they gonna love this."
Withers hit so hard in the 70s. My college friend said “Bill Withers got more soul in his little finger than you or me got in our whole bodies!” Bill Withers makes my top 10 all-time artist list. His Live in Carnegie Hall album is a real treat. It was out of print on vinyl for many years, I was lucky to find a copy in a used record shop in New Orleans ca. 1977. Happily, it all came back eventually for everyone to enjoy. Check it out!
Other great songs Bill sings are, in no particular order: Lean On Me, Who Is He, Just The Two of Us. His voice IS buttery 😊
All fantastic songs💯% agree
Yep, that’s pretty much all that’s left because he voluntarily gave up the music business. One of the best songwriters ever IMO.
Yes, and Grandma's Hands
I completely agree!
Let's not forget "Harlem".
'Use Me' was the first song I ever heard from Bill Withers. I was on a military base after being inducted during the Viet Nam war in 1972. I fell in love with the song, and was shortly afterwards introduced to 'Lean On Me'. His music has stayed with me throughout the years. What a great influence on my life. Thank you for reacting to this. Btw...there's more to the story about what happened that night, but I'll save that for another day, but it was so good.... Ha!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice!
The drums on this song are absolutely crazy.
LOVE Bill Withers, LOVE this song! ❤️❤️❤️
I was just gonna say that 😅
That beat displacement is everything!! Love this song
The legend bill withers plain in simple
Bill Withers is a great artist, songs of his which I recommend are: "Lean On Me", "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh", "Who is He (and What is He To You)?", "Hello, Like Before", "I Wish You Well", "Lovely Day", "Harlem", "Make Love To Your Mind", "Liza", "Hope She'll Be Happier", two tracks with other artists, "Soul Shadows" with The Crusaders, and "Just The Two of Us" with Grover Washington Jnr.
Bill Withers is so good. Man cannot make a bad song.
Jay/Amber, you'll love his "Lean On Me" and "Just the Two of Us" (with Grover Washington Jr. on Saxophone!!)
edit- Jay that's R&B legend James Gadson on drums and percussion. Amber, thats Melvin Dunlap on bass.
Watching him play this live is fantastic. The drummer is great to watch.
I was hoping they were going to do the live version, featuring the happiest drummer in the history of music.
@@shaun374 it is so cool to watch that drummer..I often go to that video.
My favorite from Bill Withers, it's all about how you approach a tough situation and accepting it for what it is and riding it out until it ends.
Excellent tune but it's definitely the song of the simps of the world.
"It ain't too bad the way you're using me, 'cause I sho' am using you to do the things you do!" 😮 lol
Bill absolute true legend love love this song ❤
Love Withers and his music. Funk!
Bill Withers started in the music industry later in his life, being almost 30 years old before giving music a try. Use Me was his 2nd highest charting single, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. He did have a #1, Lean On Me, which is the 1st song that comes to my mind when someone names him.
If you like watching and listening to Bill Withers, the Bill Withers Live BBC 1973 video is available on YT.
I love how Amber always just gets it!
She does do her homework…
YES! Fantastic song and Bill Withers has one of the greatest voices of all time.
Love this song from day one. The groove is unmistakable. So glad you caught that last lyric. Thanks for the smile.
Tellin' it like it is! King of smooth. 🔥🔥😅
My Bill Withers Favorites In Order,, "Use Me",, "Ain't No Sunshine",, "Lean On Me",, Etc..Etc.
Yesyesyesyesyes!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤An oldie, and I love this one!! 😊
Love this song! Lean on Me is a classic!!!!!!
" Every 1's A Winner " - HOT CHOCOLATE 70s Soul / Rock and R&B 🎸 this classic 70s groovy song has one of the best guitar riffs ever adds a funky suave and very catchy tone that turned this sound so very famous back in the day. And still decades later it's still Grooves on.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!
Use of the clavinet and wurlitzer piano is genius and one the many special things about this song. Such a great song.
I bought a whole album back in the day just for this song. Fortunately it was a Bill Withers album, so every song was great.
RIP Little Bill my fellow West Virginian
Mick Jagger covered this on one of his solo albums. Another song of Bill Withers to check out is, Who Is He (And What Is He To You). Some more suggestions for male r&b/soul singers and songs from the 70s: Al green - let’s stay together, you ought to be with me, call me, sha-la-la, tired of being alone, I’m still in love with you, here I am (come and take me), look what you done for me, love is a beautiful thing, for the good times, funny how time slips away (ray price) also with lyle Lovett, put a little love in your heart with annie lennox; Stevie wonder - As; Rockie robbins - you and me; Major Harris - Love won’t let me wait; William bell - tryin’ to love two; Tyrone davis - turning point; Joe simon - drowning in the sea of love; Lou rawls - natural man
I, too, would love to see some Al Green reactions.
Love the Stones and Mick Jagger. They may be my all time favorite band. Definitely in my top 5 (hey I am named after one of their songs that is also my fav), but Mick Jagger’s cover of this is not one of his finer moments. He shouldn’t have done it. You can’t improve on Bill Withers version. No point in trying.
I'm pretty sure Keith Richards dissed that whole project.@@midnightrambler7716
Jagger’s cover is classic!!
Grace Jones covered this too
Lean on Me was his biggest hit and had such a cultural impact during the Vietnam War. I love all the songs they have done by him, but I'm surprised they haven't done Lean on Me. It is what he will be remembered for.
@Great-Documentaries, Lean On Me is my favorite!
There was no connection to "Lean On Me" and the Vietnam War. And no, Bill will not be remembered for "Lean On Me". Right now "Lovely Day" is making the rounds as the top Bill Withers song (73 million views). Before that "Ain't No Sunshine" (23 million views) was making the rounds. "Lean On Me" is sitting at 7 million views.
"Lean On Me" was Bill Wither's only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. ("Use Me" #2). I believe the Club Nouveau version of "Lean On Me"in the 80s has stolen some of Bill's modern thunder with stream counts.
@@denpea-mm8zr - Being #1 means it was the most popular song that week. That doesn't necessarily carry over to a song that an artist will be remembered for forever. When you think of Chuck Berry, do you think of his #1 hit "My Ding A Ling" or do you think of #8 "Johnny B Goode"? 73 million views for "Lovely Day" versus 7 million for "Lean On Me" is about as telling as a stat can be, regardless of Club Nouveau's version.
@@shyman99 I understand what you are trying to say. But, I was a radio DJ in the 70s and 80s and have never heard of "Lovely Day" . Is it's recent popularity due to a movie soundtrack or something ?
Next one should be Lean On Me. Lovely and simple.
LOVE this song. As a kid hearing this, I just really liked the sound of it and his amazing voice. As an old man, I can really relate to the lyrics..R.I.P. Erica!
Oh, man!!! This is one special song and one of my all-time favorites. Just slide into the groove and go with it. 🕺
Another great Bill Withers song from Still Bill is "Who Is He, (And What Is He To You?)"...
So glad y’all finally got to this one. Perfect voice and soul jam… automatically draw’s your attention and ear…
Between Bill Withers "buttery" voice...and, the allowances they gave for this song to "breathe" in between the vocals: GENIUS!!
I love this song. I must have missed your reaction to Grandma's Hands. I love that song too.
One of the great voices in music! Thanks for the reaction.
R.I.P To A Great Singer Bill Withers, Still Miss You, Always 😢
When Bill Withers passed away a few years ago, we lost a true Gem and Artist. He had a real work ethic as a writer and musician. There are probably Hundreds, maybe Thousands of Bill Withers songs that will never be heard or published. It was said that he woke up every morning and went to work, just like any job. In his home studio, he would sit with pen and notebook and a guitar or piano, and just start writing and developing melodies. If he came up with something he liked, he would record a rough version with him singing and playing guitar or piano. After a little listening, if he stilled liked it, he would call in some of his regular studio guys and record it in a formal process. After he had enough songs recorded, he would put them together in an album and release it. Sometimes, songs might go on the shelf for a while, or may not even be kept at all. A friend of his said in a corner of his office and studio, there are stacks and stacks of notebooks full of songs and lyrics and melodies, and stacks of tapes that have never been heard except by him, and maybe the few guys he had record them.
Withers's voice was so clear, and this song was like a normal conversation that rhymed and hit a lot of high notes. Such a great song by such a great talent. I loved this song way back in the 1970s when it was on the radio.
Took me back a few years but this was my first concert to go see back in 72. He shared the stage with The Staple Singers. 8:06
My favorite song from Bill Withers…Just The Two Of Us!👍🎼🎵🎶♥️♥️
Once again, a Hit that I haven't heard in too long, and actually forgot about! Love this one, and Fun to hear it Again! Great Reaction, You Guys! :)
My favorite Withers track by far. SO MUCH SOUL!
Wonderful R&B style ! Bill Withers was a great artist and one of the best. .RIP! Thank you
Growing up a white boy in rural PA in the 70’s, you have no idea how cheated I feel sometimes musically because of how limited we were as far as radio and TV. Fortunately I have a dad who served in the Navy and travelled all over the world in the 60’s. He discovered so much music which turned into a passion for him. He then exposed me to things that I otherwise would never have heard. Bill Withers was one of them once he arrived on the scene. But he wouldn’t let me watch Soul Train because of how the women dressed lol. Times were different back then. And so was the music. I sure do miss them.
Hard for me to understand how younger generations miss on all this great music? Bill Withers is before my time too, but I def knew about his music. But, glad some people are catching up.
Indeed, Bill Withers had great songs in the 70's. He did a song called "Oh Yeah" in 1985, that is worth checking out, in my opinion.
He composed his own music, and I wonder how much he controlled the studio musicians and arrangements, because they're wonderful - a great compliment to his vocals.
Really love Bill Withers, saw him here in San Francisco way back in the 70's, this is another great tune of his, sooo smooth,lol! Thanks Jay and Amber🎄
Oh man, this is one of my go to sing a long songs when I was a wee lad! such a groove!
I love anything Bill Wither’s sings.
If you haven’t listened to Just the Two Of Us I think you will love it….especially since Amber loves the sax! It’s considered a song by Grover Washington Jr. who’s the sax player but the vocals are Bill Withers….it’s incredible!”
Bill Withers was great! I listened to him all the time in my youth.
Great song! Bill Withers had soul! Use Me, Lean on Me, Ain't no Sunshine.......I still listen to these songs at least twice a month. Have them downloaded to my phone.
Amber, your t-shirt reminds me of how beautiful Whitney was, but you've got her beat!
Thank you for the videos. I listen/watch often.
Merry Christmas to you, Rob and your beautiful family!
Mark from Michigan
I never get tired of hearing Bill Withers. This is my favorite song of his. What a vibe.
If you want to hear a great funky vibey rhythm track along with stellar vocals, check out Slippin’ Into Darkness from War. Choose an early cut when the original members were still together. Pure banger!! The 1972 video from The Midnight Special is great!!
I love that song, I have it on my playlist ❤️✌🏻🎶
I was hoping you would get to this one. Amazing groove. I was introduced to his music with Ain't No Sunshine and Grandma's Hands which you have done. Use Me came out the next year and it is my second favorite of his after Ain't No Sunshine. Lean On Me and Just The two Of Us are my suggestions of what to listen to next. There is also a documentary about him called Still Bill that came out in 2009. You will tear up when his daughter Kori plays her song for him
Similar to this hit is "take a letter maria - r.b. greaves" I'm sure you'll love it too 👍
First time hearing this song was in Any Given Sunday. One of my favorite songs of all time. Bill was the humble GOAT
A low down coiling, grinding song by a great artist. Sung more from the groin than the lungs!
Oh lord one of my favorite singers. So so good. There is a documentary on him you should try to watch. He just left the business one day because he couldn’t take the bs! Unbelievable dude!❤
My dad had the 'Still Bill' album in 1972... Great stuff...
Love that song, and Bill Withers very soulful voice.
Great song..............
Love Bill Withers, he has a bunch of great songs.
"Still Bill", was an awesome LP!!! My favorite track was, "Lonely Town, Lonely Street"! You two, absolutely rock!!!
My favorite Withers song. He made made it big after coming from very humble beginnings in Beckley, West Virginia.
Been in my rotation heavily for YEARS. It doesn’t get better than this song when out.
Yes!!! Still Bill!
You’ve got to do: “Who Is He (and, what is he to you?)
One of my all time favorite Bill Withers is City of Angels, it's a long one at just over 10 minutes, but very well worth the listen!
'Lovely Day' is my favorite Bill Withers tune. But he has a lot of nice songs.
My favorite Bill Withers song!!! The drum beat incredible.
This song is the epitome of cool. Bill Withers always brings it. Great choice.
❤
I love Bill Withers and this may be my favorite of his.
YES!!! I've been hoping you'd do more Bill Withers, and this is a perfect choice.
Awesome funk.
Bill reminds me of Tracy Chapman in this song.
Next Bill Withers song should be "Who is HE and what is He to You?"
Oh my you are in for a treat!
Such a great great song. Reminds me of how many times in my life that song was stuck on my mind all day long. Now it's gonna happen again. Great stuff.
"Lean on Me" -- possibly one of the best songs ever written! Please do that one next! Has such a positive message...have a tissue ready!
This is the stank right here. Bill was the real deal.
That unbelievable funky, heavy bass backing, r&b from the 70s is absolute FIRE. Another great sound we are so desperately missing in today's music. Bill had a great voice and his music was filled with soul and funk and swagger... can't stop lovin' this!
You two are really fun to watch. I'm a big fan. I live in Norman, OK and am a huge OU fan. I'm an older guy and you two play the type of music I cut my teeth on. Keep up the good work. Its nice two know that your generation has appreciation for the artist that gave R & B its soul.
Congrats on building up such big numbers.
Easily my favorite Bill Withers song, and one of the most slept on classic bangers of all time.
Thank you so much for reminding of the song. I did love it back in the day. Amazingly, the words came back so easily.
A regular for my band back in the day and crowd fav. A fun one to sing and play. Mr. Withers had his own kind of soul. A great loss.
A drummer used to play & sing a perfect rendition of this, at a tavern, I used to go to decades ago.
Right on! This is my absolute favorite Bill Withers tune. I grew up hearing Just the Two of Us and Lean on Me all the time. I heard Ain't No Sunshine less often, but still a lot. But I didn't hear this great tune until I bought a compilation album of his in my early college days. When everyone else was getting into Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum, I was going back to the 70s listening to all the acts I missed out on in high school (when I first got turned on to Led Zeppelin and the other classic rock stars of that time).
He was one of my absolute favorites.
This is an absolutely wonderful song. It's going be stuck in my head all day and that makes me happy.
Bill was not only a great talent, but a class act his whole career...R.I.P.