Library Rock's Backpages

Legends of Songwriting: Bill Withers

Bill DeMain, Performing Songwriter, July 2004

A BLACK MAN wearing faded jeans and an orange turtleneck sweater sits on a stool. He's hunched over his acoustic guitar. Eyes closed, sweat glistening on his brow, he begins to pluck out a progression of soft minor seventh chords. The groove established, he sings, "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone, it's not warm when she's away..."

Total word count of piece: 2895

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.