In memory of Bill Withers

The news of Bill Withers passing away caught me off guard today.  I've always liked the sincerity with which he sings; he uses that quality convincingly on these seven tracks, which, to me, are among his best:

• Ain't No Sunshine (One person's absence leaves a huge hole.  Withers drives the point home effectively.)
• In The Name Of Love (Ralph MacDonald featuring Bill Withers) (I remember hearing this on the radio fairly often for a time in 1984; I was surprised to learn it didn't crack the top 40.  With its honest, contemplative vocals and keyboard backdrop that mimics falling snow, the song deserves its due.)
• Kissing My Love (I don't think a listener could ask for better synchronicity between a vocalist and a rhythm section.  The tune has one of the best builds from an uptempo instrumental intro to its vocals I've ever heard.  Find the 1972 live version with the extended intro on YouTube, and revel in the musicianship.) 
• Lean On Me (The lyrics about needing to rely on others ring especially true during this unnerving Covid-19 pandemic.)
• Lovely Day (My favorite Withers song.  It's surprising that it wasn't a bigger American hit.  The lyrics are universal, and the groove is comfortably sunny.)
• Soul Shadows (The Crusaders featuring Bill Withers) (An overlooked track that pays tribute to several jazz greats, with Withers giving appropriate gravity to the vocals. The lyrics pay tribute to the way well-performed music changes a person; it's a fine tribute to Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Fats Waller, especially.)
• Use Me (I remember hearing this great uptempo track for the first time in 1988.  At that time, WMRY had an eclectic rock format, a 24-hour no-repeat policy, and allowed the announcers to choose the music.  The opening hook drew me right in, and for someone who's being used, the protagonist is clearly at peace with it.)