Bill Withers | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Justin Timberlake is paying tribute to one of his biggest idols, the late Bill Withers.

The “Lean on Me” singer passed away this week at the age of 81 due to heart complications.

“You will always be one of my biggest idols. You taught me so much about how to keep it simple and real. I felt such a kinship with you even before we met. Your words and melodies… the chords that accompanied them… they reached into my soul and spoke to me so deeply. That’s what your music did,” Justin wrote on his Instagram account.

He added, “It brought so many of us closer to you and to each other. And, to actually know you was truly something special. You shined a light that was so unique and warm. I looked up to you the same way I looked up to my Poppa… and he was my favorite human in the world. You have always been one of the greatest and will forever be. I will miss your jokes and I will never forget your advice to me about music… ‘How does it make you FEEL? That’s the only question you have to answer.’ Rip Mr. Withers. One of a kind.”

See the photos that Justin shared on Instagram!

Bill Withers has sadly died.

The Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died on Monday (March 30) due to heart complications in Los Angeles at the age of 81, his family confirmed in a statement to AP on Friday (April 3).

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” they said.

Bill was known for dozens of hits, including “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” “Use Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Just the Two of Us.” He’s also been covered by dozens of contemporary artists, from John Legend to John Mayer to Kanye West.

Our thoughts are with Bill‘s loved ones at this difficult time.

Sadly, we’ve already lost many beloved stars in 2020.