Legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers passed away this week of heart complications. He was 81. His creative peak came in the 1970s, when he wrote and sang a string of memorable, rock-soul hits such as “Lean On Me,” “Just The Two of Us,” “Use Me,” and “Lovely Day.”

The 2009 documentary “Still Bill” captured much of his musical essence, including his upbringing in a West Virginia coal town and early career as an airplane mechanic before becoming a musical phenomenon:

And here is Bill singing one of my favorites, Grandma’s Hands:

Rest in peace, Mr. Withers, and thanks for the great music.