Bill Withers, the soulful 70s singer, has died of heart complications.

He was 81.

(Andrew Zukerman)

The three-time Grammy Award winner’s passing comes as the world’s drawn inspiration from his music during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Artists, choirs, healthcare workers and others posting their own renditions of ”Lean on Me” to help them cope.

”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,” a statement from the family reads.

”As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world.  In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”

”Lean on Me” and ”Ain’t No Sunshine” are among Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Withers other hits included ”Lovely Day” and ”Just The Two Of Us”.

He received a Grammy as a songwriter for ”Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971 and for ”Just The Two Of Us” in 1981.

Withers ninth Grammy nomination and third award was as a songwriter in 1987 for the re-recording of the 1972 hit ”Lean On Me” by Club Nouveau.

Bill Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder.