Legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers dies, aged 81

Grammy Award-winning folk-soul singer Bill Withers has died, according to a statement from his family. The artist, who penned classics like 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Lean On Me', 'Use Me' and 'Lovely Day', died of heart complications, aged 81.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father," the statement reads. "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. 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."

Born in West Virginia in 1938, Withers worked for Boeing, making toilet seats for airplanes, before the release of his classic debut album, Just As I Am, in 1971. He went onto win three Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2015.