Bill Withers: Timeless Soul for a Lovely Day
Bill Withers’ catalog is a masterclass in R&B and soul. From his massive, feel-good hits like “Lovely Day” to the deep emotional resonance of “Lean on Me,” these songs create an atmosphere of connection and joy that few other artists can match.
- Emotional Soul: Songs that pull at heartstrings with raw, honest storytelling.
- Feel-Good Grooves: Up-tempo tracks that create a positive, celebratory atmosphere.
- Cross-Generational Appeal: Music that “Aunties and Uncles” love and Gen Z guests recognize from samples and covers.
Spotlight Moments: Dances & Ceremony
- The Quintessential “Feel-Good” Walk: “Lovely Day” – 1977. This should describe every wedding day. It’s perfect as a wedding processional, a upbeat recessional, or a high-energy entrance into the reception.
- The Bond of Support: “Lean on Me” – 1972. His only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a classic choice for a Father-Daughter or Mother-Son dance, symbolizing the support and friendship within a family.
- Parent-Child Connection: “Just the Two of Us” (with Grover Washington Jr.) – 1981. A smooth, jazzy anthem about conquering the world together. It is an excellent choice for a special dance with a parent or a close sibling.
- The Deeply Romantic Choice: “Dedicated To My Love” – 1978. If you want a first dance that feels authentic and romantic without being cliché, this track has the perfect message of commitment.
Creating the Vibe: Dinner & Cocktails
- Smooth Dinner Jazz: “In the Name of Love” (with Ralph MacDonald) – 1975. A jazzy, sophisticated R&B track that provides a perfect background for guests while they enjoy their meal.
- Upbeat Cocktail Hour: “Sometimes A Song” – 1975. A track with heavy funk influences that keeps spirits high and toes tapping while guests mingle.
- The “Kissing” Alternative: “Kissing My Love” – 1972. Instead of the traditional clinking of glasses, have your DJ play this funky track to signal it’s time for the newlyweds to share a kiss.
- Sexy & Sultry Grooves: “Use Me” – 1972. A #2 Billboard hit with a massive, sexy groove. While it’s not for every wedding, it’s a great sing-along track for a crowd that loves classic soul.
Sentimental Tributes
- Honoring a Grandmother: “Grandma’s Hands” – 1971. A deeply personal song, Withers wrote about his own grandmother. It’s the definitive choice if you wish to dedicate a moment to your grandma during the reception.
DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Withers Vibe
- The “Lovely Day” High Note: Challenge your guests to see who can hold the final “Day” note along with Bill—it’s a fun, interactive moment that creates a great photo op.
- Sample Recognition: Many younger guests will recognize “Grandma’s Hands” from the Blackstreet sample in “No Diggity.” Have your DJ transition between the two for a fun “musical history” moment on the dance floor.
- The “Lean on Me” Sing-Along: Towards the end of the night, a group sing-along to “Lean on Me” is a beautiful way to bring both families together in a circle on the dance floor.
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Bill Withers Highest-Charting Billboard Hits – U.S. R&B
- #1 Lean on Me, 1972
- #2 Use Me, 1972
- #3 Just the Two of Us (with Grover Washington Jr.), 1981
- #6 Ain’t No Sunshine, 1971
- #6 Lovely Day, 1977
- #10 The Same Love That Made Me Laugh, 1974
- #10 Make Love to Your Mind, 1975
- #12 Kissing My Love, 1973
- #13 Heartbreak Road, 1974
- #13 In the Name of Love (with Ralph MacDonald), 1984
- #15 You, 1974
Bill Withers Love Songs List
Just the Two of Us
Released in 1981 on the album Winelight
The song is recorded with Jazz artist Grover Washington Jr. The song represents how two people will conquer the world together. It is the perfect song if you have that type of relationship with a parent for a special dance.
When I think of you sometime
And I wanna spend some time with you
Just the two of us
You Got The Stuff
Released in 1978 on the album ‘Bout Love
The last song on our list will bring Funk to your wedding dance floor and keep people dancing. A great party song to add to your wedding reception playlist.
You got the stuff, can’t get enough
You’ve got the stuff to pick me up
Dedicated To My Love
Released in 1978 on the album ‘Bout Love
If you are looking for a romantic love song to play as your first dance, “Dedicated To My Love” has the right message for your wedding day.
And if I could find me a mountain to climb
Dedicate it to you my love
I’d swim me an ocean if I had a mind
Dedicate it to you my love
Lovely Day
Released in 1977 on the album Menagerie
“Love Day” should describe every wedding day. It makes for a perfect up-tempo song to play for the wedding processional or as guests are leaving the ceremony venue.
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day
Let Me Be the One You Need
Released in 1977 on the album Menagerie
With lyrics like “I can be the one you love, Let me be the one you need”, this song fits the message of long at weddings. The song has a Cha Cha feel to it and can fill the ballroom dance floor.
I can be the one you love
Let me be the one you need
Take a look into your heart
Try to find a place for me
In the Name of Love
Released in 1975 on the album Making Music
The song features Ralph MacDonald, an American percussionist. If you are looking for a jazzy smooth R&B song to play while guests are eating their meals, then this song makes for a great background song to play at your wedding reception.
When there ain’t no giving in the give and take of love
Put the blame on love, in the name of love
Sometimes A Song
Released in 1975 on the album Making Music
Another song with Funk influences can keep guests in happy spirits during the cocktail hour.
Sometimes a song just feels real good and lays right there in the groove
Sometimes a song might make you just wanna get up and move
Lean on Me
Released in 1972 on the album Still Bill
“Lean On Me” was Withers’ only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song makes for a great Father-Daughter or Mother-Son dance song. It could also be used as an in-law dance song as well due to the song’s message.
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
Kissing My Love
Released in 1972 on the album Still Bill
Bring a little Funk to your wedding playlist. Instead of playing the wedding standards to get the wedding couple to kiss from the clinking of the glasses, play this song instead.
She’s so good at what she does
All she wants to do is kiss and hug
She’s got me in love
Use Me
Released in 1972 on the album Still Bill
“Use Me” peaked on the Billboard chart at #2. The song is very sexy and not you would want to play at every wedding but definitely one that many will know and sing along to.
You’d wish that you were in my shoes
You just keep on usin’ me
Until you use me up
Ain’t No Sunshine
Released in 1971 on the album Just As I Am
“Ain’t No Sunshine” was the first big hit of Withers’ storied career. The song was ranked as the 23rd best song of 1971 by Billboard. The song is known for its 26 repeats of the phrase “I Know”. The song signifies that sometimes you miss things that weren’t particularly good for you.
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away
Grandma’s Hands
Released in 1971 on the album Just As I Am
Withers wrote “Grandma’s Hands” about his own relations with his Grandma. Lyrics include “Grandma’s hands picked me up each time I fell”. If you wish to dedicate a song to your Grandma at your wedding, this song would be a winner.
She’d say “Baby, Grandma understands
That you really love that man
Put yourself in Jesus hands”
Do you have a favorite Bill Withers Song? Please share your song below in the comments!
Bill Withers Spotify Playlist
Famous Bill Withers Cover Tracks
Through the years, there have been many groups covering Bill Withers’s songs. Here are 2 of my favorites.
Lean on Me by Club Nouveau
Released in 1987 on the album Life, Love & Pain
It’s Gonna Be A Lovely Day by S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M.
Released in 1992 on the album The Bodyguard Soundtrack
About Bill Withers
In 1938, William Harrison Withers Jr. was born in West Virginia. Withers signed his first record deal in 1970 with Sussex Records. His first album Just as I Am was released in 1971 with the songs, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands” as singles. Of note, the album features Stephen Stills playing lead guitar – from Crosby, Stills & Nash fame.
After Sussex Records closed its doors, Withers signed with Columbia Records in 1975 and released 3 albums in consecutive years. He also worked on side projects which included working with jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. on “Just The Two of Us”. Withers was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Not all of the songs on our list would be considered love songs. We have done so because many of Withers’ songs are well-known and wedding guests will recognize them from his vast catalog of music.
