TMZ: 'Ain't No Sunshine' Hitmaker Bill Withers Died of Cardiopulmonary and Lung Issues
The cause of legendary hitmaker Bill Withers' death has been revealed as Cardiopulmonary Arrest. This was disclosed in a report obtained by "TMZ."
Bill Withers recently passed away, and according to his death certificate obtained by "TMZ," he died after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest, which was complicated by COPD and arrhythmia.
The report listed the underlying causes of Withers's death as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bradyarrhythmia.
Bill Withers at the 25th Annual Trumpet Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center | Photo: Getty Images
It was also stated that Bill had spent 49 years as an entertainer and was eventually laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
Withers died on March 30 at 10:44 AM at Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center. At the time of the singer's death, his family released a statement where they described him as:
"a solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music."
Withers, who initially struggled with childhood stutter, was born the last child of his family in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia.
After recording numerous demos with the hope of getting a record deal, he eventually got signed to "Sussex Records," where he started his career.
His hit song, "Lean On Me," was recorded in 1972, and it ended up being one of Withers' most known songs. It was initially released as the second part of his debut single, "Harlem."
It was, however, remixed by DJs, after which it stayed at the number three spot on the Billboard Chart. The song eventually spent 16 weeks on the chart in the top 40 positions.
Withers is survived by his wife, Marcia, and two children, Todd and Kori. This excellent music icon will surely be missed. May his soul rest in Peace!