One of the most popular saxophonists of all time (even his off records had impressive sales), Grover Washington, Jr. was long the pacesetter in his field. His roots were in R&B and soul-jazz organ combos, but he also fared very well on the infrequent occasions when he played straight-ahead jazz. A highly influential player, Washington was sometimes blamed for the faults of his followers; Kenny G. largely based his soprano sound on Grover's tone. However, most of the time (except when relying on long hit medleys), Washington pushed himself with the spontaneity and chance taking of a masterful jazz musician. Grover Washington, Jr., whose father also played saxophone, started playing music when he was ten and within two years was working in clubs. He picked up experience touring with the Four Clefs from 1959-1963 and freelancing during the next two years, before spending a couple years in the Army. He moved to Philadelphia in 1967, becoming closely identified with the city from then on,
The Original composer of this song, Bill Withers, delivers his best on the Old Grey Whistle Test.
Covers have been done by many artists including: Al Green, Buddy Guy, Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Cat Stevens, Justin Timberlake & Robyn Troup, Ziggy Marley, Lighthouse Family, Horace Andy, Maroon 5, Ben Harper, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Eva Cassidy, Al Jarreau, D’Angelo, Michael Jackson, Will Young, Hanson and Woven Hand.
Am 4. Juli 1938 kam Bill Withers in West Virginia zur Welt. Er ist ein amerikansicher Singer und Songwriter und hat mit "Ain\'t No Sunshine", "Lean On Me" und "Just The Two Of Us" zeitlose Klassiker geschrieben. Er reinigte Flugzeugtoiletten und nahm Demo Tapes auf. Er debütierte mit "Aint No Sunshine". Trotz des Erfolgs, welcher sich über Nacht einstellte, weigerte sich Withers, seinen Job aufzugeben, da ihm die Musikindustrie als zu launisch erschien und er sich als Amateur neben solchen Größen wie Sammy Davis, Jr. fühlte.
