Legendary musician Bill Withers has died aged 81.
The American singer, who was most famous for hits Ain't No Sunshine, Lovely Day and Lean On Me, passed away in Los Angeles this week, the Mirror said.
He was suffering from a heart condition, according to reports in the US.
A statement from his family said: "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.
"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."
Of his incredible career, which spanned decades, Bill told Rolling Stone in 2015: "I'm not a virtuoso, but I was able to write songs that people could identify with. I don't think I've done bad for a guy from Slab Fork, West Virginia."
He won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for four more.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori.
