Bill Withers Acceptance Speech at the 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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  • čas přidán 3. 04. 2020
  • Bill Withers Acceptance Speech at the 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
    Dive into Bill Withers' full Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/bill-withers and watch all videos, read from his official Hall of Fame program bio and view an image gallery from the big night and archival materials.
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Komentáře • 495

  • @josh0g
    @josh0g Před 4 lety +563

    "Stevie Wonder knows my name, and the brother just put me in the hall of fame." Beautiful.

    • @bryannec5370
      @bryannec5370 Před 4 lety +3

      I was going to write that one down. Good one! :)

  • @benjones6103
    @benjones6103 Před 4 lety +564

    If Bill Withers is not the definition of "cool" then I don't know cool.

    • @rooseveltdavis9559
      @rooseveltdavis9559 Před 4 lety +24

      You can say that again my friend. Bill is the coolest of the coolest. RIP Bill.

    • @CeCe-yo3el
      @CeCe-yo3el Před 4 lety +13

      Right. Cause he smooth as hell.

    • @dtv1966
      @dtv1966 Před 3 lety +4

      @@rooseveltdavis9559 I was going to say the same thing. I bet if you look in the dictionary under cool Bill Withers picture will be there.

    • @haleyrichardson8818
      @haleyrichardson8818 Před 3 lety +3

      Handsome too. RIP Bill 💗

    • @brendahess104
      @brendahess104 Před rokem +1

      @@rooseveltdavis9559 emotional.

  • @rrf85
    @rrf85 Před 4 lety +333

    Withers: Hold on that teleprompter.
    Stevie Wonder: I didn't use it!
    hahahahah

    • @azznbad1
      @azznbad1 Před 3 lety +9

      That has to be one of the best lines ever at an induction. Stevie still got it going on. lol

    • @julieelizabeth510
      @julieelizabeth510 Před 3 lety +3

      I love it!

    • @linda653
      @linda653 Před měsícem

      I was wondering what Stevie said. Thanks.

  • @5CBGB
    @5CBGB Před 4 lety +410

    The best induction speech ever. So eloquently written and spoken.

    • @fionadublin7848
      @fionadublin7848 Před 3 lety +10

      Nothing written about that.

    • @bobmattos9449
      @bobmattos9449 Před 3 lety +5

      Fiona, there was minimal written, the rest came from the heart.

    • @CupofCloud
      @CupofCloud Před 2 lety +4

      he’s the real deal. i get warm happy tears thinking about him

    • @Charleybones
      @Charleybones Před rokem +1

      Bruce's intro to U2 is very good too.

  • @brgreg8725
    @brgreg8725 Před 4 lety +389

    I will never stop telling people how they should listen to this gentleman’s music

    • @ladyteeeee670
      @ladyteeeee670 Před 4 lety +7

      Br Greg me either. People are missing out

    • @unexpectedvixen5685
      @unexpectedvixen5685 Před 3 lety +2

      People are missing out

    • @taleinz1
      @taleinz1 Před 3 lety +1

      53 years old . Known a few of his songs , but boy I will look more into his music

    • @BBPalmer420
      @BBPalmer420 Před rokem +1

      Even his deep cuts like Sweet Wanomi .. Bill was the real deal

  • @afrosoul1369
    @afrosoul1369 Před 4 lety +283

    The best acceptance speech ever. Class act . Rest In Eternal Peace Still Bill

    • @lindalyte7307
      @lindalyte7307 Před 4 lety +6

      @AfroSoul👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
      I agree ....Best ever!! Mr.William Harrison WithersJr.( One Cool Brother😎😎, who in my most humble opinion.... was very underrated!!) " Lean on me" Use me", " Ain't no sunshine when she's gone", Grandma's Hands", Lovely Day".....just to name a few💫💫
      An intellectual, humorous man... with a Soulful voice, an individual who came on the scene in his 30' s left the recording industry not to long after....this honor was ....well deserved. His songs are.....Timeless🍃🍃
      Rest in Peace, my Brother😔😔

    • @knaziringram4589
      @knaziringram4589 Před 4 lety +3

      Amin AfroSoul Amin!

    • @afrosoul1369
      @afrosoul1369 Před 4 lety +5

      Linda Lyte You ain’t never lied 🤥

    • @afrosoul1369
      @afrosoul1369 Před 4 lety +1

      K Nazir Ingram Ameen

    • @iamhere1315
      @iamhere1315 Před 3 lety +1

      @@lindalyte7307 PREACH⚘

  • @chuckybaby1973
    @chuckybaby1973 Před 4 lety +113

    "Who else came here with a Legend and a Wonder?" what a classic line.

  • @Adulteducation8
    @Adulteducation8 Před 2 lety +76

    That is the most incredible, beautiful, straightforward, no bullshit, honest, down to earth, funniest, and touching speech that has ever been recorded. And of course those adjectives can be applied to the man who gave that speech.

  • @congofall
    @congofall Před 4 lety +205

    Mr. Bill was such a profound musician and songwriter, and his songs are still relevant today. “Besides who else came here with a legend and a wonder”. RIP

  • @caymin4677
    @caymin4677 Před 4 lety +132

    Your music will help us get through these times

  • @DetroitLives313
    @DetroitLives313 Před 4 lety +177

    I would have loved to have seen this a while back, but now he's gone. Why now? My condolences to the family of Mr. Bill Withers. I've loved your work since the early 70s. Rest in peace and thanks man.

    • @tinecrinec4769
      @tinecrinec4769 Před 4 lety +7

      They are posting it now because the Hall is a crock of shit, they truly don't care. It seems they purposefully wait until the inductees die to post their inductions.

    • @DetroitLives313
      @DetroitLives313 Před 4 lety +7

      @TineCrine C Right on! You know you're right! It's just exploiting the death of a well loved artist to get views. I'm sure the members of his family that could not be there that night would have loved to see this in 2015!

    • @deejones8196
      @deejones8196 Před 4 lety +2

      I saw it on CZcams back then. This quality is definitely better.

    • @trysometruth
      @trysometruth Před 4 lety +3

      Yeah could we please not use this as yet another means to vent and rant? CZcams has enough of that. Just celebrate the artist.

    • @tinecrinec4769
      @tinecrinec4769 Před 4 lety

      @@trysometruth you are clueless

  • @coldwinter5710
    @coldwinter5710 Před 4 lety +129

    The sun will ALWAYS shine for you Mr. Withers! Time for you to rest now. Your job is done here...and your work will live on forever. 🙏💗

  • @lionheartroar3104
    @lionheartroar3104 Před 4 lety +87

    Bill was an amazing storyteller. Spoke from the heart...no script or hesitation. Brilliant man R.I.P.

    • @TouchofShunshine
      @TouchofShunshine Před 3 lety +4

      I love being around old people like him who can spin a yard so great.

  • @antonioallen1763
    @antonioallen1763 Před rokem +24

    My God.. He may have started his career later than most but the talent and genius was already in him. What a wonderful singer/song writer. To have graced us with his presence. You don't need to be a Stevie Wonder or Whitney Houston to hear a gifted artist. They may have one more accolades early in their lives but it does not take away from this LEGEND.

  • @moondawg3693
    @moondawg3693 Před 4 lety +10

    "Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend and I'll help you carry on".
    Thanks Mr Withers for being my hero.

  • @photographerjonathan
    @photographerjonathan Před 4 lety +58

    what a special man, I could listen to him going off script all day long. and you can't get more classic than his songs.

  • @rsears78
    @rsears78 Před 4 lety +99

    Glad he was alive to see this, great, humble man

  • @stedye
    @stedye Před 2 lety +30

    Love his phrase : Each form of music has its own constituency. Well deserved honor to this Brilliant songwriter.

  • @brgreg8725
    @brgreg8725 Před 4 lety +55

    This is one of those “ ABOUT GD TIME” moments!! How Mr Withers took this long is mind blowing!” RIP YOU WONDERFUL LEGEND

  • @karenbaumgartel6077
    @karenbaumgartel6077 Před 4 lety +67

    So witty, down to earth and on the ball! Condolences to his family, rest in peace Mr. Withers!

  • @gregcantelli594
    @gregcantelli594 Před 4 lety +41

    That's how you tell a story.

  • @wcreview8227
    @wcreview8227 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Just one of the greatest acceptance speeches EVER

  • @KennCramerHanberg
    @KennCramerHanberg Před 4 lety +17

    "Who else came here with a legend and a wonder"- Brilliant remark

  • @msve3730
    @msve3730 Před 8 měsíci +4

    This is a man that has lived his life to the fullest. Slow and steady and just an all around cool cat.

  • @carlosbambos
    @carlosbambos Před 4 lety +23

    I could listen to that voice for hours.

  • @beyourself2444
    @beyourself2444 Před rokem +15

    His music is like poetry, he’s so beautiful, earthy and amazing.

  • @geebus83
    @geebus83 Před 6 měsíci +3

    I love this man. I aspire to be this kind, articulate and authentic.

  • @wuodbonde
    @wuodbonde Před 4 lety +34

    Eloquent, classy, smooth, warm and funny. His style of communication in both music and speech.

  • @brgreg8725
    @brgreg8725 Před 4 lety +31

    One of the few times the R&R HOF got it right & put this underrated legend in his rightful place before it was too late!!

  • @Frank4evers
    @Frank4evers Před 4 lety +25

    Man, that's the best speech of all times. RIP. BILL WITHERS

  • @deborahann5791
    @deborahann5791 Před 4 lety +47

    RIP Mr. Withers....Thank you for you Lovely songs!

  • @peggyoneill5288
    @peggyoneill5288 Před 4 lety +40

    RIP See ya when I get there . You were a great man. I grew up in southfield. And your music. ❤

  • @chiefd3290
    @chiefd3290 Před 4 lety +24

    That is how you deliver a speech! Bill Withers' music will live on.

  • @roberthayes9842
    @roberthayes9842 Před rokem +3

    When you think and talk like a poet your probably Mr Bill Withers RIP Bill

  • @kevinc764
    @kevinc764 Před 5 měsíci +3

    An ordinary man that created extraordinary songs RIP. STILL BILL

  • @timallbritton7329
    @timallbritton7329 Před 4 lety +37

    I'm in tears. What a story - what a legacy.

  • @johncopeland3826
    @johncopeland3826 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Man , his family are so proud of him . The look of love and happiness on their faces was brighter than sunshine .... Beautiful .

  • @julieannemichelle
    @julieannemichelle Před 4 lety +47

    I love Bill!!! I saw a documentary on him . I think it was called Still Bill.

    • @locadisa
      @locadisa Před 4 lety +6

      Its hidden away on you tube(for now) for those who havent seen it.

    • @julieannemichelle
      @julieannemichelle Před 4 lety

      Akoben Renaissance I loved it!!!! I really got to know Bill and why he didn’t create more music.

    • @aubreyscott4979
      @aubreyscott4979 Před 4 lety +1

      platinumblondie I saw it,!it was touching, magnificent and marvellous.

    • @JoeVideoed
      @JoeVideoed Před 4 lety +1

      @@aubreyscott4979 Me too. Was sad to see he couldn't find his own father's grave due to neglect.

  • @keithbutler9466
    @keithbutler9466 Před 4 lety +30

    "Used to babysit the Melvoin sisters." Wow. Those kids were lucky.

  • @christhompson6010
    @christhompson6010 Před 2 lety +4

    I like the way his acceptance speech gives people outside the industry a glimpse of what its like behind the scenes in the recording business. That its not all glamor and tabloid magazines. A lot of collaboration that goes on to create that winning hit that consumers dont know about.

  • @willer3399
    @willer3399 Před 2 lety +5

    Truly a master class on how to give an acceptance speech.

  • @gyanissimo
    @gyanissimo Před rokem +3

    …a brilliant man…thanks for all your music inspiration…🙏

  • @musicexpert2
    @musicexpert2 Před 8 měsíci +1

    God bless you, Bill Withers. Love your wit. Wish we had you for a longer time & that you'd given us more music. C'mon, Mrs. Withers! We know he was recording new songs! Release them!

  • @Bella_Mar
    @Bella_Mar Před 4 lety +44

    What a great storyteller! I could listen to him telling his tales for hours. A true legend! RIP, sir 🙏🏻

  • @angiedixon3230
    @angiedixon3230 Před 4 lety +39

    Rest in peace Legend!💞...Your music lives on....

  • @beliveausboys71
    @beliveausboys71 Před 4 lety +27

    RIP Bill Withers . The true mark of a musician .Induction into the Music Hall of Fame. The songs will live forever

  • @ronniethomas4857
    @ronniethomas4857 Před 4 lety +42

    Rest in peace Bill Withers! Thank you for blessing us with an incredible catalog of music that will live forever. From Ain't no sunshine to Grandma's Hands, Use Me, Just the two of us, and the amazing war song I Can't write left handed, we will remember your poetic songwriting / story telling simple yet profound. A man of wit, charm, humility, and class, your gift will continue to be treasured throughout many genre's of music forever.

    • @clumsiii
      @clumsiii Před 3 lety +1

      wo i never heard I Can't Write Left Handed before - thank you

  • @allanbahati1942
    @allanbahati1942 Před 4 lety +5

    This man was an incredible wordsmith. Proper play with words

  • @tinathomas8593
    @tinathomas8593 Před rokem +3

    I'm so glad he was alive to receive his induction into the Hall of Fame!!

  • @wcreview8227
    @wcreview8227 Před 8 měsíci +1

    OMG I didnt think I could love him any more than I did and he proved me wrong!! What an incredible human being!! Humble yet Monsterous, Funky, yet Qwirky, Just SOO deserving of this award and so much more... I wish I could have known him and played with himm.. Just one time of Use me up! or Lean on me!! UHH Im just overwhelmed ... God Rest his beautiful Soul

  • @Maggie-tq1du
    @Maggie-tq1du Před 8 měsíci +1

    He was such a talented good man❤

  • @Stressed2Capacity
    @Stressed2Capacity Před 4 lety +14

    I know you're in heaven Bill....it's a LOVELY DAY!!!

  • @davidmalik9821
    @davidmalik9821 Před 4 lety +5

    You know a guy is good when you actually forget some of his hits. And remember, he walked away from the business on his own terms. I, of course, have my favorite: "Use Me." However, that is only one gem in a mine and mind of a creative force. Rest in peace and power brother.

  • @hannahfleming563
    @hannahfleming563 Před 4 lety +162

    The one person who disliked clearly did not have a lovely day.

    • @onthehuron
      @onthehuron Před 4 lety +8

      And now there are three sad folks.

    • @brgreg8725
      @brgreg8725 Před 4 lety +15

      They must be some real A$$H@TS who have nothing better to do! Mr Withers only made quality classy music & never had controversy!! There’s not much to dislike there!

    • @onthehuron
      @onthehuron Před 4 lety +9

      @@brgreg8725True 'Dat! It is up to 7 now, some people have no taste in music or talent.

    • @wildwildben
      @wildwildben Před 4 lety +1

      Your mustache is killing my day

    • @hannahfleming563
      @hannahfleming563 Před 4 lety +2

      @@wildwildben bro that's Liza koshy

  • @We_know_somethings.....
    @We_know_somethings..... Před 10 měsíci +2

    "Stevie wonder knows my name, and the brother inducted me into the hall of fame." what a line

  • @shmuel08
    @shmuel08 Před 4 lety +9

    Can't get enough of that voice. A most cool dude. RIP

  • @terrenceragin5555
    @terrenceragin5555 Před 4 lety +15

    Rest in Power Bill Withers. So glad you got your flowers while you were alive..

  • @dextec49
    @dextec49 Před 2 lety +10

    Old school soul storytelling by the late Bill Withers. He is a legendary soul treasure, legend. Watts 103rd Street Band is legendary too. I love him going off script and given all genres of music their props. 🙏 Mr. Withers, RIH and to Stevie Wonder for being a classic Soul Brother as always.

  • @nicolaslegrand9379
    @nicolaslegrand9379 Před 3 lety +4

    Pardon my triviality: There's no comparison to his coolness and to the warmth of this man. It goes to the intimate. Raw yet so smooth, raw because stripped bare of any pretentiousness and gimmick. To me, putting on his music is like the ritual of going down to the cellar and choosing a fine wine to be shared with the only the finest of friends. His Carnegie Hall Concert? Oh the gem!!! Really miss him as some and I would have loved to see him. Luckily, I still listen to him and my gorgeous daughter and wife cherish the moments. I wouldn't have had it any other way! I absolutely love watching beat the rythm as Stevie plays his tune. Gorgeous moment!

  • @allisonmohon9662
    @allisonmohon9662 Před 8 měsíci +1

    They don’t make ‘em like Bill anymore ❤ what a speech!!!

  • @ryansyd4224
    @ryansyd4224 Před 4 lety +14

    Still can't believe he's gone, RIP legend

  • @msve3730
    @msve3730 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I am honored to hear this man's speech and am glad that he was still alive to accept it 🙏.

  • @locadisa
    @locadisa Před 4 lety +16

    Yes Bill. You made your mark in this world while some of us are still struggling to find it. Thank you for the wonderful soundtrack of my life! RIP Sir Bill

  • @michellewright99
    @michellewright99 Před 2 lety +2

    I had no idea Bill Withers was so witty, but also likeable. I really enjoyed this.

  • @justinwmusic
    @justinwmusic Před 3 lety +4

    Coolest cat that ever lived. Telling the story of his success and all the people and coincidences involved in the journey made for such a meaningful and useful speech for other aspiring pros.

  • @Livingjazzarchive
    @Livingjazzarchive Před 4 lety +5

    What an unbelievably great presence!

  • @cynthiaperkins5584
    @cynthiaperkins5584 Před 3 lety +3

    Talent PERSONIFIED...RIH Mr.Withers,Your voice and songs will live on forever.That smooth,cool voice will be imitated but never duplicated.

  • @nitat7350
    @nitat7350 Před 4 lety +3

    I've enjoyed Mr Withers music since childhood...His sound is second to none, bc his style & sound was original & great...
    Down to earth & mellow...Get you moving, but you listen & sing along...He was original & humble, & enjoyed the industry & many other singers"Stevie Wonder Knows My Name & The Brother Just Out Me In The Hall Of Game"
    👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
    Such A Class Act & He Is Missed...Thankful for His legendary Music He's Left For Us To Enjoy & Applaud 🎸🎙️

  • @lucyloose2841
    @lucyloose2841 Před 4 lety +13

    What a great man and musician ...

  • @Dara604
    @Dara604 Před 3 lety +2

    My father introduced me to this man and his music! "Grandma's Hands" is my favorite of his. It reminds me of my two grandmothers who are gone now, especially my father's mother, who I called Grammie. It was her favorite song as well. Thanks Bill! RIP, and I hope you are singing to my Grammie up there in Heaven.

  • @Perfection634
    @Perfection634 Před 4 lety +17

    Crazy wonderful speech. So happy he received this award. He has saved a lot of lives with his magic including me. He music will always bring miracles in everyone’s lives that hear his music. Bright blessings where ever you are in the hemisphere Sir Bill Withers.Namaste

  • @julieo6266
    @julieo6266 Před 4 lety +11

    Wow never knew he was in the Navy thank you for your service sir.

    • @stephenfiore9960
      @stephenfiore9960 Před 4 lety +1

      julieo6266 .......and he served before his music career...bet he was thinking of all kind of lyrics on the job...

  • @turdferguson400
    @turdferguson400 Před 4 lety +5

    I will miss Mr Withers for the rest of my life with all my heart and soul. Vale, beautiful man. Fly high with all the other angels. 💜

  • @CatmanBill
    @CatmanBill Před 4 lety +3

    Man, what a songwriter and singer.

  • @kurtadams3021
    @kurtadams3021 Před 4 lety +12

    The LEGENDARY Mr. BILL WITHERS

  • @sonicgrub
    @sonicgrub Před 4 lety +8

    Real Bill. Gonna miss you.

  • @NiGHTSaturn
    @NiGHTSaturn Před 2 lety +6

    I may have gotten into Bill’s music WAY too late, but at least, I enjoy his records as if they were released today. This man was a diamond. Sweet as sugar can be.

  • @brendalane9221
    @brendalane9221 Před 4 lety +24

    Thank you Bill Withers for sharing your amazing music with the world.

  • @Edotter
    @Edotter Před 3 lety +4

    This man had SO much class... and talent to boot. RIP.

  • @EgbertWilliams
    @EgbertWilliams Před 4 lety +5

    What graceful, humble gentelman.

  • @britturk123
    @britturk123 Před 4 lety +8

    What a wonderful speaker he was. R.I.P beautiful person and brilliant musical writer and singer of life.

  • @nadiag39
    @nadiag39 Před 4 lety +8

    Wow! Where I'm in 2015 that I miss this show.

  • @artturek4822
    @artturek4822 Před 4 lety +20

    Rest in Peace. Thank You for your beautiful music that took and I others away from our troubles and challenges and allowed us to get lost in your amazing talents.The ultimate compliment is that all these years later your music still is fresh, immediate, and amazing.

  • @JedBayes
    @JedBayes Před 3 lety +3

    Bill is the coolest man to ever live. I hope a movie of his life is made one day!

  • @kurtadams3021
    @kurtadams3021 Před 4 lety +14

    RIP LEGEND

  • @NestorV
    @NestorV Před 4 lety +17

    A great, humble speech from a great artist.
    RIP

  • @cl_the_loon
    @cl_the_loon Před 4 lety +19

    what a legend with an incredible voice and beautiful songs!!! R.I.P. Bill Withers

  • @Wesley_C
    @Wesley_C Před 4 lety +12

    Your songs of your best decades..It’s the amazing grace.
    RIP Withers 👍🏻🙏🏻

  • @adrianewton1192
    @adrianewton1192 Před 4 lety +17

    Thank you Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for this post... RIP Bill

  • @Michelle-06
    @Michelle-06 Před 4 lety +23

    RIP William Harrison Withers Jr.
    July 4th 1983 -March 30th 2020
    A true Legend Never is forgotten!
    My daughter said he is an Angel
    Yes he is!

  • @kylasmall9421
    @kylasmall9421 Před 4 lety +3

    His personality is gold! Xoxo

  • @melissadelapaz5684
    @melissadelapaz5684 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Best speech I've ever heard.❤

  • @Bobby_Digital37
    @Bobby_Digital37 Před 4 lety +6

    This was simply awesome!!! Rest In Peace sir!!!

  • @jesuspunzalan2631
    @jesuspunzalan2631 Před 4 lety +7

    i love you bud!!!
    i really miss you.
    thank you 4 everything bud!
    specially to all the word of wishdom and advice!
    mizz you bill!!!

  • @kevinm9412
    @kevinm9412 Před 4 lety +3

    There really isn't much better than watching this man's joy and love in a long deserved moment. Rest easy Bill, you will always be the coolest cat I ever heard.

  • @bobmattos9449
    @bobmattos9449 Před 3 lety +4

    Absolutely loved Bill's music as a young teenager, and to this day still listen to him quite often (I love technology). He was such a stand up man and a class act for sure. The "Sunshine" will never be as bright as it was with you here on Earth! Thanks for the music and the memories. RIP Mr. Withers.

  • @olufemiadeleye9462
    @olufemiadeleye9462 Před 2 lety +1

    "I will always remember the good things." Bill Wither

  • @davidgibbs7232
    @davidgibbs7232 Před 4 lety +10

    Lovely speech by a lovely man and a superb artist.RIP.

  • @rooseveltdavis9559
    @rooseveltdavis9559 Před 4 lety +3

    Rest in peace Sir Withers. Your recordings in the 1970's was unbeatable. Thank you for your beautiful music. From a long time fan directly to you my friend. farewell.

  • @canadianfloormasters
    @canadianfloormasters Před 5 měsíci

    Bill Withers Acceptance Speech is something we rarely hear or see, HUMBLE. My legends don't tell you they were great because the listening public knows it.