Legendary soul man Bill Withers passed away last month and left with us with a timeless catalog of touching and inspiring ballads.
We Still With Bill, a music video that not only pays homage to Withers but aims to raise awareness and money for those on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, premiered on Thursday and includes some of today’s most notable R&B and neo-soul artists. The video compilation features several musicians singing a rendition of one of the late legend's classics, “A Lovely Day.” It was recorded remotely with Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn, Omar, Anthony David, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine, Kindred, Algebra and Cam Anthony all lending their immense talents to create an effortless vibe.
Withers’ "A Lovely Day" is a simple and powerful testament to finding joy in what could feel like the darkest times. The video for the track doubles as a homage to three organizations that are providing support to frontline workers and unrestricted grants to impacted artists and activists: Protect All Workers, The Artist + Activist Relief Fund and Dear Frontline.
“As an artist, Bill Withers crossed genres of blues, R&B, soul and jazz to create a catalog that is treasured and frequently covered by generations of artists all over the world,” David said in a press release sent to Blavity. “With his passing and especially in this moment, his words and melodies invoke a sense of solace and healing and deliver a message of love and hope that is sorely needed.”
The musicians who contributed to the project are a jaw-dropping array of mainstays and newcomers to soul.
“We’re so grateful to each artist for donating their time and talent to celebrate Bill Withers and help raise public consciousness around ways to support everyday people and families through this global crisis. Even amidst all of the devastation and suffering around us, we hope his words serve as a joyful reminder that lovelier days lie still ahead,” said one of the video's producers, Wyatt Closs.
Protect All Workers is an organization aligned with the Service Employees International Union, which calls for elected representatives to “act with urgency to protect all workers, no matter their race or where they are from.” The organization has created petitions that outline demands over a variety of industries that include health care, airports, security and sanitation in an effort to expand access to health care and economic support for all working people.
The other organization the video gives praise to is the Artist + Activist Relief Fund, which is providing unrestricted grants between $250 to $750 to struggling artists and activists across mediums. To date, they've sent out more than $150,000 in grants to 462 artists and activists. As art can be a bright spot in the roughest of times — much like the We Still With Bill project — Dear Frontline is a digital postcard hub where internet users can browse an online gallery and send a message of appreciation to healthcare workers while choosing artwork and designs created by everyday visual artists.
Enjoy the video and be sure to have a lovely day.
