Bill Withers, an American soul singer popularly known for timeless classics such as Lean on Me has died aged 81.

Withers’ family told the Associated Press that Bill succumbed to heart problems in Los Angeles on Monday.

Part of the family’s statement read:

We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father.

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.

Lean On Me has recently become associated with the Coronavirus pandemic, with many people posting their own versions to support health workers.

Condolences from fellow musicians are being sent to Withers’ family.

Bill stopped recording music in the mid-1980s but his songs remained a major influence on contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

• BBC