Shore Fire MediaBill Withers will be the subject of a tribute concert October 1 at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall. A diverse group of musicians will perform his work including Michael McDonald, Sheryl Crow, Dr. John, country singer Kathy Mattea, soul man D’Angelo and young English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
The tribute to Withers — who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year — comes with a twist. In a nice bit of symmetry, the artists will perform his 1973 album Live at Carnegie Hall in its entirety. That recording featured 14 songs including classics like “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Grandma’s Hands” and “Use Me.”
More artists for the concert, which has been dubbed “Lean on Him: A Tribute to Bill Withers,” are expected to be announced soon. Withers himself will be in attendance though it’s not clear if he will perform; the singer hasn’t released a studio album since 1985 and has shunned the spotlight in recent years. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Stuttering Association for the Young.
Ticket information is available at Musicof.org.
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