The music of Bill Withers can definitely speak for itself as a timeless collection of songs, perfect for 1971 with it’s mix of gritty southern R&B, introspective and politically charged lyrics, and even a touch of Woodstock hippie vibes.   But his debut album, “Just as I Am” has a very underrated role in the history of landmark albums by DIY artists who circumvented the major label system.   Bill discusses how he was put off by the LA star machine and wound up landing at Clarence Avant’s startup indie label, Sussex Records.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog