Legendary American ‘70s soul singer Bill Withers died on March 30 at age 81. His passing from a heart condition was unrelated to coronavirus even as his signature song “Lean on Me” has become another in a long line of inspirational songs being revived during the pandemic.

Withers was an unlikely star, having spent nine years in the US military before embarking on his music career, which would include a string of hits including “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lovely Day,” the latter including a famed 18-second-long held note, and the timeless “Lean on Me,” his only No. 1.

Despite walking away from the music business in the mid 1980s, Withers’ songs were frequently covered by other artists and were used in films. And the renowned ode to friendship “Lean on Me” was played at presidential inaugurals for Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Among his accolades were three Grammy awards (plus six more nominations) and induction (by Stevie Wonder) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Here is that touching performance, with Withers joining both Wonder and John Legend.