US singer-songwriter Bill Withers has died at the age of 81.

He was best known for hits such as Lovely Day, Ain’t No Sunshine, Just The Two Of Us and Lean On Me. 

Bill’s family confirmed he died on 30 March in Los Angeles after suffering heart complications. 

In a statement issued to the Associated Press, the family said on Friday: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, 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.”

Bill began his musical career in 1967 with the release of his debut single Three Nights And A Morning, but it wasn’t until four years later that his breakthrough hit came with Ain’t No Sunshine, taken from the album Just As I Am. 

Bill continued to record and perform until 1980.

During his career, he won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for four more. 

He was also inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2015.