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Lean on Me by Bill Withers

An enduring classic whose message of support and friendship became the backdrop to the Covid crisis and Black Lives Matter protests in the US.

An enduring classic which delivers a message of support and friendship. Never more so than in 2020 when it has been the musical backdrop to the Covid crisis in the UK, and at Black Lives Matter protests in the US.

Andy Greene, a senior writer at Rolling Stone magazine, tells the remarkable life-story of Bill Withers.

Composer, Neil Brand, explains how the simplicity of this track is what enables it to pack such a strong emotional punch.

Sara Morrell is a nurse whose version of Lean On Me, recorded quickly at home as a way of cheering-up colleagues, caught the attention of some big names in the music industry.

Sharmila Bousa organised a community flash-mob to show support to her local shops in Westbury-on-Trym, South West England which had suffered a spate of armed-robberies.

Arianna Evans has become a voice of the Black Lives Matter protests. She recalls a powerful moment at one of the Washington DC rallies where local singer, Kenny Sway, sang Lean On Me creating a memorable and much-needed moment of joy and unity.

(Photo: Bill Withers, 1973)

Available now

27 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 27 Apr 2022 03:32GMT
  • Wed 27 Apr 2022 04:32GMT
  • Wed 27 Apr 2022 10:32GMT
  • Wed 27 Apr 2022 21:32GMT
  • Wed 27 Apr 2022 22:32GMT
  • Sat 30 Apr 2022 01:32GMT