Stevie Wonder pays tribute to the late Bill Withers as he performs Lean On Me during One World concert
Stevie Wonder took part in the star-studded broadcast of One World: Together At Home live concert on Saturday night.
In a nod to his friend and musical colleague, the legendary singer performed the late Bill Withers’ classic song, Lean On Me, before he transitioned to one of his own tunes Love’s In Need Of Love Today.
Event curator Lady Gaga kicked things off with an emotional rendition of the Nat King Cole classic Smile, before the reigns were tossed to Wonder.
Legend: Stevie Wonder, 69, took part in the One World: Together At Home concert that aired on aired on multiple networks and streaming services on Saturday
Sitting at his home piano, Wonder first shared a few thoughts about Withers, who passed way from heart complications on March 30 at the age of 81.
‘During hardships like this, we have to lean on each other for help,’ he began with obvious emotion.
‘My friend, the late Bill Withers, has the perfect song for that, and I want us to remember him tonight.’
Paying tribute: Sitting at his home piano, Wonder first shared a few thoughts about his late friend Bill Withers, before delivering a rendition of his classic 1972 song Lean On Me
Emotional times: Partway through Lean On Me, Wonder transitioned to his tune, Love’s In Need Of Love Today
And on this night, with people all over the world watching and in need of comfort during these uncertain times, the Michigan native gave a stirring version of the timeless 1972 classic.
It wound up to be Withers’ first song to reach number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hip Albums chart, and has subsequently been covered by a slew of other singers and artists over the decades.
The One World: Together At Home concert, which was hosted by late night talk show stars Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, aired on multiple networks and streaming services.
RIP: Bill Withers, who wrote the classic Lean On Me, passed way from heart complications on March 30 at the age of 81; he is shown in 1972, the year his song hit number one
Wonder and Withers were longtime friends and colleagues; they are pictured in April 2015
Gaga helped organize the event to help raise funds for the World Health Organization and Global Citizens.
Some of the other high-profile names to appear included the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, and Alicia Keys, among others.
At last check concert has raised $50 million, according to Billboard.
Making a difference: Lady Gaga, who also performed, helped organize the global event to help raise funds for the World Health Organization and Global Citizens