Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has announced Who Is He And What Is He To You?, a musical salute to the iconic singer-songwriter Bill Withers, due out November 27, 2026, on vinyl as a Record Store Day Black Friday exclusive. The new tribute album features performances of Withers’ catalog, including “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lovely Day” and “Lean On Me”, rendered by Ruthie Foster, Rickie Lee Jones, Ben Harper, Chris Pierce and more special guests.
Proceeds from Who Is He And What Is He To You? will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a charity that helps musicians and industry members in need of health care and all-around aid.
Along with the news, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.’s rendition of “Just the Two of Us” is out now.
Of the track, McCoo and Davis, Jr. have stated:
Bill Withers was an amazing talent. A brilliant artist, songwriter and a dear friend. We made music together … we toured together during our original 5th Dimension years. It is a special privilege to join this nonprofit and these gifted producers by celebrating in song.
Produced by Grammy-winner Sheldon Gomberg, Who Is He And What Is He To You? has been five years in the making and is the latest installment of tribute albums from Sweet Relief benefiting the music charity.
Over half a century since his debut, Bill Withers’ songs still echo as touchstones in the American musical experience. Withers’ empathetic approach to music led to many accolades during a prolific career including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, a Soul Train Hall of Fame award, two NAACP Image Awards and induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
In 2007, “Lean On Me” was enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the 2015 Class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder. Withers tragically passed away on March 30, 2020 at the age of 81.
Sheldon Gomberg says:
His songwriting was genuine, simple and straight-ahead — just honest. You relate to him. I’d known the big hits since I was a kid and loved those songs. And they’re still standing the test of time.
Who Is He And What Is He To You? A Sweet Relief Tribute to Bill Withers Tracklist:
1. “Grandma’s Hands” – Ruthie Foster
2. “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Rickie Lee Jones
3. “Ruby Lee” – Jonah Tolchin
4. “Use Me” – Lady Blackbird
5. “Who Is He And What Is He To You?” – Ben Harper
6. “Sweet Wanomi” – Charles Jones
7. “Kissing My Love” – Eric Gales
8. “Harlem” – David Ryan Harris
9. “Same Love That Made Me Laugh” – Chris Stills
10. “Lean On Me” – Beth Hart
11. “Hello Like Before” – Alethea Mills
12. “Better Off Dead” – Chris Pierce
13. “Lovely Day” – Eli Smart
14. “Lonely Town, Lonely Street” – Chavonne Stewart
15. “Just the Two of Us” – Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.
16. “Friend of Mine” – Jade MacRae
17. “I Don’t Want You On My Mind” – Buffalo Nichols
18. “World Keeps Going Round” – Sugaray Rayford
19. “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” – Jeff Young
20. “Hope She’ll Be Happier With Him” – Tina Schlieske
