“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a soulful song written and performed by the American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was released as a single in 1971 and appeared on his debut studio album, “Just As I Am.”
Chords Used are in Standard C Tuning (GCEA).
Official Music Video
Did Bill Withers Play Ukulele?
Bill Withers was primarily known for his skill as a singer-songwriter and his ability to play the guitar.
While he was proficient on the guitar, there is no significant record or evidence to suggest that he played the ukulele. Withers’ musical style was rooted in soul, R&B, and folk, with his guitar playing serving as a key element in his compositions and performances.
The ukulele was not a prominent instrument in his repertoire.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” Ukulele Tutorial Video
“Ain’t No Sunshine” Song Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the song “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers:
- Songwriting and Recording: Bill Withers wrote “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1970 when he was working at a factory making toilet seats. He recorded the song for his debut album, “Just As I Am,” which was released in 1971. The song was produced by Booker T. Jones, known for his work with the band Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
- Short Song Length: “Ain’t No Sunshine” is known for its short duration. The original recording is just under two minutes and four seconds long. The repetitive and poignant nature of the song’s lyrics, along with the emotive delivery by Withers, made it impactful despite its brevity.
- “I Know” Lyrics: One of the most recognizable aspects of the song is the repeated phrase “I know.” Withers sings this line 26 times throughout the song, expressing the feeling of longing and the absence of someone’s presence.
- Chart Success: “Ain’t No Sunshine” achieved considerable chart success upon its release. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number six on the UK Singles Chart. It also reached the top 10 in several other countries.
- Grammy Awards: The song received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1972. Additionally, Withers won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, for his performance on the song. This recognition helped establish Withers as a prominent soul artist.
- Sampled and Covered: “Ain’t No Sunshine” has been widely covered and sampled by various artists across different genres. Notable covers include versions by Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Sting, and John Mayer. The song has also been sampled in hip-hop songs, including by artists like DMX, Tupac Shakur, and Jay-Z.
- Cultural Impact: “Ain’t No Sunshine” has remained a timeless and universally recognized song. It is often considered one of the greatest soul songs of all time and has been included in numerous “best of” lists. Its emotional depth, soulful vocals, and memorable melody have contributed to its enduring popularity.
- Other Achievements: In 2020, “Ain’t No Sunshine” reached one billion streams on Spotify, further highlighting its long-lasting appeal and continued popularity.
