John Legend Crooning "Lean on Me" with Bill Withers & Stevie Wonder is Legendary

In 2015, The Voice Coach John Legend joined forces with two soul icons: Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder, to sing one of Withers' greatest hits: "Lean on Me." 

During their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, where Withers was inducted, Legend effortlessly played the piano and crooned in a rich tone. Wonder then jumped in, riffing away. Withers came onstage as the crowd went wild, and sang the chorus.

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What to know about "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers

Released off of his 1972 album Still Bill, "Lean on Me" reached the number one position on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2021, Rolling Stone placed it on the 236 position on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. With a straightforward chord progression, the lyrics tell the importance of having a community during times of struggle. 

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The lyrics to "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow

But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill
Those of your needs that you won't let show

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

John Legend poses backstage on the set of The Voice; Stevie Wonder performs onstage during MusiCares Persons of the Year Honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 03, 2023; Bill Withers poses for a portrait session in 1985 Photo: NBC/Getty Images

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry

I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me
If you need a friend
(Call me)
Call me (call me)
If you need a friend
(Call me)
If you ever need a friend
(Call me)
Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me)

If you need a friend
(Call me)
Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me) Call me
(Call me)