José James Kicks Off Tribute Tour to Bill Withers This Week

Legendary singer/songwriter Bill Withers will celebrate his 80th birthday this year, and José James is paying tribute to him in the best way.

The critically acclaimed contemporary jazz and R&B musician is embarking on a two-year tour that is vetted by Withers himself. Along with the support of an awesome hand-picked band that consists of Sullivan Fortner (keys), Brad Allen Williams (guitar), Ben Williams (bass), and Nate Smith (drums), James will bring Withers' songbook alive for audiences around the world.

"His songs reflect a love for community and unification," James said about Withers. "His music respects elders, values mentors, and explores male vulnerability. What better way to bring light to the world while challenging the racist, fascist, and sexist status quo?"

In anticipation of the tour, James shared two live performance videos of "Hope She'll Be Happier" and "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh." Watch below.

Lean On Me: José James Celebrates Bill Withers kicks off January 11 at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC. Get tickets here. In addition to the tribute tour, James will also perform a set of shows next month in celebration of the 10th anniversary of his debut album The Dreamer. Check out all show dates below.

1/11: New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge (tickets) *
1/27-2/3: Blue Note at Sea Cruise (tickets) *
2/5: New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (tickets / tickets) ^
2/6: New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (tickets / tickets) ^
2/7: New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (tickets / tickets) ^
2/8: New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (tickets / tickets) ^
3/2: South Orange, NJ @ South Orange Performing Arts Center (tickets) *
3/3: Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater (tickets) *
3/4: Port Washington, NY @ Landmark on Main Street (tickets) *
3/16: Aspen, CO @ JAS Cafe (tickets) *
3/17: Aspen, CO @ JAS Cafe (tickets) *
5/10: Santa Cruz, CA @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center (tickets) *
5/11: San Francisco, CA @ SFJAZZ, Miner Auditorium (tickets) *
5/14: Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou's Jazz Alley (tickets) *
5/15: Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou's Jazz Alley (tickets) *
5/16: Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou's Jazz Alley (tickets) *