March 9, 2025
Town of Beckley will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the brand new plaza and statue.
Legendary singer and songwriter Invoice Withers will obtain two new recognitions by the West Virginia city of Beckley. The acclaimed musician, who was born in close by Slab Fork, will get a brand new statue and plaza devoted in his honor.
Based on WV Information, town will additionally host a dedication ceremony to unveil the statue and plaza on March 28. Contained in the Invoice Wither Plaza, positioned in Beckley’s downtown space, a 7-foot-tall statue will show the singer’s likeness. The ceremony will even carry out visitor audio system and efficiency, together with a rendition of Withers’ hit tune “Lean On Me” carried out by college students and workers at an area center college.
The plaza will honor Withers’ contributions to the humanities and music with interpretive indicators, musical playground devices, and public artwork installations. His spouse, Marcia Withers, can also be anticipated to attend the statue dedication.
The Invoice Withers Statue committee introduced the installment to fruition. Members hope the statue and its accompanying plaza will carry tourism into the realm because it remembers one in every of its legendary figures.
Though born in Slab Fork, Withers’ mom raised him within the neighboring metropolis of Beckley. Upon graduating from Stratton Excessive College, he went on to serve within the Navy. After almost a decade within the army, Withers moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical ambitions.
He went on to launch classics resembling “Aint No Sunshine,” Beautiful Day”, and “Simply The Two Of Us” with Grover Washington Jr. The mutli-Grammy winner’s contributions led to his induction within the Songwriters Corridor of Fame and Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame.
Whereas Wither noticed success outdoors his time in Beckley, he nonetheless remained related to town that raised him. Earlier than his demise in 2020, he ceaselessly returned to attend highschool reunions. He additionally purchased a further house proper outdoors the city.
In 2024, Withers posthumously acquired the Hometown Legend award at a Gala within the county. On the occasion, a household pal recited the phrases Withers as soon as stated concerning the potential of younger individuals from smaller areas.
“The problem is to get younger individuals who develop up in locations like West Virginia to take the boundaries off of themselves, and notice there’s no magic that any person else has on the planet that they don’t,” quoted Michael Lipton, as reported by The Actual WV. “They’re simply individuals – and man, that’s loads.”
Town has additionally hosted a Invoice Withers Memorial Pageant since 2021. Celebrating his life and music, the competition will proceed this June with the plaza serving as its everlasting location. The musical competition will even characteristic stay efficiency by native artists impressed by the timeless artistry of Withers.
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