Bill Withers Returns With First New Song In 32 Years

Ladies and gents, Bill Withers' is back.

After a 32 year hiatus, Bill Withers is back with a new music release. The newly released song is a cover of Little Jimmy Dickens' "(You've Been Quite a Doll) Raggedy Ann," which will appear on a 16-track tribute album for Dickens titled The Rhinestone Hillbilly. The cover serves as Withers' first solo recording since 1985, when he dropped his eighth and final album Watching You Watch Me.

WATCH: A Mini Documentary On Bill Withers' Tribute At Carnegie Hall

Two years ago Okayplayer co-presented Lean On Him, a Bill Withers Tribute at Carnegie Hall. The special event featured performances from Anthony Hamilton, Valerie Simpson, Aloe Blacc, Ledisi, Gregory Porter, Keb’ Mo’, Michael McDonald, Steve Jordan, Willie Weeks, and Dr. John. Okayplayer also produced a mini documentary about the tribute, which included Withers himself talking about what it takes to perform at Carnegie Hall.

"I don't know. You do something and if somebody invites you, you come," Withers said. "What does it take to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. You can't invite yourself. You have to be invited."

Listen to Withers' cover of Dickens' "(You've Been Quite a Doll) Raggedy Ann" below. You can also purchase the album here via Bandcamp.