Bill Withers remains a towering, gentle, and deeply revered figure in music history, responsible for some of the most universally cherished soul anthems ever written. It is no surprise that timeless classics like “Just the Two of Us” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” earned him two Grammy Awards and rightful induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
To honor his extraordinary legacy, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming 50th-anniversary release of Naked & Warm on a stunning limited blue vinyl edition, available for pre-order now via Music On Vinyl.
A Bold Era of Musical Transition
Released in 1976, Naked & Warm was Bill’s fifth studio album and his first project with Columbia Records after his longtime home, Sussex, ceased operations. While the record retains the earthy, intimate approach to soul that made him a superstar, it also showcases an artist stretching his creative boundaries.
The record weaves sophisticated jazz-funk vamps with the nearly 11-minute cosmic masterpiece “City of the Angels”—featuring biting Rhodes chords, swirling synth pads, and the sublime spiritual harp work of Dorothy Ashby. Often overshadowed only by the sheer volume of his earlier blockbuster records, Naked & Warm is widely celebrated today as one of Bill’s most brilliantly underrated and adventurous artistic statements.
Highlights
- Deluxe sleeve with linen laminate finish
- Includes 4-page booklet featuring lyrics and new liner notes written by Marcia Withers
- Bill Withers’ fifth studio album featuring the singles “If I Didn’t Mean You Well” and “Close To Me”, as well as “City Of The Angels”
- With soul-jazz icon Dorothy Ashby on harp
- 50th anniversary edition of 1500 individually numbered copies on translucent blue coloured vinyl
Head over to the official Music On Vinyl Store to secure your pre-order today and ensure delivery around the release date!
Official Release Date: November 27, 2026 (Retail Price: €23,99)
