First things first. Watch this.

I know what you are thinking right now:

If I could be just half as cool as drummer James Gadson on that first pan of the camera, life would be all sunshine.

Right?

Bill Withers first album featured the fine group of gentlemen you see in this clip (James Gadson on drums, Benorce Blackmon on guitar, and bassist Melvin Dunlap). They were also part of The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, whose fine contribution to music made it possible for NWA to sample their track "Express Yourself" for their hit track in 1988 with the same name.

Bill made history with this track landing him a grammy award for best rhythm and blues song in 1972, and in 1974 he was part of the delegation of afro-american musicians who went to Zaire (now DR Congo), as part of the music festival accompanying the fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali — The Rumble in The Jungle.

Also. Orange turtleneck. Bill, you fashion icon you!