Lionel Richie (b. 1949)

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Biography

Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and television personality. He rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores; writing and recording the hit singles "Easy", "Sail On", "Three Times a Lady", and "Still" with the group before his departure. In 1980, he wrote and produced the US Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Lady" for Kenny Rogers.

In Their Own Words (5)

Thanks for the timesThat you've given me.The memories are all in my mind.And now that we've comeTo the end of our rainbow,There's somethingI must say out loud.You're once, twiceThree times a lady.

Three Times a Lady (1978). , 1978

Here we are out here, me and you.Reaching out to each otherIs all that we can do.Here we stand trying not to fall.There's no need to worry,Love will conquer all.

Love Will Conquer All, co-written with Greg Phillinganes and Cynthia Weil. , 1986

You mean the world to me Oh I know I've found in you My endless love.

Endless Love (1981). , 1981

I need you, and with your love I'm free And truly, you know you're alright with me.

Truly. , 1982

And love and, love I'll be a fool For you, I'm sure. You know I don't mind...

Endless Love (1981). , 1981

Timeline

The story of Lionel Richie, told in moments.

1968 Life

Joins the Commodores while a freshman at Tuskegee. They start as a funk band opening for the Jackson 5. Richie gradually steers them toward ballads. "Easy" and "Three Times a Lady" become some of the most-played songs of the 1970s.

Was steering the Commodores from funk to ballads intentional? Did opening for the Jackson 5 teach you about stardom? Were 'Easy' and 'Three Times a Lady' the songs you were meant to write?

1982 Event

Releases his self-titled debut solo album. "Truly" hits number one. He's now competing with Michael Jackson and Prince as a solo act. Outsells both of them some weeks.

Was competing with Michael Jackson and Prince terrifying or exhilarating? Did 'Truly' at number one prove you belonged solo? How did you outsell both of them some weeks?

1985 Event

Co-writes "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson. Forty-five artists record it in one night at A&M Studios. A sign on the door reads: "Check your egos at the door." The single raises over $80 million for African famine relief.

What was the room like when 45 artists recorded 'We Are the World'? Did 'check your egos at the door' actually work? Is $80 million for famine relief your greatest achievement?

2022 Legacy

His face becomes an internet meme. "Hello, is it me you're looking for?" gets plastered on doorbells, welcome mats, and ceiling tiles worldwide. He leans into it. Sells custom pillows of his own face. He's in his seventies and somehow more relevant than ever.

Does your face on doorbells and welcome mats amuse or bewilder you? Is being a meme at 70 the strangest kind of relevance? Were the custom face pillows your idea or someone else's?