Historical Figure
Lionel Richie
b. 1949
American singer (born 1949)
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"The View Interview on American Idol at Home During COVID" — 2020
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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.
Timeline
The story of Lionel Richie, told in moments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Their Own Words (20)
You know sometimes I sit and wonderJust how this world would beIf we had all the people laughingAnd everybody living in harmony.We'd have to say se la se la.Talking to the people se la, se la.
Se La, co-written with Greg Phillinganes., 1986
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
We were running with the night;Playing in the shadows.Just you and I,Till the morning light.
Running with the Night, co-written with Cynthia Weil., 1983
Hello!Is it me you're looking for?I can see it in your eyes.I can see it in your smile.You're all I've ever wantedAnd my arms are open wide.'Cause you know just what to say.And you know just what to do.And I want to tell you so much;I love you.
Hello., 1983
Stuck on you.I've got this feeling downDeep in my soulThat I just can't lose.Guess, I'm on my way.Needed a friendAnd the way I feel now I guessI'll be with you till the endGuess I'm on my wayMighty glad you stayed.
Stuck on You., 1983
Artifacts (15)
Truly. Die Autobiografie: Die lang erwartete Autobiografie der Musiklegende Lionel Richie – Deutsche Ausgabe
Die persönlichen Memoiren des Welt-Stars Truly ist nicht nur die Geschichte eines der größten Musiker unserer Zeit – es ist die schonungslose, zutiefst persönliche Reise eines Menschen, der...
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