top of page
Search
Writer's pictureJosina Hooks
Feb 28, 20192 min read

HELLO! IS IT ME YOUR LOOKING FOR?



One of the most iconic singers in America, Lionel Richie has influenced the music from R&B, Soul, Pop and county for 40 years. In 1968 Lionel was a founding member of the Commodores, a local college band from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). In 1972 the Commodors caught the eye of Mowtown records as an opening act for the Jackson 5. Lionel was co-lead singer during the groups most successful run from the late 70s through the early 80's with Lionel crooning the lead on favorites "Easy", "Three Times A Lady, and "Still".


Looking to distinguish himself from the Commodores, in the late 70's Lionel was writing songs that attracted other singers to record. One of the biggest songs that the Commodores rejected was "Lady." When country singer Kenny Rogers recorded "Lady" it hit #1 and became the first record of the 1980s to chart on all four of Billboard magazine's singles charts - country, Hot 100, adult contemporary andTop Black Singles. Lady was a very important song for both Lionel and Kenny as it sparked a friendship that lasted decades with Lionel even producing Kenny's Album "Share You Love" in 1981 and later they would recorded "Lady" as duet in 2012 on Lionel's Album "Tuskegee."


In 1982 Lionel left the Commodores and started his solo career. His first solo album produced the number one hit, "Truly" as well as top 5 hits "My Love" and "You Are". The next year would see Lionel soar into international stardom when the album "Can't Slow Down" released, winning Lionel his first Grammy (album of the year) and 5 American Music Awards. "Cant Slow Down" featured the #1 hit "All Night Long" that Lionel preformed at the closing ceremonies of the XXIII Olympic Games in Los Angeles.


Lionel would go on to collaborate with his friend Michael Jackson on the hit charity single "We Are The World" which won him another Grammy in 1985 and raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa (in today's economy would equal to $144 million.) In addition to his work with "We are the World", Lionel is involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Activism and has raised millions of dollars for the cause.


For decades Lionel's world wide popularity has reached across multi generations and today with his 70th birthday just around the corner, he has once again reached a new generation as one of the mentoring judges of American Idol in the 2018 ABC relaunch of the franchise. He has returned for the 2019 season along with fellow 2018 judges Luke Bryan and Katy Perry.


Orlando is one of the 5 remaining cities on Lionel Richie's schedule through the end of August. If you can get to the Orlando event, try one of these other concert dates:



24 views0 comments

Comentários

Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page