Lionel Richie is one of the most heard voices and most seen faces across the entire planet, and will be highlighting a star-packed Closing Ceremony for The World Games in Birmingham on Sunday night. The singer first gained worldwide fame by leading The Commodores before finding further success as a solo musician. He co-wrote the celebrity-filled charity anthem “We Are The World”, along with countless other hits that impacted millions. Richie had a Number One Hit every single year from 1978 to 1986 - in other words, the man is a certified superstar. What are some of those spectacular singles you ask? Classics like “Three Times A Lady”, “Still”, “Lady” (with Kenny Rogers), “Endless Love” (with Diana Ross), “Truly”, “All Night Long”, “Hello”, and “Say You, Say Me”. “Easy” is easily one of the best songs centered around the day of the week, and is always fun to play while cooking breakfast on a Sunday morning. His more recent years in entertainment look different, with the superstar highlighting as a judge on American Idol. The musician now gets to support others while having his own fame introduced to millions of new fans.
Many people may be surprised to learn that such a globally-known celebrity was born and raised right here in Alabama, but that is the case for Lionel Richie. Lionel was born in Tuskegee and grew up on the campus of the Institute (now Tuskegee University). His family was intertwined in historical settings from the moment he graced the earth, with Richie’s grandfather working with Booker T. Washington on campus. Lionel Richie would eventually enroll in his hometown college (partially thanks to his skills as a tennis player), and would soon pick up the saxophone and meet a group of musicians that would eventually form The Commodores.
The group reached national heights in the early 70s after they won the opportunity to open for The Jackson 5 on tour. It wasn’t long before The Commodores signed with Motown and started releasing hit records. The band started with a more dance-centered sound but as they grew older and wanted to produce timeless tracks the sound shifted to ballads. Lionel Richie made the decision to venture out as a solo artist in the 80s, and quickly won his first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male with “Truly”. He would go on to set all sorts of records while scoring films and uniting the world through music.
Lionel Richie’s home state is always on my mind, even if it’s been a while since he has played a live show in Alabama. He recorded the hit “Deep River Woman” with the band Alabama (who is also playing in the Closing Ceremony and released a collection of duets with country legends titled “Tuskegee” after the town that raised him. When Lionel took a break from music at the end of the 80s, it also represented a return to Alabama. Rumor has it there may one day even be a Lionel Richie Museum in Tuskegee, and the musician was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1997.
The star’s performance at Protective Stadium on Sunday is a monumental moment for our city and state, but at its deepest level it’s a reunion and a celebration of the things that make this place so wonderful. Alabama is glad to welcome Lionel Richie back to a homegrown stage!
Cover image from lionelrichie.com
