Behind the Music

Lionel Richie

Season 1 Episode 51

December 20, 1998 60m Not Rated

In 1968, Lionel Richie left the self-sufficient black community of Tuskeegee, Alabama and headed for New York City with his college band, The Commodores. With their fluid funky grooves and outrageous costumes, they didn't go unnoticed for long; the group's big break came when it opened for the Jackson 5 on a world tour. They impressed all within earshot, and walked away with a Motown Records contract. The Commodores' first #1 hit was the lush ballad "Easy." It's success suggested the split to come. After "Three Times a Lady" and "Still" were embraced by the world, it was clear that Richie's remarkable voice was taking him toward a solo career. He continued to rise from there, seemingly unstoppable until a triple blow - the loss of his father, a tabloid scandal, and divorce from his college sweetheart - sent Richie into a tailspin of depression and reflection. Factor in a health scare during which he couldn't sing, and you have a real crisis. It took five years before Richie began making music again... and married his girlfriend Diane. After the birth of their son Miles, the singer says his "heart finally started working again." He also shares a tip for fledgling songwriters: "I Love You" never goes out of style. Richie's mother and his wife talk about the man, while Kenny Rogers and Dick Clark talk about the power of his songs.