Lionel Richie Was At His Best at the Circus Maximus!
On December 4, living music legend, Lionel Richie performed at the Caesars, Circus Maximus in Atlantic City. Though some might know Lionel Richie for being the father of TV personality Nicole Richie, the singer has been active and influential in the music industry for over 40 years. Lionel has sold a massive 100 million albums all around the world.
Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Lionel Richie graduated from the historically black Tuskegee University. Attending Tuskegee would also be instrumental in Lionel getting his start in music. In 1967, Lionel along with several other freshmen at the Tuskegee University would form The Commodores. The group would go on to become a popular Motown soul and funk group, with Lionel performing as the lead singer and saxophonist. Richie was also responsible for writing some of the groups most popular tones, mainly romantic ballads. Richie wrote “Easy” in 1977, giving the group crossover success thanks to the tracks country and western roots. “Three Times a Lady” released in 1978 and “Still” released the following year further showcased the writing skills and unique vocal style of Richie.
With his group success, Richie began writing songs for other musical talent including the number 1 smash hit “Lady” for Kenny Rogers in 1980. Richie’s biggest song during the era would be “Endless Love” a duet that paired up Richie with another Motown legend, the incomparable Diana Ross. The massive hit released in 1981 topped the charts for 9 weeks and was nominated for an Academy Award for its inclusion in the film of the same name starring Brooke Shields. The singles success helped Richie launch his solo career, releasing his debut album, Lionel Richie in 1982. The album featured three top 5 singles including the number one hit, “Truly” an easy listening ballad.
Richie’s second album, Cant Slow Down, would sell over 20 million copies around the world and win a Grammy award for Album of the Year. The fun Caribbean inspired dance track, “All Night Long” was released as the first single, becoming a number 1 hit. His third single “Hello” a soft ballad about unrequited love is the tune Richie is probably most known for. Richie often performs both songs during concert performances.
For his third studio album, Dancing on the Ceiling, Richie would score big. “Say You, Say Me” would be featured as part of the soundtrack from the White Knights film of 1985 and would win a Golden Globe and Oscar. Richie continued to release new albums through out the 1990s and into the millennium, mainly composed of Contemporary R&B tracks. Though now 60, Richie has not slowed down. Richie’s latest album, Just Go was released in May of 2009. New collaborations with hot hip hop artist such as Akon show the diversity of Richie and the respect and admiration that current artist have for the musical genius.
Though other artist has covered many of Richie’s songs, the original is still the best!
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