Lionel Richie, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on June 20, 1949, became a celebrated American songwriter and singer. He first gained fame with the Motown group the Commodores. Later, he launched a successful solo career.
Richie grew up on the grounds of the Tuskegee Institute. He was part of the Institute's marching band. He even thought about becoming a priest before choosing music.
He joined the Commodores in 1968 as a singer and saxophonist. He wrote many of their hits, including "Three Times a Lady," "Easy," and "Fancy Dancer." In 1982, Richie started his solo career. He created classics like "All Night Long," "Say You, Say Me," and "Dancing on the Ceiling."
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Start Your News DetoxRichie's talent led other artists to seek his songwriting skills. Some of the songs he wrote or co-wrote might surprise you.
Surprising Songs Written by Lionel Richie
"Happy People" // The Temptations
This upbeat song was Richie's first big success writing for other artists. It showed that there was a demand for his work. Richie knew The Temptations well from their shared Motown label. He co-wrote "Happy People" with Donald Baldwin and Jeffrey Bowen.
The song topped the Billboard R&B chart. It also reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Missing You" // Diana Ross
Diana Ross, known as the "Queen of Motown," had a knack for great songs. Richie gave her strong material with "Missing You." This song became a milestone for Ross. It was her last single to reach the US Top 40 and her last to hit number one on the R&B chart.
Richie wrote the song in 1984 to honor Marvin Gaye. Gaye, another talented singer, had passed away earlier that year.
"We Are The World" // U.S.A. for Africa
"We Are The World" is one of the most famous songs of its time. This American charity single came out in 1985. It raised money for the famine in Ethiopia. The song was inspired by the British charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band Aid.
Like its inspiration, "We Are The World" featured many soloists. These included Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Ray Charles. Quincy Jones produced the song. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie co-wrote the lyrics and music.
"Brick House" // Commodores
Richie is known for his ballads and mid-tempo tunes. However, "Brick House" shows his more energetic side. This soul-rock song has become very popular over time. When it first came out, it reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also hit number 32 on the UK singles chart.
"Lady" // Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was a country singer who also had many pop hits. "Lady" appeared on his 1980 album, Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits. The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Adult Contemporary charts.
Its success greatly boosted Richie's career as a songwriter and producer for other artists. Richie later covered "Lady" himself on his 1998 album Time. He also recorded it as a duet with Rogers on the 2012 album Tuskegee.
"I Like It" // Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is one of the best-selling Latin artists ever. He has won five Latin Grammy Awards and one regular Grammy. He was named "Top Latin Artist of All Time" at the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
"I Like It" is from Iglesias's first bilingual studio album, Euphoria (2010). The song uses parts of Richie's 1983 hit "All Night Long." Richie even re-recorded his vocals for this single. Richie, Iglesias, Nadir Khayat, and Armando Pérez are credited as writers for the song.
"Liar" // Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello was a member of the successful girl group Fifth Harmony. She then became a top solo artist. Her 2018 solo debut album Camila reached the top of the US Billboard 200 chart.
"Liar" sampled Richie's "All Night Long," giving Richie a co-writing credit. This shows how well Richie's music can fit into and inspire modern songs.
