Lionel Richie has spent the last seven years helping mold music’s next generation as a judge on American Idol. And he’s well positioned to do so after a wildly successful career spanning nearly six decades. Selling more than 100 million records worldwide, Richie has given us such timeless hits as “Hello” and “All Night Long.” And soon, the singer, songwriter, producer and TV personality will add yet another title to his repertoire.
Videos by American Songwriter
Lionel Richie Will Publish “No-Holds-Barred” Memoir
No doubt, Lionel Richie has seen some things in his 75 years. From growing up on the campus of Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute during the Civil Rights Movement to penning the best-selling single “We Are the World,” the former Commodores member has lived a rich life.
Soon, fans will be able to read all about in his own words. Richie’s memoir, Truly, hits shelves this fall.
Named for his 1982 debut solo single, Truly chronicles Richie’s rise to fame as co-lead singer of the legendary Motown group Commodores. But lest you think the book is merely a highlight reel, the “Easy” singer also delves into his experiences with ADHD, his father’s death, two divorces, and a vocal chord injury that nearly ended his career.
“It’s all in there,” the four-time Grammy Award winner said during a Feb. 27 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
[RELATD: The Lionel Richie Lyric for a Commodores Hit Inspired by Some Brokenhearted Buddies]
Richie Jokes About the Book’s Working Title
Speaking with Kimmel, Lionel Richie explained, “So, I got to tell you the problems we had on finding the title, because I started writing the book, and the editor would say, ‘No, this didn’t happen. That can’t be true. This has got to be a lie.’
He continued, “And so I thought, maybe I make the title of the book Can’t Make This S— Up.“
When that didn’t work, Richie dryly suggested, “‘Lies, Lies, And More Lies: The True Life Story of Lionel Richie.“
“So what is the other side of a lie?” Richie continued. “Truth. Truly.”
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll get the entire truth. “You told me once that you couldn’t write a book until some people died,” Kimmel said. “So who died?”
“Actually, they ain’t dead yet,” Richie admitted with a chuckle. “So I had to be gingerly around certain certain areas. You’re still going to get the truth, but… not as colorful as I would like it to be.”
Featured image by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.