#544 - Lionel Richie on Writing “Hello” and “All Night Long” + What Michael Jackson Was Like + Meeting the Commodores and Not Wanting to Go Solo + What “We Are the World” Still Means to Him

On this episode of the BobbyCast, Bobby sits down with music icon, Lionel Richie at the State Theater in Austin, Texas to have a one-hour candid conversation about Lionel's new memoir titled 'Truly'. Lionel opens up like never before — taking us from his childhood in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the global stages that made him a household name. He shares how his grandmother’s wisdom shaped his outlook on life, the humor that helped him navigate the Jim Crow South, and the moment music truly became his purpose. Lionel looks back on the Commodores forming while in college, what it was like opening for the Jackson Five, and the stories behind timeless hits like “Hello,” “Lady,” and “All Night Long.” He also reflects on the magic of “We Are the World,” the sacrifices behind success, and why family still anchors everything he does.It’s a warm, inspiring conversation filled with laughter, lessons, and a few unforgettable stories from one of music’s most enduring legends.

Check out Lionel's memoir titled Truly HERE: He tells stories about his early life in Tuskegee, Alabama, being super shy as a kid, joining The Commodores, struggles, loss, faith and more.

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