Venerated musician, cultural ambassador and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie recently released his long-awaited memoir, “Truly.” In it, he gets personal, offering a glimpse into his life. The memoir brings to life his formative experiences as a boy growing up in racist Jim Crow Alabama, which left him often anxious and disoriented. Through all of that adversity, Richie has gone on to reach unprecedented success as a musician. He’s won four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe — and most recently an Academy Award. In 2022, he took that legacy up another notch when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Across his memoir, Richie muses on the fears and insecurities of his childhood. He was raised in a musical home, where his grandmother’s classical training instilled an appreciation for artistry. He had a difficult time with the craft and even confesses that he was unable to read music. He notes, “You know, it was just everything was ‘kinda,’” illustrating the uncertainty that accompanied his artistic journey.
Richie’s life changed forever when he became a member of the funk band The Commodores. He got initiated as a freshman at the then-Tuskegee Institute, and this was in the late 1960s. This incredible moment catapulted him into the music industry. He would later go on to write and produce such timeless classics like “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “All Night Long.” His legacy is the best selling artist of all time with more than 125 million albums sold worldwide.
The memoir chronicles Richie’s personal and professional encounters with famous musical idols. One artist, Marvin Gaye, played a crucial role, giving him sage advice when he was feeling low. Gaye told him, “There is an answer to this. Don’t go lookin’ for it. Just accept it.” This truth rings loud and clear through Richie’s story, as he learns to confront his fears as well as his victories.
Richie has obviously gone on to have a wildly successful musical career. He’s been a great public servant as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol,” inspiring thousands of aspiring artists for eight seasons and more to come. His presence on the show reflects his commitment to nurturing new talent while sharing his extensive experience in the industry.
Richie understands that even with all he’s accomplished, the questions about his journey are not going away. He candidly states, “Listen, I don’t know, and I’ve asked God that several times,” indicating a deep introspection about his path and purpose in life.
