Lionel Richie Article

Why did Lionel Richie leave the Commodores?

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

Lionel Richie’s departure from the Motown-signed Commodores began with his collaborations with country musician Kenny Rogers, for whom he wrote and produced “Lady” in 1980, and pop-soul singer Diana Ross, with whom he recorded “Endless Love” in 1981. Richie’s popularity rose quickly, and the release of the album Lionel Richie in 1982 marked the start of his solo career.