It was logical that Lionel Richie would build a career on the success of Commodores singles like 'Three Times A Lady', 'Still' and 'Easy'. As well as having titles that were easy to remember, these singles were mainly built on Lionel Richie's superb vocal performances. Richie wrote 'Lady' for Kenny Rogers and produced his album 'Share Your Love'.

In 1981, Richie sang the theme song for the 'Endless Love' film with Diana Ross, which was one of the biggest selling singles of the Eighties (and one of the most hated). This started his own personal record - a Number One hit in every year from 1981 to 1985 inclusive.

His self-titled debut solo album in 1982 generated 'Truly', which was another typically massive Richie ballad. The up-tempo single 'You Are' was Top Ten, as was the third single 'My Love'. The song' You Are' got a lot of airplay in Australia, and highlights Richie's ability to pull off an incredible middle eight section (he does the same on 'All Night Long').

In 1983, Richie put out the 'Can't Slow Down' album, which would dominate the airwaves whenever Michael Jackson wasn't being played. This album spent an unbelievable 59 consecutive weeks in the US Top Ten. It was the THIRD biggest selling album of 1984 and it clocked more than 20-million in sales. He won a Grammy for Best Album.

Richie appealed to an older demographic-- people who may have bought the 'Thriller' album for example, but who thought Prince was too risqué. His singles from this period-- 'All Night Long', 'Hello', 'Penny Lover', 'Running With The Night' and the Kenny Rogers soundalike 'Stuck On You' virtually defined the sound of AM Radio stations in Australia from 1983 to 1984.

Richie won an Academy Award for his song 'Say You, Say Me', from the 1985 'White Nights' film. In that year, he sang the opening lines to the 'We Are The World' single, which was co-written with Michael Jackson.

In 1986, Richie put out the 'Dancing On The Ceiling' album, with a title track which still excites certain people who like "something to dance to" ('All Night Long' is better). It was another big seller, and also featured the rather excellent song 'Ballerina Girl'. It was his last huge-selling album. Richie continued to release LPs in the Nineties but while they got their share of acclaim, they didn't get the same sales attention in The United States. He did, however, remain strong in Europe, and he's reportedly a GOD in Arab countries, where he's several gigs in the 2000s.

In 2006, Richie returned to the Top Ten in The United States with his single 'I Call It Love', from the 'Coming Home' album.

-    DW

Get more musical insights with David Weber every Tuesday on the 720 ABC Perth Drive program, and you can read about the artists he has previously featured.