He is the ONLY PERSON in HISTORY to Have a #1 HIT for 9 YEARS STRAIGHT! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your PICK for the BEST GREATEST HITS ALBUM by an ARTIST or BAND?

[@peterd.9978]

Air Supply (Band) Phil Collins (Artist)

[@Code.Name.V]

Guano Apes - Planet of the Apes: Best of Guano Apes

[@TerrickTerran]

Beach Boys

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Best of The Doobies

[@killrmillr]

Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-1978

[@johnmaynardable]

My personal favorite Lionel Ritchie story goes something like this. I lived in Los Angeles for about 20 years. I was an actor and I worked on a lot of film & TV. One of the side jobs I worked was with a murder mystery dinner theater company. We did shows at conventions, people's homes and some pretty classy restaurants. One of the restaurants was a very nice Italian restaurant smack in between Beverly Hills and Century City. This company had the cast spread around the room, sitting at tables with our audience, and pretending to not be a part of the show. So I was playing a husband with my wife sitting at a table with some audience members. That night, this would have been in the late 1990's, we had Lionel Ritchie and his family sitting at one of the tables close to mine. So the show started and when the detective came in to investigate the 1st murder he started questioning the people in the audience. A little bit later my wife was murdered (we usually averaged 3 "murders" per show), and the detective stood me up to answer some questions. This part of the show was scripted, but we were allowed to improvise. I answered his questions, but began to get more emotional than I usually did. I apologized for my emotions and explained that it was because my wife was "Once...Twice...Three Times A Lady." I actually sang the last part. By the time I got to Twice Lionel Ritchie started pounding on his table and laughing out loud. The audience roared when I sang the title of the song. When we finished the show and the whole cast got a curtain call I made a point of going over to Lionel Ritchie. I asked him if I owed him any royalties for quoting his song. He cracked up and said no, he thought it was a riot. He was a very nice guy.

[@melanieshaw3210]

That's awesome!

[@2352anne]

John, great story. Loved it.👍

[@2352anne]

John, loved your story. 👍

[@debbieomi]

What a fun experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@gwestfall]

So witty

[@atoz9405]

My brother knew a couple that went to Las Vegas. He wanted to keep gambling and she wanted to go to the room. So she went to the room. Was in the elevator and a man and his dog got in the elevator with her. She was a bit nervous and then the man said hit the floor lady. So she instantly dropped to the floor. Turned out the man’s dog was named Lady. And that’s what he said to have the dog lay down. The guy busted out laughing. Obviously she was a bit embarrassed. The next day when the couple checked out of the motel. There was a note that said. Thanks for a great laugh. Your room is paid for. Lionel Ritchie

[@syebethel]

Such a cute story .... I gawked in the middle of my laughter 😂

[@lughnagh]

"This man really knew his way around a #1 ballad." And since he finished the song "Lady" while on the toilet, he knew his way around a #2 ballad as well!

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Well done!😅

[@beenaplumber8379]

Oh that's so sick it's profound! Nice one!😀

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha!

[@Joreel]

😱

[@curtisnorris868]

That's incredible multitasking. Writing a song while taking a shit.

[@cowboyupdrummer]

He is definitely one of the greatest pop song writers/artist of all time. Been a fan since the Commodores days of the 70’s. I’m so glad I finally got to see him in concert just a few weeks ago. And at 70 something, let me say he did not disappoint! He played everything you can imagine from his obvious solo hits to even the Commodores hits he didn’t sing lead on. His concert was nothing but great and memorable….hit after hit. He even performed “We are the world” which as you know, he co-wrote with MJ He also did the DR duet “Endless Love” and had the crowd singing Diana Ross’ part….how cool is that. I think everyone loves Lionel ❤🎹🎤

[@chipdamutt108]

Saw him and "Earth, Wind, and Fire" a month ago. Their musicianship and stage presence blow today's performers out of the water

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

EWF still performing? Gotta send this to my mom

[@melanieshaw3210]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980going to see them July 16 in Cleveland (area) with Chicago😊

[@marktait2371]

yes ewf saw 3 or 4 times they came to.our local area once a yesr always entertaining band current tour chicago ads on radio.too far away but would be great to attend

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@melanieshaw3210 Oh yeah my mom might have gotten tickets already!

[@melanieshaw3210]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980$20 during Live Nation Concert Week!!

[@aManOnaJourney]

Will be cool seeing Lionel Richie sing All Night Long during the closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles........ 44 years after his iconic 1984 performance. This needs to happen!!! #LA2028Olympics #LA2028

[@eclecticx]

Such an amazing talent was Lionel Ritchie. Simply incredible. Love All Night Long!

[@jessehayes486]

When he performed this for the closing ceremony of the 1984 LA Olympics, he extended it for so long, but we couldn't turn it off. The joy and celebration had become infectious. It was just fun to see how long he would sing it. He could have sung it literally, all night long.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We all hoped he would sing it all night long!

[@Brian-oi2br]

Weirdly enough, I think of this performance often. It is my greatest memory of the LA Olympics - but for a different reason. With over BILLION people reported to be watching, after a couple of verses Richie is joined by a bunch of street dancers on stage. At the time I was obsessed with the art of popping and locking but it wasn't more than 20 seconds after they first appear that you see one of the dancers do a bit of a face plant right on camera. It looked like it probably hurt, and a few seconds later another one slipped in the same spot. At the time I felt so bad for them - the most eyes he will ever have on them, and they wipe out, an epic fail. So whenever I hear that song I think of that first guy, and wonder if that moment affected his life, or if he managed to shake it off. In any case, I wish that person well, and hope they went on to better moments

[@playnicechannel]

His performance of “All Night Long” at the closing ceremony of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a truly, truly magical ending of a magical Olympics. So proud of my city even now. The joy of the athletes dancing and marching around to Ritchie’s amazing performance was one of those pinnacle moments you can never forget if you experienced it.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 All Night Long. A gynecologist. Sometimes the jokes write themselves. 😂😂 Lionel Ritchie is an American treasure. Loved his work in the Commodores. Thanks Professor. Great shirt.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

❤❤

[@LazyIRanch]

I always thought "Three Times a Lady" could have been used as a commercial jingle for Weight Watchers.😜 His song, "Stuck on You" would have made an effective jingle for Band-Aid brand.😉

[@rogerdeahl9629]

​@@LazyIRanch 😂

[@BillGraper]

If you listen to "Still," make sure it's the FULL version. To me, it's absolutely perfect!!! I hate how they have to cut songs for radio. They cut out a HUGE chunk of this song. When I discovered it, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. ☺

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Gynecologists don't cure insomnia. Lionel's last name is spelled Richie, not like in the great disco group The Ritchie Family. Yes, The Commodores ruled. Have a nice day. 🙂

[@coyote4237]

Lionel was such a "bad dog". Loved everything he did with the Commodores, and his solo stuff. Such an amazing artist.

[@williambenner701]

He was a Hit Machine for sure! A amazing artist!❤ I was in LA during the Olympics and his performance was the talk of the town!

[@karaokekraziness3891]

I thought that Lionel Richie was one of the greatest songwriters of all time! Everyone loved his music. He had an amazing way of breaking through genres like few others could.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@Chapps1941]

I didn't / don't love his music

[@warrenstrachan9765]

I agree, along with Stevie Wonder & the Bee Gee's

[@Fiona2254]

I like his stuff, I don’t love it. I don’t think I have any of his songs in my list so obviously I can live without it. But that’s my take and taste. I also do not like Bruce Springsteen…meh

[@johndoe-ln4oi]

I agree. I think Lionel Richie and Billy Joel are the two most prolific and versatile solo song writers of that era. I love them both.

[@otmargreb6110]

Nothing but love for Lionel and Commodores!

[@joelcopeland3018]

Lionel Richie is absolutely one of the greatest ever...

[@sleepyhollow783]

Mr. Lionel Richie. Such a talent! He shows the flawed premise of the "cultural appropriation" talk. People should be able to celebrate cultures they value & esteem without the prejudice of malicious intent.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed! He means no harm.

[@Joreel]

He just couldn't go wrong back in the 80s with any song he put out no matter what sound he used. I remember back in the 80s he was the guy you just didn't turn down if he asked you to join him.

[@dimonmark]

We do. And we shall. "Jambo!"

[@bobdavis4848]

@@Joreel Until 1987, when he put out a country single and a reggae single and they broke his string of 13 Top Ten hits in a row.

[@guntherdawg]

@@bobdavis4848 oh my goshes, so closes to 14 Top Tens Hits buts so fars!

[@LambentLark]

"She's a brick, house. She's mighty, mighty, just letting it all hang out." Can't not dance to it. Makes every woman feel fine

[@speedracer2336]

He was not lead singer on this Commoders hit.

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love Lionel Richie's music both with the Commodores and as a solo artist. I bought his Can't Slow Down Album when it was released in 1983. I've watched some of his most recent concert videos on KZbin. He always closes his shows with "All Night Long (All Night). It's always been one of my favorite songs of his and, in my opinion, his best feel-good, party song. Never knew this story behind this classic 80's hit. Again, as I said before, that's why I regularly come to this channel.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I bet he’s a blast in concert.

[@anthonylowman9518]

I met him too, had to be around 86. He had pulled up to the magazine stand I was at and the cashier asked him how they filmed “dancin on the ceiling.” He very politely answered and described it. Then paid for his magazine’s and left.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome artist! Lionel Ritchie has always been one of my favorites! My lifes playlist wouldn't be complete without The Commodores and Lionel's music! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sarahs5340]

My favorite day of the week is Sunday. Every once in a while the song “Easy like Sunday Morning” will stick in my mind reminding me to chill out and not let the pace of daily life run me over.

[@davidlsmith3864]

The Great SONNY JAMES also had a Number #1 Hit for 9 Years straight (many times More than one #1): 1964 "You're the Only World I Know"; 1965 "Behind the Tear"; 1966 "Take Good Care of Her"; 1967 "Need You"; "I'll Never Find Another You"; "It's the Little Things" (3 !!!!); 1968 "A World of Our Own" "Heaven Says Hello"; "Born to Be with You" (another 3 !!!!); 1969 "Only the Lonely"; "Running Bear"; "Since I Met You Baby"; "It's Just a Matter of Time" (4 !!!!); 1970 "My Love"; "Don't Keep Me Hangin' On"; "Endlessly" (another 3 #1s !!!!); 1971 "Empty Arms"; "Bright Lights, Big City"; "Here Comes Honey Again" (3 again); 1972 "That's Why I Love You Like I Do"; "When the Snow Is on the Roses"

[@annagaw5312]

Lionel Richie brings back all the warm memories of my adolescence and love for music, dance and MTV.

[@geriwilson1458]

One of my favorite LPs. I love Lionel Richie's voice and music.

[@TerrickTerran]

Just a reminder how amazing that time was for music with Every Breath You Take, Say Say Say, Uptown Girl, Karma Chameleon as well as All Night Long and Hello.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A phenomenal year!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A great stretch, 83 and 84!

[@guntherdawg]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 1982 also for those who celebrates!

[@daviddavid9837]

I had the privilege of seeing a Lionel Richie concert. It was, surprisingly, the best show I ever saw. He had the audience in the palm of his hand for what was a 2-hour singalong. He even jokingly stopped the performance and scolded the audience for that, saying the show was titled Lionel Richie, not "Sing Along With Lionel Richie." I was shocked that I knew every song that night. And the words.

[@jimgsewell]

“Way to party, oh we going” is my favorite line of the song. Also, you forgot to mention the Commodores best song, Brick House. Those two songs are guaranteed to fill the dance floor, even to this day

[@ericleiter6179]

I remember those days in 1984...what a year for music! Does anybody else remember that episode of the American Music Awards where Lionel took home like half a dozen trophies? I totally remember his multiple acceptance speeche(s) where he kept saying "Outrageous!!!" Does anybody else remember that??? Good times, great song and album that never gets old and still makes you happy.

[@mbd22803]

All Night Long All Night is one of those songs when it comes on you can't help but to turn it up. Lionel is one of the best performers, songwriter's and showman in the music industry.

[@fredgroenke2586]

My favorite is Easy Like Sunday Morning. Commodores favorite is Brick House.

[@beenaplumber8379]

Both of those are Commodores songs, and they are my two faves too! Late 70s Commodores were all slow & easy, early, funk!

[@natureboy1313]

My favorites are: 1) Jesus is Love 2) Sail on

[@borisblvd5354]

Having Lionel through the speakers would really set the tone, whenever we would bring girls over..Billy Ocean too. Billy Ocean really is Caribbean. He's also super cool. Probably up for an interview.

[@bartbluemusic]

Lionel Richie's "Can't Slow Down" was a must-have album for me back in the day. Well, it still is actually LOL. I never knew this about "All Night Long (All Night)" though. Learned something new today! Always loved Richie's music. :)

[@heathmelrose3914]

My 40th birthday present was a concert in Lucca Italy with EWF and Lionel Ritchie. Best concert I ever attended. Stay gold, Lionel!

[@tnrodgers]

I worked at a restaurant and Lionel’s music was constantly on the soundtrack. All night long I’d burned into my memory like a CD. Thanks Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@garyjackson3531]

All Night Long was HUGE. Back in the 80s we were on vacation in the Bahamas and as we went to a small island for a day trip and cookout, the boat we were on had a live band playing All Night Long... the whole trip! It might have been the only song they knew! Still, a great song. Thanks for the information behind it Professor.

[@stinkypinkeee5085]

This song was the first time I heard the phrase "Raise The Roof"...a magical song for the ages...you CAN'T be in a bad mood while it plays, that's the magic!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so true!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a bad mood killer indeed. I need it especially today.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

You might want to listen to some Parliament/Funkadelic then, specifically 1975’s “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker),” as those phrases (raising a roof to tearing the roof right off!) have long histories, and of course Lionel knew the funky origins and King of Funk George Clinton very well…lol. Great songs!

[@skylx0812]

Such a perfectionist he brought the recording of We Are The World to a screeching halt by insisting that lyrics be added in Swahili. The American performers from the different genres balked and a huge argument erupted. Some even walked out. There can be such a thing as too much dedication to your craft.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And THIS is why Waylon Jennings never appeared on the record. Wow.

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

It was Stevie Wonder who wanted the swahili, Waylon did walk out but since they'd already recorded some lines with him he's still credited as a performer. He may have saved the song from having a major duh moment since they don't speak swahili in Ethiopia

[@57WillysCJ]

Funny you mentioning Lionel at the 84 Olympics as this morning I pulled out some pictures of a much much younger me sitting next to a 1984 olympic gold medal. I worked for the company that produced them. They were produced for free, because the companiy was able to produce all of the partcipating companies awards that year with the Olympic logo. I always try to encourage people by letting them know, the only difference between a bronze, silver or gold medal is a thin layer of electroplate. A third place has most of the medal. It's the way I feel about great singers who don't have a chart topping hit. They are there and that is what matters.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love that!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Well stated!😅

[@byhsu6140]

Lionel Richie has so many good songs, one of my favorites is Dancing on the Ceiling.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Remember that video?

[@byhsu6140]

@@ProfessorofRock yes, I think they were dancing on the walls and ceiling of a house.

[@Autumn_Forest_]

Not only is he uber-talented, but he is also super nice and quite the looker! 😍

[@LazyIRanch]

He is handsome! I've always loved his elegant fashion style, nobody was a sharper dressed man than Lionel in the 80s!

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's a great guy!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He and his daughter look amazing.

[@Itisfinished403]

Lionel Ritchie & the Commodores were my favorite band growing up in the 70s early 80s after he left the band he continued to soar. I am forever grateful for his musical career ❤

[@Zippy-I-O]

From the Commodores through the Solo Career...Lionel Richie one of a kind. Filled the Radio for years. Still LOVE the smooth groove and easy to sing and dance across the generations.

[@simbaking6338]

Lionel Richie....Legendary musician, songwriter, producer, & of course singer...It was his name that the world greatest soccer/football player Lionel Messi got his name from. as his dad was & still a number one fan of Lionel Richie.....(for those who didnt know).

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Lionel is such a versatile singer/songwriter. To go along with #1's in R&B, Soul, pop, writing "Lady" also recorded a top 10 country song with Alabama "Deep River Woman"

[@RBS_]

....and, Lionel became the first Dude to have TWO SONGS (on the same single) in the Pop Top Ten AND Country charts (March 1987), when "Ballerina Girl" / "Deep River Woman" were out...in the same WEEK! .....That trailblazer, that Lionel.....

[@Lam_3-22-23]

@@RBS_ I did not know that. Wow, thanks

[@BillGraper]

I think "Stuck On You" also hit the country chart.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Somehow or other, it escaped me until recent to 2024 that Lionel is the writer of the final Diana Ross top 10 single, "Missing You", written as a Marvin Gaye tribute.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

​@@BillGraperit did. It was his first song to hit the country charts

[@areneesouder]

That's probably my favorite Lionel song, especially to dance to. It's a happy, joyful vibe. 💜😎💃💜

[@BlindGordie]

My memory of this song was hearing it in 1983 and 1984 at school. For some reason, it was used as part of our parents day presentation in May 1984 and the idea was for each class in our division of the school to do a presentation on various countries throughout the world. My class did Australia and I wish I could remember which country was being presented, with this song as a part of it.

[@JM-ft5ip]

I have grown to love POR. I forgot how much I love Lionel. His friendship with Kenny is Epic, but man, Lionel had so many great songs!

[@SteveEdwardCooper]

Dancing on the Ceiling, the video where he recreated a famous Fred Astaire moment, is my fondest memory of him. It was so cool to see him pay tribute to a great performer of a previous generation and add his own twist to it.

[@Debra-wx7jt]

My niece was a toddler when Dancing on the Ceiling came out. When ever the song came on she would go to the nearest wall lay on her back and tried to get to the ceiling so she could dance. Never made it lol. And would cry when the song was over.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I thought that concept was laughable, but at least Fred was honored.

[@ChrisSmithh-dn8xs]

Sail on is a great song. So many emotions in one little tune.

[@williamhall1659]

Not only is Lionel's catalog overflowing with hits, I saw him in Memphis last month, and at 74Y/O his stage performance was world class, truly one of the greats.

[@aivehn]

I remember the song "All Night Long (All NIght)" as having been very popular at the time I first deployed to Panama in 1983. It was all over the radio down in Panama, bringing familiarity to my first foreign deployment in my Army uniform. The song has always brought a smile to my face. As you say, it is a joyous elebration of life!

[@MikesOrganicVideos]

One of my favorite songs and videos ever. It makes you feel good, and Lionel says Fell Good, Feel good in the song. It’s an all-time classic.

[@cybersean3000]

@ProfessorofRock Jambo Rafiki is a Swahili greeting which loosely translate to "Hello friend." If LR is inspired by Swahili, then "Hey Jambo Jambo" maybe an attempt to say "Hey Hello HI" I think this is possible because he has another song named "Hello" and this may have been a theme developing in the back of his mind.

[@corazondelosreyes3949]

Yes, Lionel Richie has more soul touching love songs that I wouldn’t get tired,listening to!❤️❤️❤️

[@ruthzamarripa6058]

All Night Long will always remind me of the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics 😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great performance!

[@matthewblackwood4704]

My uncle Mack Vickery doesn't get the credit he deserves in country music, he's from Alabama also. One of only 3 other songwriters in country to have a hit in the top ten in 6 consecutive decades

[@williambarry8015]

Just looked him up. Hes pretty good. He got into the Alabama music hall of fame so thats a huge honor.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This is the first time I’m hearing of him. What a storied career.

[@marktait2371]

yes old records here sure have some by him maybe bradleys barn not sure

[@jzenick]

Jambo is very well used in Kenya. It's a happy greeting or even a goodbye like Aloha.

[@catherine6653]

I have 'Can't Slow Down ' record in my collection. All Night Long is a fun track. I remember when Lionel won the Grammys. He shouted, Outrageous!

[@RBS_]

....WRONG, Lady Catherine.....Lionel was Nov., 1983, Debarge was April 1985, and HoJo was July 1986...the Top 5..... 5. Nasty -MISS Jackson 4. No One Is To Blame - HoJo 3. Who's Johnny - EL DeBarge 2. Holding Back The Years - Simply Red 1. There'll Be Sad Songs - Billy Ocean ....close enough, though! ...ha-HAA!

[@catherine6653]

Thanks, I will edit ​@@RBS_

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Yes he did. "Rhythm Of The Night" was by the group DeBarge, not El DeBarge solo. "No One Is To Blame" peaked at #4, so it was also one additional song keeping that great song out of the #1 spot.

[@chrisrj9871]

@@RBS_ - *I guess HoJo means "Howard Jones", then?

[@RBS_]

@@chrisrj9871 ...DIEHARDS have been callin' him that since 1981... ; )

[@richardwright8898]

Bob Marley and the Wailers were once the opening act for the Commodores. In the “Marley” documentary, Marley’s manager asserted that it should have been the Commodores performing the opening act for Bob Marley and the Wailers rather than the other way around. I am not sure whether it is folklore or not but it is alleged that Bob Marley would out-perform and out-shine the Commodores on stage- transfixing and riveting the crowd who would scream for more from Bob Marley. It would not surprised me that the seed was then sown in Lionel Richie to create the “All Night Long” sound to reflect the profound influence of Bob Marley.

[@Rorschachqp]

This song is so popular worldwide, especially amongst men, it was in the US Army's musical arsenal for calming local populace down after combat is over. They did this in Iraq during the 2nd Persian Gulf war.

[@truecolours412]

Nice timing for me because I just watched The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix and it was so cool to see Lionel and all his contemporaries at work together!

[@joewilliams610]

Thank you for covering a black artist. I’m a black man that grew up listening to rock and r&b. I was gonna write before but I figured you didn’t like r&b. I did come across the EWF episode but I would like to see other. There are sooo many rockers that were influenced by black artist. I enjoy your writing skills and would love to see you cover them.

[@karlshuler1011]

You can never argue that Lionel couldn't write great songs. He really had a way of writing great ballads. But fun songs as well. It took me into my late 30's to really appreciate him. All his work. Seems like a really nice guy, an honest guy when I read or see interviews as well. I'm so thankful I grew up with all these great artists that you showcase.

[@cmathunder5844]

Greatest underrated artist of all time!!!!

[@alliematt1016]

Remember Lionel from the 1980’s and the Commodores from the 1970’s. My introduction to the Commodores was their instrumental “Machine Gun”.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that song!

[@carlacook5181]

It is impossible to not dance to this song. Thanks Adam, have a good weekend, do something fun.

[@gerrymcguire7494]

Excellent pick Professor. This song is part of Lionel's 2012 Tuskegee album where he reimagined over a dozen of his hits as country/based duets. What? You have a Caribbean street party? Who ya gonna sing it with? Why Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers Band (of course)! A dozen years later this album is still at the top of my car playlist.

[@greggusan]

This could be the eightiest of eighties albums (tough call though). I was in highschool at the time, and I think "Hello" was the song that really tugged at my heart strings the most. Still reminds me of a certain girl that I was dreaming about every time I heard this song.

[@songweaver6076]

Easily one of my fav's! Still listen to it regularly today!

[@stephen3491]

What I always remember about the video was Lionel picking up the little girl. You did not mention that I think early to mid 80s every wedding reception played more than one Lionel Richie song. All Night long, brick house, stuck on you, hello, endless love to name a few

[@3wheelmannc860]

An amazing all around talent. Wow.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's so great!

[@cindysnow2123]

Deep River Woman on this album was a favorite song of my sister Sandy's!! She bought the album for that song but ended up loving the whole album!! Lionel Richie is a performer that just loves to perform!! He said he'd perform for anyone that asked him to!! That's what all performers should think!! Great video again!! Cindy Snow

[@RBS_]

..."Deep Woman..." was on "Dancing On The Ceiling", Lady Cindy....but it DID give Lionel a '2 sided' Pop AND Country hit, when Ballerina Girl & Deep went Top Ten the SAME week!

[@LaManteca76]

Did you ever watch 3s Company? Cindy Snow was Chrissy's lil sister. 😀

[@cindysnow2123]

@@LaManteca76 she was her cousin!! I love watching reruns of Three's Company!!

[@cindysnow2123]

I'm sorry I got mixed up but if you ever do a video about that album, here's your first comment!!

[@LaManteca76]

@@cindysnow2123 Oh her cousin! Whoops, sorry lol. Yes I love 3s Company!

[@mowm88]

Favorite song of his.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

You said it perfectly " Can't Slow Down is an album my whole family could listen to, nobody complained to turn it off". Exactly!! His music could bring people together like no one else throughout the whole planet. I don't know anyone that doesn't like at least some of his music. So much much of his music marked certain points i will never forget in my life, definitely huge in the soundtrack of my life. Fantastic episode professor!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Soundtrack for sure. The 70s I think of The Commadores and Lionel for the 80s. What a voice.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s just a great album with great songs. All Night Long is definitely one of those songs that everybody knows.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 definitely! How's your summer Lilly?

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr for sure!! Great music and great times!!

[@FreddyKurganNimmo]

🎵"Hey, mumbo jumbo"🎶 "Oh No" is still my favorite Commodores song💔

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a great song!

[@BillGraper]

Yeah, amazing song!!! It was even more powerful when I heard it years later in a movie called "The Last American Virgin."

[@stephenhanft1226]

"Oh No'" was Lionel Richie's last top 10 hit with the Commodores. I love that song, too. I think it's very much underrated in the fantastic Lionel Richie song catalog. I don't know why he doesn't play it at his concerts. He really should.I think it's one of the best of his many great ballads

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Mamba jamba!

[@thetitleisours1]

Or as Archie Bunker would say, "groinecologist"

[@williambarry8015]

Archie Bunker and Fred Sanford were my heroes when i was 11.

[@orbyfan]

I still think of that when I hear that word. Speaking English properly was not a "priorority" for Archie, such as when he complained about protesters throwing "deebriss" at officers of the law.

[@odditiesparanormalmysterie1723]

One of my kids is going to the Smithsonian American History museum today. I told him to pay respects to Archie's chair there.

[@marktait2371]

my late dad was from.flushing im queens one of gdads neighborhood buddies was a archie like charactar he always said and gdad like him car check the erhl oil of course dads favorite he worked the docks as a teen archie stretch characters there he recawhled those old timey queens accents

[@thetitleisours1]

@@odditiesparanormalmysterie1723 Haha! I didn't know it was there! :)

[@jstnxprsn]

Hey Adam. I jst wanted to thank you for yesterday's vid wuth Mike Campbell. I had no idea you were going to also discuss Heart of the Matter. That song moves me so deeply, I was unable to get through playing it for years. Your comments about it were spot on. Thanks again. As for today's vid, looking forward to hearing about this one. Sounds like Lionel has a few OCD issues going on. LOLOL Enjoy your day.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I just had a situation happen and Heart of the Matter was really helpful during that moment.

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

James Carmichael's orchestration really made the track work

[@jamesoneavatar8644]

Lionel Richie is among the few greatest songwriters of the 70s/80s

[@clairedisapia]

Lionel Richie is one of the best song writers and singers that doesn’t get his due. Thank you for sharing this

[@MerikaBateman]

Loved Lionel Richie when he was with the Comodores. The song i like from his album Cant slow down is Running with the night.

[@syebethel]

Thanks for reminding me about the (last?) LA Olympics. And why I'm getting so excited about the upcoming one in 4 years ❣ If he performs again, he would mark another piece of history 😊

[@DebZaragoza]

In high school, I was in band, and we would place cassettes on boom boxes on the bus to and from parades. On one trip, the only cassettes we listened to were Journey's "Escape", and Lionel Richie's "Can't Slow Down". To this day, anytime I hear either one, I'm transported back in time to 1984-1985 when I was 14 years old. Ah, thanks for the memories!!! 😆

[@janebeman6259]

One of my best friends is from Nigeria. She once explained that because of polygamy, i.e. plural marriages (multiple wives, one husband), each family group has its own dialect, and everyone also learns a common language, such as English. When the time for marriages arrives, the dialects make it obvious who's too closely related. If the prospective mate understands your family's dialect perfectly, he/she is probably a blood relative.

[@Licenciadopedro]

Dear Prof of Rock, what a fantastic review of Lionel Ritchie. One of my favourite songs from him is Machine Gun with the Commodores and how we danced 3 times a Lady next to Saturday Night Fever in the Discos in the 70's. The lady in the video who dances flamenco at the end of All night long is a Venezuelan socialite daughter of a very famous TV host, she and her 3 sisters were kidnapped in the 60's, one of her sisters on the effects of drugs jumped from a trampoline into a pool and broke her spine, the pool was empty, she never could walk again and in her later years was elected a Congress Woman, her father became a candidate for President and was going to win, his plane had an accident and crushed, needless to say they were all killed. Back to Lionel, his songs are great and has all our respect as he accepted the invitation to play at King Charles coronation when all the other famous singers rejected. Carry on Lionel, we love you!

[@MJmysummerlove]

Lol, the ways that some artists get their ideas and inspiration for music, some of which became big hits, is just amazing, to say the least 😄“All Night Long” has always and will continue to be a great, happy song to listen to and even sing along with for years to come. It always takes me back to my childhood years growing up in the 80s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This story is unexpectedly hilarious.

[@Dr_Kenneth_Noisewater]

As soon as you mentioned the fake language, i knew it was Lionel Richie. His music is the soft rock soundtrack of the 70s and 80s.

[@mikeeckel2807]

"Can't Slow Down" was the first CD I ever bought. I belonged to The International Preview Society, a Classical Music club, and they offered this CD if you bought a CD player thru the club. CD players weren't available in my hometown yet so I took advantage of the opportunity. I was surprised how "clean" the sound was. I played "All Night Long" many times until I got other CDs. Led Zeppelin "IV" and "Close to the Edge" by YES were the next CDs I bought.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I know the blind girl from the Hello video !

[@bobdavis4848]

She was a lady playing the role of a blind woman, constipated. :-) A lot safer for her to be a sculptor than to try to go dancing on the ceiling!

[@LazyIRanch]

She's gorgeous! Is she really blind? I have to admit, watching that video got to me. Mr. Ritchie had a way of grabbing one's heart! My bff thought that video was sappy, but I guess I'm a romantic.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@LazyIRanch She complained about getting extreme headaches. Just pretending to be blind during rehearsal. If you look at the bust She made of Lionel Ritchie you can see Mufasas face. Even till today you can still see 👀 it. I practiced being blind for 2days straight and I got headaches all 5 x I did it. Boy was that fun.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@LazyIRanch She's Laura Carrington, generally a soap operas star, and she's not really blind. :-) I'm a romantic too and I liked that video. Have a nice day, LazyIRanch!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Who is she?

[@DadsResale]

Awesome video. Definitely one of the greatest albums. So many perfectly recognizable beautiful hits. And he nailed it with All Night Long. Anytime I hear it, I just want to dance (Not very well). But you just have to move when it comes on. One of all time favorites. And Lionel is one of the best.

[@marieclapdorp2580]

Back in 1984 I bought a tape player, and "Can't Slow Down" was the first cassette I bought to play on it.

[@tweetscotchy1093]

I saw Lionel in the 1980s. He had so many hits! Very talented.

[@garyattaway4275]

I had the 45 for Stuck on You! Still one of my favorite songs. All his singles were great!

[@list-and-sell]

you are so right - Lionel Ritchie songs are amazing to this day. So many really great artists in the 80s/90s that have endured and LR is right up there.

[@TBishopDean]

I love his and Kenny Rogers’ collaborations.

[@michaelrue1400]

I've always liked All Night Long, but I think Dancing on the Ceiling is my favorite. On another note, they really knew how to make a music video in the 80s. Few since can measure up.

[@D.heARTist]

I just remember when my dad brought home the single “All Night Long”. Well the same day he bought it, that same night the video debuted on I think NBC after I THINK n wanna say the Cosby Show?! The video was massive tho. The colors, setting, the dancers, incredible. We all loved it needless to say. Perfect combo for me n my siblings as kids tho, the audio /visual revolution was ENORMOUS for my generation. Great times.

[@guslevy3506]

Lionel has accomplished so much in so many different styles and genres that he is prob taken for granted…for a 53yo guy like myself, he hovers in the background of our lives. An under appreciated song is “Oh No”…for lots of guys my age, there is no more evil character in all of moviedom than the girl in Last American Virgin - we all can get over physical scars, but scars to the soul never heal…

[@rdg1266]

'Can't Slow Down' is one of my very favorite albums. While I bought and liked both his first album and 'Dancing On The Ceiling,' 'Can't Slow Down' was truly exceptional to me. I remember the first time I listened to it, relaxing with my eyes closed on the living room floor, just to see where it would take me. I had to listen to it a couple more times for all the songs to really sink in, but by the fourth hearing, I realized that there wasn't a bad track on the album. Even the songs that were not released as singles -- Love Will Find A Way and The Only One were absolutely beautiful songs. I am still surprised that The Only One wasn't released as a single -- I think it would have made the top ten on the Billboard 100, at least.