The New Yorker Radio Hour How Lionel Richie Mastered the Love Song
Oct 7, 2025
Lionel Richie, award-winning singer-songwriter and former lead of the Commodores, shares insights from his five-decade career and his memoir, Truly. He discusses how daydreaming and listening to his inner voice have influenced his creativity. Songwriting emerges as a way to confront personal insecurities, while lessons from icons like Tina Turner and Marvin Gaye shaped his journey. Richie reveals his unique approach to crafting love songs and reflects on the personal costs of stardom, including the impact of divorce and the importance of daily rituals.
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Creativity Comes From Listening Inward
- Lionel Richie discovered creativity by listening to the 'other side' of his mind and trusting that inner voice.
- That self-listening, not conforming, shaped his artistic identity and career direction.
Memoir Forced Hard Self-Confrontation
- Richie began the memoir expecting light stories but found it forced him to face valleys and insecurities.
- Writing the book made him confront painful memories that created his real substance.
Diffuse Conflict With Generosity
- Offer people what they need to avoid conflict: satisfy egos or give accolades rather than fight.
- Use generosity and understanding to defuse tensions and move past bullies or critics.
