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In 1968, whilst at college, Lionel richie, Thomas McClary and William King were members of The Mystics. Milan Williams was with another local group called The Jays. When the Jays split up Williams joined the other 3 and they formed 'The Commodores'. A name they literally picked by opening a dictionary at random. They were joined by Walter Orange who studied with them at college. In 1970 they recorded an album for Atlantic. Lionel played sax on the album and a single, 'Keep On Dancin', was released to great critical apathy. They joined Motown in 1972 and released two tracks on MoWest. In 1974 their third track, the funk instrumental, 'Machine Gun', was released on the Motown label. It was a #1 hit all around the world... The Commodores had arrived.The Commodores toured with The Jackson Five and following a string of funk hits, were soon headlining their own tours. However, their careers kicked into overdrive when the Lionel Richie composed and performed classic, 'Three Times a Lady', became not only one of Motown's biggest ever hits, but also one of the biggest ever hits by a Black group. Lionel's first Motown solo album followed and he gradually established his own career. He eventually left the group and then left Motown.... His first album for Mercury was called 'Louder Than Words'. It was popular, but did not repeat his previous successes. He did not tour to promote it but spent six years preparing what is probably his greatest work to date....
Lionel Richie is back! It's about 'Time'! |
