First published 2025
Lionel Richie opens his story as a painfully shy child growing up on the Tuskegee University campus during the Civil Rights era. He chronicles his transformation from late bloomer to world-renowned entertainer, detailing wild times with The Commodores in Harlem, culture clashes performing on the French Riviera, and the career-changing moment of signing with Motown. Richie recounts both hilarious mishaps and difficult struggles as he navigated his meteoric solo rise, including performing at the Olympics for two billion viewers worldwide and co-creating We Are the World. The Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe winner reflects on lessons learned throughout his unlikely journey to selling over 125 million records. Now serving as an American Idol judge, Richie shares intimate stories meant to inspire anyone who questions their dreams or doubts their potential. His memoir reveals how love became the driving force behind both his music and his approach to life.
Genres: african-american, autobiography, biography-memoir, music
Vibes: emotional, inspirational, intimate
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, rags-to-riches
Setting: Tuskegee University, Harlem, French Riviera
Period: Civil Rights Era
496 pages · Hardcover · HarperOne