Lionel Richie Shares Story Of Profound Friendship With Kenny Rogers, One Of His ‘Heroes’

Jun 27, 2023

Friendship knows no boundaries, not even the glitz and glamour of the music industry. In the realm of iconic singers, Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers stand out not only for their exceptional vocal talents but also for the deep bond they shared. Their friendship transcended the spotlight, weaving a tapestry of trust, support, and shared experiences. 

Richie and Rogers carved their names into the annals of music history, leaving an indelible mark with their soul-stirring melodies and captivating performances. Richie, with his velvety voice and heartfelt lyrics, soared to fame as a solo artist after his time with the Commodores. Meanwhile, Rogers, with his distinctive rasp and storytelling abilities, etched his name in the hearts of millions. Their paths crossed in the early 1980s, and little did they know that their encounter would shape an extraordinary friendship that would last for decades.

What bound Richie and Rogers together was more than just their shared love for music. Both artists possessed a genuine warmth, humility and an undying passion for their craft. They were kindred spirits, unafraid to show vulnerability through their songs and unyielding in their pursuit of creating melodies that touched the depths of the human soul. This common ground laid the foundation for a profound bond that extended far beyond their professional endeavors.

After seven decades of melting hearts with his music as well as acting roles, Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81. The world mourned his loss but perhaps none more so than his loved ones. Among them was his friend Richie, with whom he had shared a unique and close-knit friendship that would not be easily forgotten.

Rogers had a remarkable career that spanned several decades, establishing him as one of the most iconic figures in the world of music. With his distinctive voice, storytelling abilities and knack for selecting timeless songs, Rogers left an indelible mark on the industry. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the group The First Edition. However, it was his solo career that propelled him to superstardom. Known for his captivating ballads and country-pop crossovers, Rogers crafted a string of chart-topping singles, including "The Gambler," "Lucille," and "Islands in the Stream," a duet with Dolly Parton. His music resonated with listeners across genres and generations, earning him numerous awards and accolades.

Richie, meanwhile, rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Commodores in the 1970s. With chart-topping hits like "Easy," "Three Times a Lady," and "Brick House," the Commodores became a force to be reckoned with. Richie's solo career, which took flight in the 1980s, propelled him to even greater heights. His heartfelt ballads, including "Hello," "All Night Long (All Night)," and "Endless Love," a duet with Diana Ross, became anthems of love and celebration. Embracing various genres, from pop and R&B to adult contemporary, Richie consistently delivered songs that touched the hearts of millions. His contributions as a songwriter and producer further showcased his remarkable talents. 

Richie and Rogers recognized each other's talent and seized opportunities to collaborate. In 1980, Richie wrote the timeless hit "Lady" for Rogers, which became one of his most beloved songs. This collaboration marked the beginning of a creative partnership and loving friendship. 

According to Richie, he had originally written “Lady” for the Commodores but the band didn’t want it. That was when Rogers came into the picture. Rogers was not known for writing his own songs but had an uncanny ability to recognize potential hits when he heard them. This was very much the case with “Lady.”

“‘Kenny wants to have the song,’ they told me,” Richie recounted to People. The song was finished two weeks later, and Richie said “When ‘Lady’ came out, it was an explosion onto the music scene.” The hit proved to be the spark Richie and Rogers needed to forge a lifelong friendship. 

Richie told “The Bobby Bones Show” about the first time he’d met Rogers:

“You couldn’t get any bigger than Kenny Rogers – you know, that was ‘the gambler’ I walked in on and… in less than 15 seconds, he made me feel like we grew up together.”

“Lady” became Rogers’ 10th No. 1 hit on the country music charts in 1980, and also topped the Hot 100 and adult contemporary charts. It eventually became the biggest selling hit single for Rogers as a solo artist, a fact not lost on the music icon. At the Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert in Las Vegas in 2012, Rogers showed his appreciation to Richie with some touching words. 

“He’s not just a friend of mine, but the song he wrote (‘Lady’) was truly a changing point in my career. It’s one of the most identifiable songs I’ve ever done,” Rogers said.

Richie, meanwhile, credited Rogers with being a key factor in push-starting his solo career after thanking him by name on stage during the American Music Awards.

Their friendship blossomed outside the recording studio and concert halls. Richie and Rogers found solace and understanding in each other amidst the pressures and challenges of their extraordinary lives. Their bond transcended professional rivalry and thrived on mutual respect, paving the way for a lifelong friendship.

As time passed, Richie and Rogers continued to uplift each other both personally and professionally. Their friendship was built on trust, sincerity, and a deep understanding of the unique demands of the music industry. Together, they epitomized the power of true friendship in navigating the highs and lows of life.

“Everything that happened in my life, truthfully, from that moment on, had a Kenny Rogers stamp on it," Richie told People. “I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. When I was going through everything, leaving the Commodores, trying to be a solo artist, trying to figure out what that means — he was that guy.”

When Rogers passed, Richie was hit hard. “Today I lost one of my closest friends 💔So much laughter so many adventures to remember, my heart is broken…” Richie wrote on social media, accompanied by a photo of the two of them arm in arm on stage together.

Richie and Rogers crafted a harmony of friendship that resonated far beyond the boundaries of their music. Their extraordinary bond serves as a testament to the transformative power of camaraderie, even in the face of fame and success. 

“I just lost one of my heroes, that is the best way I can describe Kenny,” Richie lamented. “God sent me an angel because this guy was probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met in my life and so it was just a beautiful relationship that blossomed into something called a friendship forever. We have lived a lot of life together.”

What do you think of Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie’s beautiful friendship? Are you fans of either – or both – of the music legends? Let us know then pass this along to friends and family who love the music these two make!