SmartLess – Lionel Richie
Episode Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Guest: Lionel Richie
Episode Overview
In this episode, the SmartLess crew welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie. They dive into his upbringing in Tuskegee, Alabama, the rich musical and cultural heritage he inherited, lessons from his family, his path from the Commodores to solo stardom, songwriting secrets, maintaining humility in a wild industry, and the iconic story behind “We Are the World.” Lionel’s new memoir, Truly, releases September 30th.
1. Early Conversation & Setting the Scene
Timestamps: 01:35 – 09:33
- The hosts open with playful banter about parenting and college drop-offs (Sean's daughter starting college).
- They reminisce about Jason’s infamous iPhone line-skipping incident:
“Jason Bateman skips line!” – Will Arnett (06:47)
- The mood: light-hearted, self-deprecating, intimate.
2. Lionel Joins: Childhood and Roots
Timestamps: 09:34 – 15:27
- Jason introduces Lionel Richie in a “bona fide decades-long international superstar” entrance (09:34).
- Lionel shares his origins:
- Grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama, directly across from campus.
- Family history tied deeply to Tuskegee University and the community.
- “Tuskegee Airmen. This is my—the moms and dads of my whole little group.” – Lionel Richie (13:37)
- Still owns the family home:
“The memories are right there, still in the house. I still own the house.” – Lionel (11:57)
- Lionel’s nickname: originally “Ski Boo” (“painful”), evolved to “Skeet” in high school (16:00-16:41).
3. Storytelling, Memory, and Writing His Memoir
Timestamps: 13:35 – 18:09
- Lionel discusses writing his first book, Truly (out Sept 30th), and the challenge of recall:
- His Tuskegee friends and Commodores bandmates helped trigger memories.
- Kept extensive archives thanks to family:
“Scrapbook after scrapbook after scrapbook. We've got volumes...” – Lionel Richie (17:50)
4. Early Musical Fascination & Natural Talent
Timestamps: 18:44 – 22:18
- Lionel clarifies: “I was a saxophone holder, not player!” (19:05)
- Self-taught, plays by ear, never learned to read or write music:
“Once you find out that some of the greatest artists in the world cannot read or write music… it's a pretty rare fraternity.” – Lionel (19:25)
- Explains his struggle with ADHD and traditional music reading:
“It wasn't that I couldn't read it. It's just I couldn't read it. Fast enough to play it.” (20:40)
- Songwriting process: “I can get it done faster by standing in a room with a group of musicians—hum it to them.” – Lionel (20:55)
5. The Magic and Mystery of Songwriting; Inspirations
Timestamps: 22:19 – 31:41
- Describes the unexplained source of melodies:
“For me—there’s a radio station playing right now. All I have to do is tap into it… There’s only 12 notes.” (21:43)
- On evolving with time and technology:
- “After Penny Lover, probably after that, never played [grand piano] again—because technology came in.” (25:43)
- The stories behind classics:
- “Hello” started as a “corny” joke while waiting for his co-producer:
“‘Hello, is it me you’re looking for?’ Which is the corniest thing I could ever think about in life.” (26:48)
- Initially disliked it, but finished it at producer’s insistence. Ultimately, massive global anthem (26:55).
- Structuring songs around the “hook,” letting lyrics fit naturally.
- Often started with “Dada’s”—placeholder sounds—that would sometimes turn into actual words, “God’s words.” (30:03)
- “Hello” started as a “corny” joke while waiting for his co-producer:
6. Humility, Kindness, and Staying Grounded
Timestamps: 31:41 – 38:28
- Lionel reflects on gratitude and not taking his gifts for granted:
“First thing I get up in the morning, the last thing I say at night: how did it ever happen to me? Holy crap.” (30:34)
- Remaining humble in an industry rife with temptation and egos:
“If you learn how to treat people right at home, the rest of the world is easy. An asshole is an asshole, period.” – Lionel recounting his grandmother’s wisdom (33:36)
- Keeping lifelong friendships—monthly Zooms with childhood pals—anchors Lionel (32:14).
- Powerful family example: Story of his father giving a stranger a suit for a job interview, illustrating values of generosity and care (36:34-37:20).
7. Commodores Era & Breakout to Solo Stardom
Timestamps: 38:29 – 45:01
- Early Commodores days:
- Lionel joins after claiming (truthfully) that he “holds a horn.”
- The band formed for a college freshman talent show and quickly stole the spotlight:
“We killed it. We just surprised everybody.” – Lionel (39:37)
- They started with covers, then were challenged in an audition to “find their own sound.”
- Lionel’s niche: Ballads/slow songs—became a key to getting songs on albums.
- The songwriting break: “Lady” (for Kenny Rogers) was originally just “Baby,” written for the Commodores.
- “The guys walk in and announce no more slow songs. Okay, so that eliminates the brother right here.” (44:10)
- Kenny Rogers calls looking for a song—let to Lionel retooling “Baby” into “Lady.” (45:01)
- Lionel recalls Kenny Rogers as a deep friend and mentor.
8. Partying, Survival, and Scene Legends
Timestamps: 49:57 – 51:34
- Hosts ask about Lionel’s reputation as a “party animal.”
- Lionel recalls wild years touring with Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James, and others:
“I mean, everyone keeps thinking, you know, Lionel, it’s really nice because you’re such a sweet guy. Listen, man, I hung out with p. Funk, okay?... From 70 to probably 75 was like, everybody’s gonna die or everybody’s gonna live through it.” (50:06)
- Survival in that scene:
“You got a chance to see either what you want to do or what you shouldn't do …” (51:34)
9. The Making of “We Are The World”
Timestamps: 51:34 – 61:11
- Will brings up the documentary; Lionel dives into the challenges and strange optimism at its heart:
- “There’s such a wonderful feeling of, you don’t know it’s gonna be a disaster… When we finished this song, we’re gonna save the world.” (52:31)
- One-night recording marathon after the American Music Awards. No cell phones, no digital communication.
- “All they had was, if they got a cassette. Think about that. If you got the cassette, you’re doing good. Most of them showed up just saying, ‘Okay, it’s Quincy, Michael, Lionel? Alright, I’ll be there.’” (54:04)
- On the lyrics and surprising moments: Stevie Wonder suggests putting Swahili in the chorus. Waylon Jennings objects and leaves (“Ain’t no good ol’ boy ever sang no Swahili. I’m out of here.” 58:48)
- The project’s impact:
“30 million in 1980. Wow. That’s like forever, you know.” (55:26)
- The event’s impact was magnified by surprise—no social media, very little pre-hype.
10. Songwriting Secrets, “Nonsense” Lyrics, and Enduring Hits
Timestamps: 59:14 – 63:07
- On the gibberish phrase in “All Night Long”:
- “It’s a wonderful phrase that has gone around the world that means absolutely nothing.” (59:29)
- Lionel tried to get authentic African lyrics, realized everyone just loved the sound:
“Tambolite said the moya.”—“Means nothing.” (60:53)
- Fan culture is a joy—Lionel now enjoys massive international crowds:
“When I forget the lyrics, I just go, come on—and here we go.” (62:09)
- Glastonbury (200,000 dressed like Lionel) was a highlight and the starting point for his memoir’s journey.
11. Reflections on Legacy and Positivity
Timestamps: 63:07 – 65:24
- The hosts marvel at Lionel’s enduring quality and generosity:
“The longevity and the level of quality you've maintained for so long is just so astonishing.” – Sean Hayes (63:07)
- Lionel credits his outlook to survival and keeping his life “light, bright, and untarnished.”
“Three simple words, I love you, is what the whole world wants to hear. So I didn’t plan it… It’s serving me and the world well.” (64:47)
- Offers a warm invitation to the hosts:
“If you see me out, just come over and tap me on that shoulder and say, ‘Hey, it's me, Will, Sean, Jason, come on…’” (65:07)
12. Favorite Quotes & Notable Moments
- “If you learn how to treat people right at home, the rest of the world is easy. An asshole is an asshole, period.” – Lionel Richie (33:36)
- “Once you find out that some of the greatest artists in the world cannot read or write music… it's a pretty rare fraternity.” – Lionel (19:25)
- “There are only 12 notes. All you need is four chords and that's a whole album, you know.” – Lionel (21:43)
- On not knowing African dialect for “All Night Long:”
“It's a wonderful phrase that has gone around the world that means absolutely nothing.” (59:29)
13. Final Thoughts: Hosts’ Reflections
Timestamps: 65:31 – 68:11
- Hosts bask in Lionel’s positivity:
“I feel bathed.” – Sean Hayes (65:31)
- Discussion of musician guests’ unique spirit—comparing Lionel to Alicia Keys.
- Admiration for Lionel’s stamina, enduring career, and sunny spirit.
14. Key Segment Timestamps Overview
- 09:34 – Introduction of Lionel Richie
- 11:27 – Tuskegee roots, family history
- 13:35 – Writing his memoir, Truly
- 16:00 – Nicknames: Ski Boo to Skeet
- 19:05 – Saxophone “holder,” playing by ear
- 26:43 – “Hello” genesis story
- 31:41 – Humility, generational wisdom
- 36:34 – Lionel’s father’s kindness story
- 39:37 – Commodores’ formation
- 44:10 – “Lady” for Kenny Rogers, evolution of songwriting for others
- 50:06 – Partying with Funkadelic, wild 1970s
- 52:31 – “We Are The World” making-of, obstacles and camaraderie
- 59:29 – “All Night Long” nonsense phrase revelation
- 62:09 – Today’s shows, massive crowds, joyful fandom
- 64:47 – “I love you” as Lionel’s life mantra
Summary
This episode is a spirited, laughter-filled journey through Lionel Richie’s fascinating life. Listeners will find a masterclass in humility, artistry, and the power of kindness, intertwined with never-before-heard stories about some of music’s greatest moments. The SmartLess gang’s chemistry draws out Lionel’s warmth and wisdom, making for a truly feel-good listen.
Lionel Richie’s memoir, Truly, is out September 30th, 2025.
For a full dose of positivity and rare behind-the-scenes tales, don’t miss this one.