Legendary musician Lionel Richie was recently inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and did a riveting medley.
According to Rolling Stone, the Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and producer gave a moving speech after being introduced to the stage by award-winning singer Lenny Kravitz. He then played a medley of his biggest hits, including “Hello,” (1983), “All Night Long” (1983), and “Easy” (1977) by funk band the Commodores, which he was famously a part of.
“I must also say that there are people that have actually had to tolerate quite a bit,” the legendary artist said during the powerful speech. “Sometimes when you fall in love with the music business, you tend to fall out of love and people don’t understand what the hell you’re doing over. I missed 25 years of pep rallies, bonfires, and family reunions.”
He also gave credit to the Commodores, saying that without the group, “there would be no Lionel Richie.”
“I cannot and will not walk off this stage without acknowledging my dear dear dear friends the Commodores,” he said. “Thank God for the Commodores because there would be no Lionel Richie…I must say also that there are people that have actually had to tolerate quite a bit. Sometimes when you fall in love with the music business, you tend to fall out of love and people don’t understand what the hell you doing over…I missed 25 years of pep rallies, bonfires, family reunions.”
Lionel continued, thanking his family for their continuous support and gushing about being “in love” with the music business.
“I’m in love with this business. I love what I do. Thank you so much for this amazing moment,” the musician concluded.
Lionel’s new induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame arrived after he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. During the ceremony, he was named a Legacy Inductee.
The Library Of Congress also awarded the singer with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
