Lionel all night
Music icon Lionel Richie gets candid ahead of his Emirates Airline Jazz Festival concert tomorrow, dishing on his favourite artists currently trending and his running ‘Hello’ joke with Adele
Motown legend Lionel Richie got candid with tabloid ahead of his concert at the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival. The Hello singer — who earlier this month returned to his seat on the
American Idol judges panel — told us he’s always listening to music.
But, who are the three contemporary artists who have caught his attention? Hint: they’re all male solo artists, like him, and they all have distinct hairstyles, like him...
Before his performance tomorrow at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, we sat down with Richie to discuss what’s on his playlist, his advice for kids Nicole, Sofia and Miles, and his retirement plans (or lack thereof).
Hello, Lionel! You’re performing on a bill with both Lauryn Hill and OneRepublic — are you a fan?
Yes, One Republic is an amazing band and Lauryn is also incredible. Great company to be performing with at Jazz Fest.
Your popularity in the Arab world has been so great that it’s been reported on in the West. What’s your take on it?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have my music so well received in so many countries. It’s an honour for my music to be embraced in the Arab world. I love coming here to perform for my fans.
All Night Long has been interpolated time and again — by Enrique Iglesias 10 years ago, and more recently by Camila Cabello. Have you listened to them? Do you enjoy hearing other people’s takes on your music?
Of course I’ve listened to them and I’m always surprised and excited when artists try and interpret my songs.
On a light-hearted note, your song Hello is one of the most iconic, instantly recognisable tracks of all time! How did you feel when Adele released her own Hello and creeped into the Hello monopoly?
Adele and I have a running joke about it. Again, it’s flattering that she chose the word ‘hello’ for her song.
You have three children and several grandchildren. What pieces of life wisdom have you tried to impart onto them?
To have fun with whatever you decide to do in life. If you like what you do, you will never have a job.
You have such a rich and storied career. Is there ever a time when you feel like,
maybe it’s time I hang up my boots and give myself time to relax?
Retire what from? I’ve never had a job. I get the privilege of travelling all over the world and performing my songs. I can’t think of anything better. I’ve been blessed.
How different was it for you to break into the industry in the late 60s, early 70s, compared to today’s world of social media and streaming? What’s something that you miss about the music scene and industry from when you were starting out?
I’m glad I made it when I did. The one thing I miss is how artists use to break out on radio and that doesn’t happen anymore.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given 18-year-old Lionel, if you were sitting in front of him today?
Own all of your publishing, your masters, your videos and everything else you create.
It’s been seven years since your last [studio] album. Looking forward, can you see yourself release another album? Any plans for that in the pipeline?
Actually, we just put out a live album last year that went to No 1 on a number of the charts in America. It was called Hello from Las Vegas.
Out of today’s music landscape, has there been any singers who have caught your attention?
Of course — The Weekend, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars are three of many.
Finally, could you tell us what the last song you listened to was?
I listen to music all day. Last song was Your Song by Elton John.