Lionel Richie has given fans a rare look into his friendship with Michael Jackson in his new memoir Truly. The Grammy-winning singer, who is also a judge on American Idol, released the book on September 30. In it, he shares personal stories from his career and close friends, including never-before-heard details about the King of Pop.
Richie described Jackson as a musical genius but also an eccentric figure in daily life. He explained that while Jackson could focus on music for hours, his lifestyle outside the studio was often unusual. Quincy Jones, their longtime collaborator, even teased Jackson with the nickname “Smelly.”
According to Richie, Jackson’s fame made ordinary life almost impossible. He spent most of his time in costumes for concerts or in pajamas while recording. Shopping for clothes was difficult because fans would follow him everywhere. Even sending his outfits to the cleaners was a risk, as people often kept them as souvenirs.
One memory that stood out was when Jackson visited Richie at home wearing old, unwashed jeans. Richie offered him clean clothes and encouraged him to shower. But after he left, Richie found Jackson’s worn jeans and underwear on the carpet. He laughed at the sight, joking that they looked like “roadkill.”
Despite his quirks, Richie praised Jackson’s unmatched skill in music. He recalled how Jackson could compare several mixes of the same song and point out the smallest difference. For Richie, this showed both his brilliance and his unique personality.
With Truly, Lionel Richie not only shares his own journey but also gives fans a warm and humorous look into his bond with Jackson. The memoir is now available everywhere books are sold.
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