3 Pop Stars Who Found New Life as Solo Artists in the 1980s
American Songwriter has published a retrospective piece looking at three pop and R&B performers who left successful groups to launch acclaimed solo careers during the 1980s. The article traces how George Michael, Lionel Richie and Bobby Brown each stepped away from established acts at the height of their popularity, a bold move that ultimately reshaped their careers and produced some of the decade's most memorable hits.
George Michael departed Wham!, the duo he formed with Andrew Ridgeley, to release his debut solo album Faith in 1987, featuring the title track and "Freedom! 90". Lionel Richie left Motown group the Commodores, issuing a self-titled solo album in 1982 before his 1983 breakthrough Can't Slow Down, which included "Hello" and "All Night Long". Bobby Brown exited New Edition in the mid-1980s and released his debut solo record, King of Stage, in 1986, the first of five solo albums he put out during the decade.
In short
- George Michael left Wham! for solo success with 1987's Faith
- Lionel Richie quit the Commodores, broke through with Can't Slow Down
- Bobby Brown left New Edition, debuted solo with King of Stage in 1986
Explained simply
Three successful recording artists made the bold decision to leave the groups that had made them famous and pursue solo careers in the 1980s. George Michael, Lionel Richie and Bobby Brown each made this leap at the height of their popularity, a risky move few expected to succeed. All three went on to achieve major commercial success with hit records.
George Michael had formed the duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley before launching his solo career in 1987 with the album Faith. Lionel Richie left the Motown group the Commodores, releasing his self-titled debut in 1982 and his breakthrough album Can't Slow Down in 1983. Bobby Brown departed New Edition in the mid-1980s and released his solo debut King of Stage in 1986, followed by four more solo albums during the decade.
Their successful transitions proved that group members could achieve major success as solo artists. The three artists demonstrated that established performers could thrive independently.
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