# In 1978, Lionel Richie wrote a song reflecting on his parents’ marriage. It became the Commodores’ biggest hit

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1978-lionel-richie-wrote-a-song-reflecting-on-his-parents-marriage-it-became-the-commodores-biggest-hit/
- Published: 2026-11-08T20:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T21:35:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1978-lionel-richie-song-inspired-by-parents-marriage-commodores-biggest-hit/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Richie drew on his parents’ 37-year marriage.
- ‘Three Times a Lady’ also honoured his wife.
- The song topped the charts for the Commodores.

## Summary

Lionel Richie wrote ‘Three Times a Lady’ in 1978 after hearing his father speak about his long marriage at his parents’ 37th wedding anniversary. The song became the Commodores’ biggest hit and reflected how his parents’ relationship shaped his view of love.

Richie said he dedicated the song to both his wife, Brenda Harvey, and his mother, inspired by the way they supported their partners. It was the Commodores’ first song to reach the top of the charts and, according to the article, the only Motown song to do so that year.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.