Lionel Richie’s Own Parents Inspired This No. 1 Single for The Commodores
The Commodores’ 1978 hit “Three Times A Lady” was inspired by Lionel Richie’s parents’ lasting marriage and became the group’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The story behind the romantic song was personal: Richie wrote it as a dedication to both his wife and his mother.
Richie recalled hearing his father praise his mother at their 37th wedding anniversary, then reflecting on how his wife supported him. He initially imagined the song for Frank Sinatra, but producer James Carmichael encouraged him to record it with The Commodores. The single also earned two Grammy nominations, and Conway Twitty’s 1983 version reached the Top 10.
In short
- Richie drew inspiration from his parents’ 37-year marriage.
- “Three Times A Lady” became The Commodores’ first Hot 100 No. 1.
- He first thought the song might suit Frank Sinatra.