Truly

By: Lionel Richie

Narrated by: Blair Underwood

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘A fascinating perspective on a great pop story.’ Sunday Times

‘A career this packed with highs – and personal lows – makes for dream memoir fodder.’ Daily Telegraph

The long-awaited memoir of legendary Lionel Richie.

As a storyteller second to none, Lionel Richie is ready to tell it all. In this intimate, deeply candid memoir, Lionel revisits hilarious and harrowing events to inspire all who doubt themselves or feel their dreams don’t matter. Lionel chronicles lessons learned during his unlikely story of remarkable success—his dramatic transformation from painfully shy, 'tragically' late bloomer to world-class entertainer and composer of love songs that have played as the soundtrack of our lives.

Funny, warm and riveting, Lionel recalls his childhood in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he grew up on its university campus during the heyday of the Civil Rights movement, raucous adventures as a member of The Commodores, coming-of-age in late 1960s Harlem, culture shock playing gigs on the French Riviera, the big break of being signed to Motown, his meteoric solo career that included an Olympics performance witnessed by two billion around the globe, all the way through to writing and recording 'We Are the World' and his current multi-generational fame as a judge on American Idol. Even with its turbulence, loss, and near-calamity, Lionel’s journey takes us on a thrill ride and delivers a memoir for the ages—reminding us of the power of love to elevate our own lives and our world.

Lionel Richie’s memoir includes three eight-page photo inserts.

©2025 Lionel Richie

Critic reviews

‘Truly […] never slicks over the gaps with showbiz insincerity. It’s an appealing testimony from someone who has fulfilled his dreams’

The Sunday Times

‘This book is Richie’s first attempt to put five decades’ worth of memories, milestones and starry anecdotes to paper. A career this packed with highs – and personal lows – makes for dream memoir fodder.’

Daily Telegraph

‘Both a fun memoir and a love letter to music and his beloved Tuskegee […] There’s an abundance of love and gratitude in this wildly entertaining, utterly charming memoir.’

Kirkus Reviews

The Standard

Great memoir. Storytelling and narration. A standard and or textbook for memoirs and biographies. Sterling story telling by Lionel Richie and great performance by Blair Underwood.

Hello

This was both a classy and authentic reflection of an unbelievable journey through music and life. Thanks for sharing Lionel!