Truly

By: Lionel Richie

Narrated by: Lionel Richie, Blair Underwood

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • USA TODAY BESTSELLER • LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

2026 AUDIE AWARD WINNER: BEST NONFICTION NARRATOR

“Richie is refreshingly open in the book, which functions as 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, STARRED review

The long-awaited memoir of the legendary Lionel Richie.

The audiobook, read by Blair Underwood, includes an introduction delivered by 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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Held my interest

I liked all of it. I disliked having to write a 15 word minimum. That is just stupid.

Lionel Richie Beautifully Written

Lionel Richie has written so many interesting and amazing life stories-he is blessed and his book blessed me!!!

Outstanding

Great insight and back story! The history about Lionel’s upbringing was fascinating. His years at Tuskegee was vey interesting.

This is music history!

The stories behind the music are my favorite parts. I found myself listening and googling to hear the songs.

Very honest presentation of his life

Surprisingly transparent account of Lionel’s life narrated by the author and told with sincerity and candor.

I enjoyed the detail and depth. He takes us on a ride spanning 7 decades full of grit, difficult choices, and unexpected twists and turns.