Backstreet Boys Duet With Lionel Richie

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 02, 2000 Source: Wall Of Sound Submitted By: Gina He's known for smooth pop hits such as "All Night Long" and "Easy," but does that qualify Lionel Richie as a modern-day popster? He sure hopes so, since his upcoming album, Renaissance, features a duet with the Backstreet Boys. Yes, you read that correctly. The former Commodore has recorded an up-tempo track called "Cinderella" with the Boys, after meeting them during a tour stop in Germany. "It was so great. They showed up in the dressing room and the next sound I hear is them singing 'Easy,'" Richie tells Wall of Sound. "I knew they were fans, but they turned out to be real sweethearts. The song ["Cinderella"] is perfect for them, we're a perfect combo. But above everything else, my 5-year-old son finally thinks Dad is doing OK." Richie is currently earning glowing reviews for his stint opening for Tina Turner — an interesting table-turning from when Turner opened for him during her 1984 comeback tour. Once that run ends in June, Richie plans to take three months off before embarking on a solo tour, preferably in arenas. "This is like old-home week," Richie says of working with his longtime friend Turner and of the screaming admiration that greets his opening set. "I've found out in about five minutes that the fans haven't left at all. I keep having to turn to the band and ask, 'What year is this?' When we get into 'All Night Long,' my only problem is I have to announce to the audience, 'Would you like to hear me sing?'" At 50, Richie has achieved the type of long-running success most of today's crop will never accomplish. He endured nasty tabloid accounts during the breakup of his marriage, though he's since remarried and currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two children. But he's drifted out of the spotlight for much of the '90s. With Renaissance, Richie decided to take a lighter route, though stalwart fans can rest assured that those trademark ballads will return. "Whenever I do an album, the record company holds its breath," Richie says. "When they asked me for a funky song, I gave them 'Three Times a Lady.' In the funky era, I gave them 'All Night Long.' Now I've decided to take all of my good feelings and go dancing, since everybody is in a dance frame of mind. I've got a few [songs] on there that will make the weddings, but for the most part, it's a party album." Richie says his pairing with the Backstreet Boys could be the first release from Renaissance, which is due in June. — Lisa Taylor Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: johnansog http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Comment on this item. Next Item: AJ and Howie to guest on Gloria Estefan Special Prev Item: News from Brian's Healthy Heart Club for Kids