Lionel Richie Honors Neil Diamond With “I Am… I Said” at the Kennedy Center Honors

A Journey Inspired by a Legend

Few artists have achieved the rare combination of longevity, crossover success, and universal admiration quite like Lionel Richie. From his Motown roots with the Commodores to his solo superstardom, Richie has spent more than five decades shaping the soundtrack of millions of lives. But for Richie, one name always stood above the rest as his guiding light: Neil Diamond.

While Richie is often celebrated for his soulful R&B ballads and smooth pop anthems, he has never hidden his admiration for Diamond. In fact, Richie has frequently said that Neil Diamond was the very reason he pursued a career in music.

A Tribute at the Kennedy Center

In 2011, Richie’s journey came full circle when he was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to Neil Diamond. For Richie, the moment was more than a performance — it was a chance to honor the man who had inspired his life’s work.

Taking the stage, Richie delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Diamond’s 1971 classic “I Am… I Said.” Known for its raw emotional honesty and its themes of identity, longing, and belonging, the song found new life in Richie’s voice. He didn’t try to mimic Diamond; instead, he infused the lyrics with his own soulful interpretation, transforming the performance into a deeply personal thank-you to the artist who lit the spark for his own career.

Richie’s Musical Journey

Richie’s career began in the 1970s as a member of the Commodores, where he wrote and sang classics like “Easy,” “Still,” and “Three Times a Lady.” The band’s blend of funk, soul, and pop made them Motown powerhouses, but it was Richie’s transition to a solo career that elevated him into international superstardom.

The 1980s were Richie’s golden era, with chart-topping hits such as “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Stuck on You,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.” His warm, genre-defying voice and gift for storytelling mirrored the qualities that had made Neil Diamond so beloved — songs that transcended time, culture, and generation.

Beyond performing, Richie also became one of the most influential songwriters of his era. He co-wrote “Endless Love” with Diana Ross, one of the most successful duets in history, and partnered with Michael Jackson to pen “We Are the World,” a global anthem of unity and charity.

From Tribute to Legacy

In 2017, just six years after paying homage to Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie himself was named a Kennedy Center Honoree. The moment carried deep symbolism — one visionary artist honoring another, both recognized for their lifelong contributions to American music.

That 2011 performance of “I Am… I Said” wasn’t simply a cover. It was a full-circle moment — one artist acknowledging the influence of another, and in doing so, reaffirming the timeless truth: great music doesn’t just entertain, it inspires, connects, and endures.