Commodores | Discographie | Alle CDs, alle Songs (2024)

FAQs

What was the Commodores biggest hit? ›

The band's biggest hit singles are ballads such as "Easy", "Three Times a Lady", and "Nightshift"; and funk-influenced dance songs, including "Brick House", "Fancy Dancer", "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", and "Too Hot ta Trot".

The discography of American soul band the Commodores includes 15 studio albums and 39 singles spanning three decades, from 1974 to 1993. The band reached the top of the Billboard charts twice with their international smash hit singles "Three Times a Lady" and "Still".

Richie was already working on other projects in 1980, including producing an album and writing the song "Lady" for country artist Kenny Rogers. In 1982 Richie decided to leave the Commodores to pursue a solo career, though his decision was not due to conflicts within the group.

Rather than being depressed about the break-up, he states that he is instead "easy like Sunday morning"—something that Richie described as evocative of "small Southern towns that die at 11:30pm" on a Saturday night, such as his hometown Tuskegee, Alabama.

Lionel Richie is an American popular singer, songwriter, and producer most admired for his smooth and soulful love ballads of the 1970s and '80s. His career in music began with the funk and rhythm and blues group the Commodores, in which he was a lead vocalist, before he transitioned to a fruitful solo career.

HOUSTON, July 12 (AP) — Milan B. Williams, one of the original members of the Commodores, died here on Sunday. He was 58. His death followed a long battle with cancer, said JoAnn Geffen, a spokeswoman for the band.

​“Machine Gun” (1974)

It was the Commodores' first single from their same-named debut album and a reflection of the deep funk groove that characterized their early sound. “Machine Gun” was given its name by Motown honcho Berry Gordy, who said Milan Williams' clavinet sounded like gunfire.

The Commodores now consist of Walter "Clyde" Orange, James Dean "J.D." Nicholas, and William "WAK" King, along with their five-piece band, known as the "Mean Machine". The group continues to perform, playing at arenas, theaters, and festivals around the world.

Richie suffered prolonged throat problems and had surgery four times in four years before being told by conventional doctors that he could lose his singing career. He then turned to a holistic doctor who said the problem was simply acid reflux caused by foods Richie was eating before going to bed.

They want you to know that the Commodores, despite a string of monster hits and massive tours in the late '70s and early 80's, won their first GRAMMY® Award for the multi-platinum smash single and LP “Night Shift” in 1986.

What happened to the Commodores after Lionel Richie? ›

In 1982, the group and Lionel finally, officially, part company after the tragic death of the seventh Commodore, manager Benny Ashburn. Thomas McClary also leaves, recording a solo album for Motown. To replace Richie, the band turns to James Dean (J.D.) Nicholas, a British musician formerly with Heatwave.

Lionel Richie and Thomas McClary, the original guitarist for The Commodores became that songwriting duo who created some of the best tunes of that era.

The song was released as the album's first single in January 1985 by Motown Records. "Nightshift" was recorded in 1984 and became the Commodores' first hit after Lionel Richie's departure from the group. Bruce Springsteen covered the song in his 2022 studio album, Only the Strong Survive.

In 1982, Lionel Richie left to pursue a solo career. A transition that was smooth but slow, Richie's departure was evident after it was mentioned to the band why his distinct sound would never be a part of The Commodores; Skyler Jett replaced Richie as co-lead singer.

Renowned for the funk, soul and R&B hits “Just to Be Close to You,” “Easy” and “Brick House,” the Commodores became one of the top bands in the world during their long tenure at the Detroit-based Motown label. The group is credited with 50 albums that produced seven No.

"Lady (You Bring Me Up)" is a 1981 hit single by the Commodores. In the United States, it peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Billboard R&B singles chart.