By Mmesoma 
Tuskegee, Alabama – July 4, 2025 – In his highly anticipated memoir Truly, legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie traces his evolution from a shy boy on the Tuskegee Institute campus to one of the world’s most celebrated musical icons. Set for release on September 30, 2025, via HarperOne, the memoir is an intimate, candid exploration of his life, career, and roots .
Named after his breakthrough 1982 hit, the book revisits pivotal moments in Richie’s journey: growing up during the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, rising to fame with soulful ballads as part of the Commodores, achieving global superstardom as a solo artist, and co-writing legendary tracks like “We Are the World.” Richie also reflects on deeply personal challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, the death of his father, two divorces, and a near-career-ending vocal injury .
Richie shared in a statement, “I travel the world, and all people really want to hear is, ‘I love you.’ … the day we realize we come as different tribes, but we all represent the global family of mankind … the day that happens, we will clearly be united, together, as one” .
The memoir also includes Richie’s experiences as a judge on American Idol, his reflections on social change, and insights from his decades-long creative journey. HarperOne’s Judith Curr describes the memoir as a bridge across cultures and generations, offering a heartfelt retrospective on how Richie’s life and music have intersected with history .
To celebrate the release, Richie will embark on a speaking tour titled Truly: An Evening of Lionel Richie with Friends, beginning in New York on September 30 and continuing to major cities such as Austin, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Each ticket includes a copy of the memoir. Tickets go on sale May 16 at 10 a.m. local time through lionelrichie.com .
Pre-orders for Truly are now live. The hardcover edition includes exclusive photo inserts and promises a moving, often humorous look into the life behind timeless songs like “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Endless Love” .