Lionel Richie, the voice behind hits like Hello and All Night Long, has endured battles that nearly ended his career.
At the peak of his fame, he faced a severe throat condition that threatened to take away his voice—his identity.
Multiple surgeries followed, each filled with risk. Richie described the experience as “the end of the world.”
Amid his darkest moments, the birth of his son gave him renewed strength and purpose. It reminded him that life had meaning beyond music.
But the challenges didn’t stop. Years of performances took a toll on his body. Arthritis set in, making simple tasks painful.
Then came hip replacement surgery, which he jokingly referred to as becoming “part bionic.” Still, he kept going.
A knee injury later threatened his stage career again. More surgery. More recovery. Yet through each setback,
Richie chose resilience. He returned to the stage not just as a performer, but as a survivor—more grateful and passionate than ever.
Today, Richie still tours and inspires, not just for his hits but for his heart. His story is a testament
to enduring love for music—and the strength it takes to sing through the silence.