Introduction
“Lady” by Kenny Rogers is one of the most iconic songs of his career, solidifying his status as a crossover star in both country and pop music. The song was written by Lionel Richie, who at the time was still a member of the Commodores. The collaboration between Rogers and Richie began somewhat serendipitously. Rogers approached Richie to write a song for his upcoming greatest hits album, but Richie initially declined due to his busy schedule. However, when Rogers mentioned the potential for millions of album sales, Richie quickly changed his mind.
The songwriting process for “Lady” was unconventional, to say the least. The song was initially titled “Baby,” and Richie had only prepared the first verse when he arrived in Las Vegas to work with Rogers. In a humorous twist, Richie had to finish writing the second verse while hiding in the bathroom during the recording session. Despite the unusual circumstances, the result was pure magic.
“Lady” was released in 1980 as a single from Rogers’ album Greatest Hits and became an instant success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, the country chart, and the adult contemporary chart, making Rogers the first artist to have a single reach number one on all three charts. The song’s smooth melody, coupled with Rogers’ heartfelt delivery and Richie’s poignant lyrics, made it a timeless classic.
The collaboration also marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Rogers and Richie. Both artists have often spoken about how much “Lady” meant to them, not just for its commercial success, but for the bond it created between them. Richie would go on to perform “Lady” himself, and the two even performed it together years later, underscoring the deep connection they shared through this song.