Easy like Sunday morning: Lionel Richie at Jazz in the Gardens
The annual Jazz in the Gardens festival in Miami Gardens has always dreamed big for its headliners, which have included some of the most popular names in R&B, pop, jazz and neo-soul, among them Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Common, John Legend, Robin Thicke, Usher, Wyclef Jean, Betty Wright, the Roots and Roy Ayers.
In 2016, Aretha Franklin was on her way to a JITG show until an illness forced her from the road.
But no one who has performed at Jazz in the Gardens since its 2006 debut can match the 23 Top 10 singles accrued by 2019 headliner Lionel Richie, from mid-1970s Commodores hits such as “Sweet Love,” “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Still” and “Three Times a Lady,” to solo singles “Endless Love,” “All Night Long” and “Say You, Say Me.” And that doesn’t include his best-known song, “We Are the World,” co-written with Michael Jackson.
The annual jazz, R&B, funk and hip-hop festival featured Usher, Babyface and Janelle Monae at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on March 18-20.
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On Sunday, March 10, Richie will help close out two days of music at the 14th annual Jazz in the Gardens at Hard Rock Stadium, a weekend that also features Saturday performances by Teddy Riley and Blackstreet, Bobby Brown, Guy, En Vogue, Stephanie Mills, Black Violin and others. Other Sunday acts include the O’Jays, Brandy and the Jazz in the Gardens All Stars.
In advance of his performance, the “American Idol” judge replied to email questions about his music, “Idol” and some of his own idols.
You are one of pop music’s notoriously nice people, but also a judge on “American Idol,” a show that can invite harsh criticism from both judges and viewers. What kind of challenge does that role present?
Being a judge on “American Idol” has been a lot of fun, but also has its challenges. We as judges are not only looking for the next superstar, but are also here to mentor these kids and give constructive criticism when they might not be ready yet. Hopefully then, we will see them in seasons to come. As artists, we aren’t trying to tear other artists down and, of course, we want everyone to have fun.
Is it important for you to make empathy great again, to be a role model in that regard?
I feel blessed every day to get to do what I do and be able to create my music. I am very proud if people see me as a role model.
When you were named a judge on “American Idol,” an ABC producer said you were on the “Mount Rushmore” of pop performers. Who is on your Mount Rushmore?
My Mount Rushmore of pop performers would be Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Michael Jackson, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
You were involved in the iconic “We Are the World” recording. How should the world remember Michael Jackson?
Michael and I wrote “We Are the World” and we raised millions of dollars for charity, and I’m very proud of that.
Maybe 18 months ago you were at the Kennedy Center Honors, and you and Gloria Estefan and LL Cool J were sitting together and singing along as Stevie Wonder did his version of “Easy.” How did he do?
I was blown away! I didn’t know it was coming. Stevie is always amazing. We had dinner that evening and caught up on the last 25 years. … I have been friends with Gloria and Emilio [Estefan] since the beginning. I am a fan of her music and it was so special to be honored with her that night.
What’s the song in your set at Jazz in the Gardens that you never get tired of performing?
I never get tired of “Easy” and “All Night Long” because of the reaction I get from the audience. It’s always a blast to get to hear everyone sing along with me.
You have collaborated with the biggest names in music across all genres. I don’t know if you’d want to name a favorite collaboration, but …
I’ve been very lucky to work with some of the greatest names — Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Kenny Rogers, to name three. Everyone I’ve worked with have been incredibly giving artists. That’s what makes for longevity in this business.
Before “The Hustle” and before Studio 54 opened, you and the Commodores were on “Soul Train” playing the disco-friendly instrumental title track from your 1974 Motown Records debut “Machine Gun.” Meeting Don Cornelius had to be a trip. Who was the first big star you met and what was that like?
Oh, man, it was like being in Motown University — I’d walk down the hall and in one booth would be Stevie Wonder, one would be Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson etc., all recording their music.
I don’t know if you have free time to listen, but whose music are you listening to these days?
I listen to music every day and love the work of artists today like Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino and Drake.
One of the themes anytime your name comes up is, “Lionel Richie doesn’t age.” What’s your secret?
If I tell you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore! But, honestly, I give all the credits to my parents. I’m very lucky. My grandmother on my mother’s side lived to be 103, and I hope I have her genes.
Jazz in the Gardens takes place Saturday-Sunday, March 9-10, at Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens. Parking lots are scheduled to open at 2 p.m. each day, with gates opening at 3 p.m. and music starting at 4 p.m. Single-day general-admission tickets start at $72 per day in advance, $83 at the gate. Two-day general-admission passes cost $99 advance, $119 at the gate. Reserved and VIP seats also are available. For information, call 561-681-5645 or visit JazzInTheGardens.com.
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