On 15 August, 1981 Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’ Endless Love began its nine week stint at the top of the US charts
15 August, 1981
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s duet, Endless Love topped the US chart. It was to remain in that exalted position for nine weeks, making it not only one of the year’s biggest-selling singles but Motown’s most successful 45.
Penned by Richie, the song resulted from a meeting between the then-member of The Commodores, film producer Jon Peters and director Franco Zeffirelli, who required an instrumental theme for their upcoming Brooke Shields vehicle, based around Scott Spencer’s acclaimed novel Endless Love. Richie duly fashioned something romantic to touch heartstrings.
Then Zeffirelli required a change of plan. A lyric should be added. And maybe Diana Ross could be persuaded to join Richie in a duet? Richie later recalled that he found the whole deal a little scary. “I wasn’t sure I could do it. What if they didn’t like it?”
There were other problems, Ross had just quit Motown and signed for RCA. But agreement was reached between the labels and all seemed set. Even then, problems persisted. Richie was working in Los Angeles, piecing together tracks for both The Commodores and Kenny Rogers, while Ross’ schedule didn’t allow her to spend any time in Los Angeles. A compromise was reached when Diana was due to play a date at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, which allowed Richie to meet her in Reno in June. A hurried date was arranged for the early morning. “We started singing at 3.30 (am) and at five o’clock we had Endless Love down on tape,” Richie informed Dick Clark amid a TV Special. “I was pleased with it because it was one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever recorded,” Ross enthused of her last big hit for Motown.
“The session was a disaster.”
Lionel Richie
Ross and Berry Gordy had already headed their separate ways, she claimed in her biography: “He had begun to act like a genius gone mad - he made it unbearable for me.” But working with Miss Ross could equally be problematic, according to Lionel Richie. Recalling the Endless Love session, he claimed, “She arrived at the studio and told me she wants my part. I have to kind of make her part up because I can’t sing in that key. The session was a disaster.”
The song’s backstory was also curious. It had initially been sung by Shea Chambers, a protégé of Supremes/ Jackson 5/ Temptations-and-more producer and arranger Gene Page. Chambers had formerly been singer with Robbie Krieger and the Skip Van Winkle Band, and claims, “I did it first even before the duet, Diana Ross later recorded a solo version of Endless Love and copied what I sang.”
Contentious? Maybe. But there’s no disputing the fact that it was Chamber’s voice that cinemagoers first heard performing Richie’s theme song in the movie. Gene Page had arranged for Chambers to record it for a party scene in the film so an actress could lip synch to her voice. Chambers recorded the song at Devonshire Studios in North Hollywood and her rendition is heard early on in the film, the Richie-Ross version only being delivered over the final credits. Chambers remembers Richie having problems setting up the duet session with Diana Ross, and says he mentioned that Dionne Warwick was in position as backup. In the end, Chambers’ version of Endless Love would not appear on what became a US Top 10 album item.
Meanwhile, sales of the single were sending Motown into a fit of ecstasy. Ross later recalled, “at first it wasn’t a Motown single, Lionel’s agreement was with Polygram. But when I got into the picture, Lionel and I agreed that it was only fair that Motown got the single.”
Ross maintained in her biography, Secrets Of A Sparrow, that working with Lionel Richie presented her with a series of problems. “The working relationship between us was difficult. I am a perfectionist, I like to be on time always. Lionel was not always on time. I did work very well with producer James Carmichael who is also a perfectionist.”
Though the film was pilloried, Richie’s theme was nominated for an Oscar and also nominated for several Grammys, including Record Of The Year. It was also Ross’ last big hit for Motown, though she would continue to chart regularly for RCA in the States and EMI in the UK. The duet sparked Lionel Richie’s solo career and he now ranks among chart history’s best-selling artists. Even Shea Chambers can claim a modicum of fame, gaining two Grammy nominations, one involving a duet with Jose Feliciano.
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FAQs
However, many music fans may not know that while the song has made millions of people insanely happy over the past four decades, it didn't have the most joyful beginning. Apparently, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross didn't get along while recording “Endless Love.”
Who is the original singer of Endless Love song? ›
"Endless Love" is a song written by Lionel Richie and originally recorded as a duet between Richie and singer/actress Diana Ross.
What is the story behind the Endless Love song? ›
Penned by Richie, the song resulted from a meeting between the then-member of The Commodores, film producer Jon Peters and director Franco Zeffirelli, who required an instrumental theme for their upcoming Brooke Shields vehicle, based around Scott Spencer's acclaimed novel Endless Love.
Who is Diana Ross married to now? ›
Who did Diana Ross have a baby by? ›
"As I often say, 'Diana Ross' the beloved global icon is legendary but she doesn't hold a candle to my Mama." Diana Ross shares daughters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross with ex-husband, Robert Ellis Silberstein.
Who is Lionel Richie best friend? ›
Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie: Best Friends and History Makers.
Who was the first singer to sing the greatest love of all? ›
The inspirational No. 1 hit was recorded for her 1985 self-titled debut album (which also went to No. 1) and was originally recorded by fellow GRAMMY-winning Arista artist George Benson in 1977.
Who originally sang "I Will Always Love You"? ›
Recorded in RCA Studio B in Nashville back in 1973, “I Will Always Love You” has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, the song has become a classic, transcending genres and generations.
Who is the blonde girl in Endless Love? ›
| Gabriella Wilde |
|---|
| Born | Gabriella Zanna Vanessa Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe 8 April 1989 Basingstoke, Hampshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, model |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Spouse | Alan Pownall ( m. 2014) |
4 more rowsKeith holds him off until the police arrive and arrest David for brawling, disturbing the peace and violating his parole. Sentenced to five years in a state prison, David seems doomed never to see Jade again.
4 Songs You Didn't Know Lionel Richie Wrote for Other Artists
- “Happy People,” The Temptations (1974) Written by Lionel Richie, Donald Baldwin, Jeffrey Bowen.
- “Missing You,” Diana Ross (1984) Written by Lionel Richie.
- “Miss Celie's Blues (Sister),” Táta Vega (1986) Written by Lionel Richie, Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones.
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's voices blend beautifully, making it perfect for your first dance as a married couple. People all over the world choose this song to show their love in front of family members and friends. Let "Endless Love" fill your wedding with feelings of joy and lasting commitment.
How many biological children does Diana Ross have? ›
Diana Ross may be best known for her powerful and legendary voice, but the Motown singer is also a mom to five children: Rhonda, 48, Tracee Ellis, 46, Chudney, 43, Ross, 32, and Evan, 31. The late Arne Naess was the father of Ross and Evan, while Robert Ellis Silberstein is the father of Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney.
What age is Diana Ross now? ›
Happy 80th birthday, Diana Ross! Look back at the legendary diva's illustrious career in photos. Born March 26, 1944, Diana Ross turns 80 in 2024 — and she's never looked better.
What happened to Diana Ross billionaire husband? ›
Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian shipping magnate and the former husband of the singer Diana Ross, fell to his death while climbing in the mountains near Cape Town, a police official said Wednesday. He was 66. Mr.
Are Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder friends? ›
Lionel Richie's post
Stevie Wonder and I have been friends since DAY ONE!
How many baby fathers does Diana Ross have? ›
Diana Ross may be best known for her powerful and legendary voice, but the Motown singer is also a mom to five children: Rhonda, 48, Tracee Ellis, 46, Chudney, 43, Ross, 32, and Evan, 31. The late Arne Naess was the father of Ross and Evan, while Robert Ellis Silberstein is the father of Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney.
What happened between Lionel Richie and the Commodore? ›
In 1982, the group decided to take a hiatus from touring and recording, during which time Lionel Richie recorded a solo album at the suggestion of Motown and the other group members. Its success encouraged Richie to pursue a solo career, and Skyler Jett replaced him as co-lead singer.
Who did Diana Ross have a relationship with? ›
From 1986 to 2000, Diana Ross was married to Arne Naess Jr. They had two children together. This list of Diana Ross's boyfriends and rumored exes includes Warren Beatty, Gene Simmons, Richard Gere, Michael Jackson, and Barry Gordy, with whom she had a daughter.
