Music Icon Lionel Richie Overcame Solitude Struggles in Early Career

In a recent interview, legendary musician Lionel Richie, now 76 years old, has opened up about the personal struggles he faced in the early years of his illustrious career. Richie, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, topped the charts with classic hits like "Endless Love" and "All Night Long (All Night)." However, he reveals that he often found it difficult to dine alone, and would seek out fans to join him for meals.

"For the first five years, if we had breakfast, lunch or dinner, I would go downstairs in the restaurant of whatever location and find a fan and go, 'Let's have lunch,'" Richie said. He admitted that he "just couldn't figure that out" at the time. Richie also struggled with feeling "scared to death" when stepping out in public, even experiencing panic attacks on stage.

Despite these challenges, Richie persevered, driven by his passion for music. His new memoir, "Truly," explores not only his greatest hits, but also his personal experiences, including his struggles with ADHD, the death of his father, two divorces, and a vocal chord issue that nearly cost him his voice. Richie's story is one of resilience and determination, as he continued to "step forward" despite his fears.

"It's just one step forward and one step back, and I kept saying, 'Step forward,'" Richie said. "I don't care how scared you are, step forward." Richie's openness about his personal journey is a testament to his enduring spirit and the universal appeal of his music, which has touched the lives of fans around the world.