Lionel Richie Pays Tribute to His Idol Neil Diamond with a Stunning Performance of “I Am… I Said” at the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors

Few artists have had the kind of enduring success and universal appeal as Lionel Richie. With a career spanning over five decades, Richie has made an indelible mark on the music industry—first as the frontman of the Commodores, one of Motown’s most successful groups, and later as a solo artist whose catalog includes some of the most iconic songs in pop and R&B history.

But despite his own legendary status, Richie has always been vocal about the artists who inspired him to pursue a career in music. One name that often comes up in his interviews? Neil Diamond.

In fact, Lionel Richie has stated on multiple occasions that he got into the music industry because of Neil Diamond. It’s a surprising revelation for those who primarily associate Richie with Motown and soul music, but it speaks to the far-reaching influence of Diamond’s songwriting and storytelling.

A Full-Circle Moment at the Kennedy Center Honors

Fast-forward to 2011, and Richie was given the chance to pay tribute to the very man who inspired him to become a musician. That year, Neil Diamond was one of the honorees at the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, a lifetime achievement recognition given to artists who have significantly impacted American culture through the performing arts.

During the ceremony, Lionel Richie took the stage and delivered a stirring performance of Diamond’s 1971 classic, “I Am… I Said”—a deeply personal song about loneliness, longing, and identity.

Richie’s rendition was both powerful and deeply emotional, proving that Diamond’s music resonates across genres and generations. He didn’t attempt to imitate Diamond’s original vocal style; instead, he infused the song with his own signature smoothness and soulful delivery, making it an unforgettable moment in the evening’s festivities.

A Career Built on Timeless Music

Lionel Richie’s tribute to Diamond was particularly special because, much like his idol, Richie has built his career on timeless, universally loved music. His journey began in the 1970s as the lead singer of the Commodores, where he penned and performed hits like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Still.” The group became one of Motown’s biggest acts, seamlessly blending soul, funk, and pop to create a unique sound that stood out even among the era’s musical giants.

However, it was Richie’s transition into a solo career in the 1980s that cemented his status as a global superstar. With chart-topping songs like “Hello,” “Stuck On You,” “All Night Long,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling,” Richie became one of the most recognizable voices in the world. His ability to cross genres—from R&B to pop to country—mirrored Neil Diamond’s own versatility as a songwriter and performer.

Richie’s success didn’t just come from his own performances. He also wrote songs for some of the biggest stars of all time, including Diana Ross (Endless Love) and Michael Jackson (We Are the World), further showcasing his unparalleled ability to craft music that resonates with audiences across generations.

From Honoree to Legend

In 2017, six years after honoring Neil Diamond at the Kennedy Center, Lionel Richie himself received the same prestigious recognition at the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. The moment was a testament to his impact on the music industry and a reflection of how he had followed in the footsteps of artists like Diamond, creating music that transcends time, culture, and genre.

Lionel Richie’s performance of I Am… I Said at the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors wasn’t just a tribute to Neil Diamond—it was a full-circle moment, where one legend honored another, proving that music’s greatest power lies in its ability to inspire and connect people across generations.