40 Years Ago - 1982 Lionel Richie released his self-titled debut album.
"Truly" didn't do so badly for his first solo single. #1 Hot 100 and AC and #2 on the R&B chart for nine weeks behind "Sexual Healing" from Marvin Gaye. The song won a Grammy Award for Richie in the category Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
"You Are" made #4 on the Hot 100, #1 AC where is was the #1 for the year on that chart, and #2 R&B. Richard Marx was a studio musician who can be heard singing backing vocals.
"My Love" was the last single from the album making #5 Hot 100 #1 AC #6 R&B. Kenny Rogers can be heard doing harmony backing vocals.