All Night Long (All Night)

Lionel Richie

About All Night Long (All Night)

"All Night Long (All Night)" is a hit single by American singer-songwriter Lionel Richie from 1983. Taken from his second solo album, Can't Slow Down (1983), it combined Richie's soulful Commodores style with Caribbean influences. This new, more dance music, pop-inspired approach proved popular, as the single reached number one on three Billboard charts (pop, R&B and adult contemporary). In the UK, it peaked at number two on the singles chart. The song lyrics were written primarily in English, but Richie has admitted in at least one press interview that "African" lyrics in the song, such as "Tom bo li de say de moi ya," and "Jambo jumbo," were in fact made-up gibberish of his own invention. Richie has described these portions of the song as a "wonderful joke," written when he discovered that he lacked the time to hire a translator to contribute the foreign-language lyrics he wished to include in the song. more »

Year:: 2007
: 4:20
: 0 Views

Well, my friends, the time has come
Raise the roof and have some fun
Throw away the work to be done
Let the music play on
...

Lionel Richie

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. From 1968, he was a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records. Richie made his solo debut in 1982 with the album Lionel Richie and number-one hit "Truly". more »

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12 facts about this song

Song Release Lionel Richie's "All Night Long (All Night)" was released in 1983, and quickly became a huge international success.
Song Production The song was produced by Lionel Richie and James Anthony Carmichael, a collaboration that was frequent in Lionel Richie's early career.
Language Influence The song includes a fusion of English and Swahili words. Richie wanted the song to have an international feel, hence the injection of a non-English linguistic element.
Chart Success "All Night Long (All Night)" was a commercial success, hitting number one spot on three separate Billboard charts - the pop chart, the R&B chart, and the adult contemporary chart. The single also reached the top spot in the UK Singles Chart.
Inspiration Lionel Richie said the song was inspired by his childhood years spent in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he joined in dance parties that lasted until sunrise.
Music Video The music video was directed by Bob Rafelson, featuring Lionel Richie singing and dancing in a street festival setting.
Grammys Recognition In 1985, the song was nominated for two Grammy awards - the Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Now Iconic Phrase The phrase “fiesta forever,” which features in the song's chorus, has since entered popular culture and has been used in various contexts far beyond just the song.
In Concerts "All Night Long (All Night)" became a staple of Richie's live performances. During the Live Aid in 1985, he performed the track as part of his set.
Lionel Richie's Career This track helped to solidify Lionel Richie's place as a significant solo artist after his departure from the Commodores.
Cover Versions Numerous artists have covered this song, including Guy Sebastian and Jimmy Buffett, demonstrating the timeless appeal andwide influence of this classic.
Use in Media The song has been used in various movies like "The Last Dragon" (1985) and "Dark Places" (2015), and TV shows like "Glee".

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"All Night Long (All Night) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 11 Dec. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35831486/Lionel+Richie/All+Night+Long+%28All+Night%29>.

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