Lionel Richie has gone country with a new duet album



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Lionel Richie is teaming up with several country artists on his next album, Tuskegee. The album expected to be released in March 2012 will feature duets with leading country superstars.

Singing some of the songs made famous by Richie, artists such as Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and many others will duet.

The former lead singer of the Commodores has called this album a return to his country roots.

Richie, born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, says, “I am a country boy and proud of it. To do this project just felt natural.”

Richie knew early on the audience he had involved more than R&B fans. “As my songwriting progressed,” Richie said, “I realized that my songs perfectly translated to the country genre.”

“Growing up with country, R&B, gospel and classical music from my grandmother and pop, Tuskegee was the perfect melting pot for my influences as a writer. The title, Tuskegee, is a validation of my growing up there…the place I call home,” Richie said.

Songs featured on this album include13 duets of Richie’s biggest hits. Jennifer Nettles of the Sugarland duo sings “Hello” and Tim McGraw sings, “Sail On”.

CMT News featured the full track listing. Some of the songs include:

• “Stuck on You” (Darius Rucker)

• “Dancing on the Ceiling” (Rascal Flatts)

• “Endless Love” (Shania Twain)

• “My Love” (Kenny Chesney)

While Kenny Rogers sings “Lady” the song written by Richie, and made famous by both.

The legendary R&B singer/songwriter gained fame performing in the 70s with the Commodores. After embarking on a solo career in the 80s, he achieved great success winning five Grammys and numerous others awards, including an Academy Award.

Hosting the 12^th Annual American Music Awards in 1985, Richie called it ‘outrageous’. A word that stuck with him for years as his music continued to climb the charts.

The 45^th Annual CMA awards will air live in Nashville on November 9. Richie is expected to perform along with other country artists, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, and Darius Rucker.

The 62-year old singer is not stopping yet. He will be “Dancing on the Ceiling” with this bound-for-success country album. It is a must for any country music fan as Richie’s love ballads are truly, sweet inspiration.