Acclaimed R&B star Lionel Richie makes his country music debut Monday with the release of his duets album “Tuskegee.”
Featured performers on the album include Oklahoma native Blake Shelton, and Rascal Flatts, featuring Picher native Joe Don Rooney.
In all, 13 of his hits are reworked as multi-genre duets with big-name artists including Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and even Jimmy Buffett.
“Tuskegee is one of the most special albums I have ever done in my life,” Richie said in a press statement. “It’s a moment in time when all of these artists got together and celebrated music.”
For the first time, he’s also made the cover of Billboard music magazine, on stands now. Last month, he also made his debut at the monster industry and music festival South by Southwest in Austin as part of the Billboard official music showcase.
“Tuskegee” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Canada on Monday, the day of its Canadian release. The album is also available in United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Europe and Australia prior to its U.S. release.
The deluxe edition of the album will include a DVD with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions with Richie and his duet partners.
TRACK LISTING:
1. “You Are” with Blake Shelton
2. “Say You, Say Me” with Jason Aldean
3. “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker
4. “Deep River Woman” with Little Big Town
5. “My Love” with Kenny Chesney
6. “Dancing On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts
7. “Hello” with Jennifer Nettles
8. “Sail On” with Tim McGraw
9. “Endless Love” with Shania Twain
10. “Just For You” with Billy Currington
11. “Lady” with Kenny Rogers
12. “Easy” with Willie Nelson
13. “All Night Long” with Jimmy Buffett
Plus, this week, he embarks on a spree of appearances, interviews, performances and specials to launch the project, a highlight being the Academy of Country Music Awards, April 1 on CBS.
-- 9:30 p.m. Friday, Country Music Television premieres “CMT Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee.” The 30-minute show includes behind-the-scene footage and the “Endless Love” video with duet partner Shania Twain.
-- 8:30 p.m. Saturday, BET airs its special “CENTRIC Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee.” Check local listings for showtimes.
-- On Sunday, NBC’s “Weekend Today” show will air Lester Holt’s interview with Richie. Check local listings for showtimes.
-- 7 p.m. Monday, Richie will appear on NBC’s “The Voice” talent show, featuring co-judge Blake Shelton.
-- 7 a.m. Tuesday, Richie takes over CMT’s “VJ for a Day” slot to host an hour of his favorite country music videos.
-- Also on Tuesday, he’ll join Little Big Town to perform “Deep River Woman” on the “Today Show” on NBC.
-- 10:35 p.m. that night, he’ll join Jason Aldean to perform “Say You, Say Me” on the “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS.
-- 8 p.m. Wednesday, he’ll be interviewed on “Piers Morgan Tonight” on CNN.
-- He’ll appear April 1 at the the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS, airing at 7 p.m.
-- April 2, he will perform on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
-- April 4, he’ll duet “Just For You” with Billy Currington on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
-- April 5, he’ll perform on CBS show “The Talk.”
-- April 13, he’s showcased 8 p.m. on “ACM PRESENTS: Lionel Richie and Friends--In Concert.” He’ll be joined by Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles, Kenny Rogers and more.
Only active print or digital subscribers of the Tulsa World are allowed to post comments on stories posted to Tulsaworld.com. After you fill out the form below and click submit, your comment will be published instantly online along with your screen name.
By clicking "Submit" you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
