In a recent episode of *The Joe Rogan Experience*, legendary musician Lionel Richie shared his insights on the extraordinary fame of his friend and fellow icon, Michael Jackson.

Richie’s reflections highlight not only the immense talent of Jackson but also the surreal challenges that come with such unparalleled fame.

As they discussed Jackson’s rise to stardom, Richie drew comparisons to other famous figures, particularly Elvis Presley, and elaborated on the unique pressures that accompanied Jackson’s celebrity status.

Richie opened the conversation by discussing the concept of fame, particularly the kind that reaches a level so high it becomes unmanageable.

He noted that Elvis was one of the first to achieve this level of notoriety, but Jackson took it to a completely different stratosphere.

“Michael Jackson surpassed that,” Richie stated, emphasizing how Jackson’s fame was not just about being a household name but about becoming a global phenomenon.

Richie recounted a memorable photograph of Jackson celebrating his 21st birthday at the iconic Studio 54, a testament to the superstar’s vibrant life and the era he dominated.

The image encapsulated the essence of Jackson’s celebrity: larger than life, mesmerizing, and eternally captivating.

Reflecting on Jackson’s early career, Richie recalled the moment he first witnessed Jackson’s talent.

“I remember him singing ‘ABC’ when he was just a boy,” Richie said, recalling the raw charisma and extraordinary ability that seemed to explode from Jackson at such a young age.

This talent, coupled with his youthful freedom, set him apart from other artists of the time.

Richie described Jackson as having an “old soul,” suggesting that even as a child, Jackson possessed a depth of understanding and artistry that belied his years.

This combination of talent and charisma made Jackson a standout performer, capable of captivating audiences with his every move.

As Jackson’s fame grew, so did the complexities of his life.

Richie noted how, despite being a child star, Jackson was often shielded from the normal experiences of adolescence.

“He never had a normal moment,” Richie explained, pointing out that Jackson was famous from a very young age, which created a unique set of challenges.

Richie shared anecdotes about their interactions, illustrating the dichotomy between Jackson’s public persona and his private life.

He recalled instances where he would check on Jackson, only to find him hiding from the throngs of fans and admirers.

“There were times when I’d go down the hall and ask, ‘Where’s Mike?’ and they’d say, ‘He’s in the room.

The girls are out there,’” Richie recounted, highlighting the protective environment surrounding Jackson.

This protective bubble, while well-intentioned, ultimately contributed to Jackson’s isolation.

Richie emphasized that as Jackson grew older, the pressure to maintain his status as a “golden goose” became increasingly burdensome.

The need for normalcy clashed with the reality of Jackson’s fame, leading to a gradual withdrawal from typical childhood experiences.

One of the more humorous yet poignant stories Richie shared involved Jackson’s clothes.

He explained that due to Jackson’s immense fame, people often stole his clothing, leaving him with mismatched and ill-fitting garments.

“Imagine sending your clothes out anywhere and you get half of your clothes back,” Richie joked.

He described how Jackson would wear jeans until they were nearly falling off him, illustrating the absurdity of his situation.

Richie clarified that the nickname “Smelly,” which surfaced in his book, was not meant to be derogatory.

Instead, it stemmed from the fact that Jackson often lost his clothes to fans and admirers, leading to a situation where he would frequently wear items that were too large for him.

“He’d come by the house, and I’d say, ‘Go in the closet and get a pair of jeans.’ He literally changed clothes and left them on the floor,” Richie explained.

This anecdote serves as a humorous reminder of the bizarre realities of living in the spotlight.

For Jackson, even something as mundane as clothing became a reflection of his fame and the challenges that came with it.

As the conversation progressed, Richie acknowledged the profound impact Jackson had on music and culture.

He noted that Jackson’s influence extended far beyond his hits; he reshaped the landscape of pop music and set new standards for performance and artistry.

Richie’s reflections on Jackson are not just about the man himself but also about the legacy he left behind.

Jackson’s ability to connect with audiences, his innovative music videos, and his groundbreaking performances have inspired countless artists and continue to resonate with fans around the world.

Lionel Richie’s insights into Michael Jackson’s life paint a vivid picture of the complexities of fame.

While Jackson’s talent and charisma brought him unparalleled success, they also came at a significant cost.

The pressures of celebrity, the loss of normalcy, and the constant scrutiny of his personal life shaped Jackson into a figure who was both adored and isolated.

Richie’s anecdotes remind us that behind the glitz and glamour of stardom lies a human being navigating the challenges of fame.

As we celebrate the legacy of Michael Jackson, it is essential to recognize the sacrifices made by those who achieve such heights and to appreciate the artistry that continues to inspire generations.

In the end, Michael Jackson’s story is a testament to the extraordinary nature of talent and the profound impact of fame on the human experience.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.