If you’re a fan of funk and soul music, chances are you’ve heard of the song “Brick House.” It’s a classic tune that has been covered by many musicians over the years. But if you’re wondering who originally sang “Brick House,” then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the song and the band behind it.
The Commodores
“Brick House” was originally recorded by the Commodores, an American funk and soul band formed in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1968. The band consisted of Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread, William King, and Walter Orange. The group’s name was a combination of the words “commodities” and “commanders.”
The Commodores gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, recording hit songs such as “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Still.” The band’s music was heavily influenced by funk, soul, and R&B, and they had a unique sound that set them apart from other groups at the time.
“Brick House”
“Brick House” was written by the Commodores in 1977 and released as a single from their self-titled album. The song features strong bass and guitar riffs and a funky beat that’s impossible not to dance to. The lyrics celebrate a confident and strong woman who is “mighty mighty” and “built like an Amazon.”
The song was an instant hit and became one of the Commodores’ most popular songs. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart. “Brick House” has since become a timeless classic and is still played on radio stations and at parties today.
Cover Versions
Over the years, “Brick House” has been covered by many musicians and bands. Some of the most notable cover versions include:
– Rob Zombie: The heavy metal artist recorded a cover of “Brick House” for the 2003 film “House of 1000 Corpses.”
– The B-52s: The new wave band included a cover of “Brick House” on their album “Whammy!” in 1983.
– CeeLo Green: The singer-songwriter recorded a cover of “Brick House” for the 2013 film “Turbo.”
These are just a few examples of the many cover versions of “Brick House” that have been released over the years.
Conclusion
“Brick House” is a classic funk and soul song that has stood the test of time. The Commodores’ original version remains the most popular and recognizable, but the song has been covered by many musicians and bands over the years. Regardless of who sings it, “Brick House” is a feel-good song that always gets people up and dancing.
FAQ
Did Lionel Richie wrote Brick House?
The song “Brick House” has been a popular hit for the band Commodores since its release in 1977. It’s a funky, up-tempo tune that has become a staple of pop culture. However, the question remains: who wrote the song?
Many people assume that the song was written entirely by Lionel Richie, the lead singer of the Commodores. However, according to Richie himself, that assumption is not entirely accurate. In a 1996 interview with a Swedish news outlet, Richie credited Commodores drummer Walter ‘Clyde’ Orange with writing “most of the lyrics and most of the melody to” the track. This is a surprising revelation for many fans of the band, who have long attributed the song to Richie’s writing prowess.
Of course, this is not to say that Richie had no hand in the creation of “Brick House.” As the lead singer of the band, he undoubtedly played a key role in shaping the song’s sound and lyrics. It’s also worth noting that the song has a distinctive bassline that was created by fellow Commodores band member Ronald LaPread. The combination of Orange’s melody, Richie’s vocals, and LaPread’s bassline all contribute to the song’s funky, danceable sound.
While Lionel Richie did play a significant role in the creation of “Brick House,” it is not entirely accurate to say that he wrote the song. Rather, the melody and lyrics were largely the work of Commodores drummer Walter ‘Clyde’ Orange. The song is a testament to the collaborative nature of the band and the many talented musicians who helped create their iconic sound.
Who was the lead singer of the Commodores?
The Commodores were an R&B funk and soul band that originated in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1968. The band consisted of several talented musicians, but Lionel Richie was their lead vocalist and one of the most prominent members.
Richie was born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was raised on the campus of Tuskegee University, where two previous generations of his family had worked. Lionel showed a natural talent for music from an early age, and he joined the Commodores as their lead vocalist in 1968 while he was still in college.
With Richie at the helm, the Commodores became a popular and successful band throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The band’s hits included “Machine Gun,” “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Nightshift.”
Richie’s smooth and soulful voice became a trademark of the band, and he was known for his dynamic stage presence as well. However, in the mid-1980s, Richie left the Commodores to pursue a solo career.
As a solo artist, Richie achieved even greater success. He released several hit albums, including “Can’t Slow Down” and “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and chart-topping singles such as “Hello” and “All Night Long.” He has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Lionel Richie was the lead singer of the Commodores, a successful R&B funk and soul band that was formed in Alabama in 1968. Richie played a vital role in the success of the band with his smooth and soulful voice. His contribution to the music industry as a solo artist is also notable, making him an iconic figure in music history.
Are any of the original Commodores still alive?
The Commodores is an American funk and soul band formed in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1968. The band has gone through several iterations, and the original members included Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread, William King, and Walter Orange. Over the years, the lineup has changed, and some members have left the group to pursue solo careers. However, there are still some members of the original Commodores who are alive and continue to perform.
As of 2020, the Commodores consist of Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “J.D.” Nicholas, and William “WAK” King, along with their five-piece band The Mean Machine. While Lionel Richie was one of the original members and played a significant role in the band’s success, he left the group in 1982 to pursue a solo career. Despite Richie’s absence from the band, the Commodores continued to make music and tour, and they’ve remained popular with fans all over the world.
Walter Orange, one of the original members of the Commodores, was the lead vocalist on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Brick House,” “Lady (You Bring Me Up),” and “Nightshift.” Orange has remained with the band throughout its entire history, and he continues to perform as the group’s drummer and lead vocalist.
William “WAK” King is another original member of the Commodores who continues to perform with the band. King played the trumpet in the group and co-wrote many of their songs. He remains an integral part of the band’s live performances and contributes to their songwriting.
James Dean “J.D.” Nicholas is a more recent addition to the Commodores’ lineup, but he’s still been with the group for over 30 years. Nicholas joined the band in the mid-1980s as a replacement for Lionel Richie, and he’s been a staple of the group ever since. He has contributed vocals to several of the band’s songs and is known for his high-energy performances on stage.
While some members of the original Commodores have left the group over the years, there are still some original members who are alive and continue to perform. The band’s current lineup includes Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “J.D.” Nicholas, and William “WAK” King, all of whom have been with the group for decades. They continue to perform, playing at arenas, theaters, and festivals around the world, and they remain popular with fans of funk, soul, and R&B music.
How much money is Lionel Richie worth?
As of 2021, Lionel Richie has an estimated net worth of US$200 million. He has earned a considerable amount of wealth over the course of his long and successful career in the music industry. Lionel started his road to fame when he joined the Commodores as a singer and saxophone player back in 1968. The band quickly gained popularity and produced several hits, such as “Brick House” and “Easy.”
After leaving the Commodores in 1981, Lionel embarked on a solo career and released his first album, “Lionel Richie,” a year later. The album became an instant success and produced several chart-topping singles, including “Truly” and “You Are.” Lionel’s subsequent albums, such as “Can’t Slow Down” and “Dancing on the Ceiling,” were also successful, cementing his status as one of the music industry’s top-selling artists.
Apart from his impressive music career, Lionel Richie has also earned wealth through other ventures. He has served as a judge on the television show “American Idol” and has also made several acting appearances. Additionally, Lionel has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the We Are Family Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Lionel Richie’s net worth of US$200 million is a reflection of his long and prosperous career in the music industry, as well as his other successful ventures. He is an iconic figure in the industry, and his music continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide.
Who took over from Lionel Richie in the Commodores?
When Lionel Richie left the Commodores in 1982 to pursue a successful solo career, the remaining members of the band were faced with a difficult decision on how to move forward. The Commodores had been a successful R&B group since the 1970s, with a string of hits like “Easy,” “Brick House,” and “Three Times a Lady.” But Lionel Richie had been the lead singer and primary songwriter for the group, and his departure left some big shoes to fill.
To replace Richie, the band turned to James Dean (J.D.) Nicholas, a British musician formerly with the funk band Heatwave. Nicholas had previously worked with the Commodores on their hit song “Lady (You Bring Me Up),” and his soulful voice and stage presence made him a natural fit for the group.
With Nicholas on board, the Commodores released a self-titled album in 1985 that included the hit songs “Nightshift” and “Animal Instinct.” “Nightshift” was particularly successful, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Despite their continued success with Nicholas as lead vocalist, the Commodores were never quite able to recapture the chart-topping success they had with Lionel Richie. Nevertheless, the band continued to tour and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, solidifying their legacy as one of the most successful R&B groups of all time. James Dean (J.D.) Nicholas’s tenure as lead singer marked a successful transition for the Commodores, ensuring that the band would continue to thrive even after the departure of their most famous member.