Tonight there is no song in my heart … and so I turn back to that which I last played 3 years ago … Lionel Richie never fails to put a song where there was none … this one is for … well, you know who you are.
Lionel Richie originally wrote this song and recorded it with Diana Ross in 1981. Lionel Richie had risen from saxophone player in the Commodores to lead vocalist and primary songwriter in the group. He was still with them when the movie, Endless Love, was being filmed and director Franco Zeffirelli asked him to write an instrumental theme along the lines of Henry Mancini’s theme from the 1971 film Love Story. Richie, who was eager to add “film soundtrack” to his resumé, used a piece of music he had written for the Commodores but was never recorded. But then Zeffirelli decided he wanted lyrics. And that it should be a duet, maybe with Diana Ross. So Richie’s assignment went from devising an instrumental theme song to composing and performing on a fully-formed duet with the most popular female vocalist in America. He was up for the challenge.
The movie did not do well, but the song, recorded under the Motown label, received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and won a Marquee Award in 1982 for Best Original Song.
In 1994, Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross recorded this for Vandross’ album Songs. It became Luther’s biggest hit, going to #2 in the US. I am a big fan of Luther Vandross, but tonight, as I listened to his and Mariah’s version, I found that I still preferred Lionel Richie and Shania’s. Somewhere along the line, Kenny Rogers even recorded it … is there a song around that he hasn’t recorded??? I did not listen to Kenny’s version. Three was enough for me.
Richie and Twain recorded their version in 2011, and the video you are about to watch was recorded in February 2012.
Endless Love
Lionel Richie and Shania Twain
My love
There’s only you in my life
The only thing that’s right
My first love
You’re every breath I take
You’re every step I make
And I
I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do
And your eyes (your eyes, your eyes)
They tell me how much you care
Oh, yes
You’ll always be
My endless love
Two hearts
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun
And forever
I’ll hold you close in my arms
I can’t resist your charms
And I
I’d play the fool
For you, I’m sure
You know I don’t mind
(No, you know I don’t mind)
And yes
You mean the world to me
I know I’ve found in you
My endless love
And love
I’d play the fool
For you, I’m sure
You know I don’t mind
(Whoa, you know I don’t mind)
Oh, yes
You’d be the only one
Cause no, I can’t deny
This love I have inside
And I’ll give it all to you
My love (my love, my love)
Songwriters: Lionel B. Richie / Jr.
Endless Love lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Such a beautiful song!!!! 💙
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I think so too … glad you liked it!!! Hugs ❤
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Jill, Lionel did well with his many duets after leaving The Commodores. Keith
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He certainly did! I had forgotten that he recorded this one with Diana Ross, else I would have included it as well.
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Lionel Richie is the gold standard for love songs, and a brilliant collaboration with Shania who lends her warm southern charm/ twang to the mix. This is heaven to my ears. TY!
IMHO the original recording with Ms Ross cannot be beat, both artists at the top of their game. ❤
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Thank you for sharing such a lovely song, Jill! You made my evening, this way. Michael
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I’m so glad, Michael!
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You are very great in bringing good mood into the world, Jill! Thank you, and enjoy your day! I just have seen the weather of the next days. Horrible getting over 20 degrees till Saturday. Then – i hope only for two days – only max. 9 degrees (C).
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Thanks Michael! Well, I guess you won’t be going to the beach just yet, eh? Still, at least it isn’t snowing, yes?
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Always good to see Shania. They did a nice duet.
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I thought so too … I had forgotten about the one with Diana Ross, else I would have offered it, too!
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Not really my kind of song, sorry. But Shania Twain always brightens things up 😊
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Take her. There are many of us here in Canada would like to see her go. But this was one of her better efforts, if you don’t watch the video.
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Well, at least you found something to like about it! 😉
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😂
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Shania Twain is quite nice but I don’t think she convinced me she was singing to her Endless Love. Lionel did of course as did Diana back in the day. It was good though.
Cwtch
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I’m glad you at least didn’t hate it. Lionel, in my book, has never done a bad song.
Cwtch
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My beloved husband is a fan of Lionel Richie
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As am I! 😊
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