Lionel Richie Reveals Michael Jackson’s Peculiar Habits and the Origin of a Surprising Nickname
Lionel Richie, the celebrated singer-songwriter, has offered a candid glimpse into his long-standing friendship with the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, in his recently released memoir, “Truly.” Richie’s recollections, initially shared in an interview with Paris Match, detail a side of Jackson often hidden from the public eye – a man grappling with the pressures of superstardom and exhibiting eccentric, sometimes baffling, personal habits. Central to these revelations is the story behind a nickname bestowed upon Jackson by Quincy Jones, the legendary producer who played a pivotal role in shaping Jackson’s career: “Smelly.” This wasn’t a commentary on Jackson’s personal hygiene, but rather a playful observation stemming from his habit of leaving clothes strewn about, a consequence of their frequent disappearance at the hands of overzealous fans.
Jackson, who died prematurely on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, enjoyed a close relationship with Richie, who described him as a brother figure. Their collaboration extended beyond friendship, notably co-writing the iconic 1985 charity single “We Are the World.” Richie’s memoir paints a picture of a complex individual, deeply connected to his family in his early years, but increasingly isolated as his fame exploded. The sheer scale of Jackson’s success, Richie explains, created a unique set of challenges, detaching him from the mundane realities of everyday life.
The Story Behind the Nickname “Smelly”
The origin of the nickname “Smelly” is rooted in a peculiar pattern of laundry mishaps. According to Richie, Jackson would send his clothes to the hotel laundry service whereas on tour, but they consistently vanished. “They were stolen by the staff since everyone wanted to maintain a souvenir of him,” Richie explained in the Paris Match interview. Jackson developed a habit of wearing the same outfits repeatedly until they were discarded. Quincy Jones, witnessing this trend, playfully dubbed him “Smelly” – not because of any actual odor, but simply because of the constant presence of discarded clothing. “I can say it now that he is dead,” Richie added, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the nickname.
«Truly», de Lionel Richie, éd. Harper Collins, 624 pages, 20,90 euros. © DR
A Life Detached from Reality
Richie’s observations extend beyond the anecdote of the nickname, highlighting a broader sense of detachment from reality that consumed Jackson. He recounts an instance where Jackson arrived at his home wearing the same outfit he had worn the previous week. Richie, offering a gesture of hospitality, provided him with a clean pair of jeans from his own closet. However, upon Jackson’s departure, Richie discovered the soiled clothes left discarded on the floor, seemingly without a second thought. This incident, Richie suggests, underscored Jackson’s indifference to material possessions and his increasing disconnect from everyday concerns.
The memoir also touches upon the exploitative nature of Jackson’s fame, particularly in his later years. Richie expresses concern that Jackson became a “commodity,” exploited for financial gain even as his health deteriorated. He specifically referenced the planned comeback tour, questioning whether Jackson was physically and mentally capable of undertaking such a demanding endeavor. “The sums at stake were more important than his health,” Richie stated, a stark indictment of the priorities surrounding Jackson’s career in its final stages. This sentiment echoes broader concerns raised in recent years about the pressures faced by Jackson and the lack of adequate support systems in place to protect his well-being.
The Impact of Early Fame
Richie attributes some of Jackson’s eccentricities to the extraordinary circumstances of his early fame. Becoming a star at the age of 12, as a member of the Jackson 5, Richie argues, was a “curse.” The relentless demands of stardom, coupled with the loss of a normal childhood, created a unique set of psychological challenges. Jackson, Richie suggests, struggled to navigate the complexities of trust and intimacy, becoming increasingly isolated and reliant on a circle of individuals whose motives were often questionable. This isolation, combined with the constant scrutiny of the public eye, contributed to a sense of detachment and a disregard for conventional norms.
The revelations in “Truly” offer a nuanced portrait of Michael Jackson, moving beyond the iconic performer to reveal a vulnerable individual grappling with the burdens of fame. While the nickname “Smelly” may initially appear trivial, it serves as a window into a world where the mundane was often overshadowed by the extraordinary, and where the pursuit of celebrity came at a significant personal cost. The story underscores the importance of understanding the human toll of fame and the need for greater compassion and support for those who find themselves thrust into the spotlight at a young age.
Lionel Richie’s memoir, “Truly,” was published on February 16, 2026, by Harper Collins and is currently available for purchase. Readers interested in learning more about Jackson’s life and legacy can find additional information through reputable sources such as the official Michael Jackson estate website (https://www.michaeljackson.com/) and biographical documentaries available on streaming platforms.
As the release of “Truly” sparks renewed discussion about Michael Jackson’s life and career, further insights may emerge from upcoming interviews and analyses. The ongoing examination of his legacy promises to provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of the man behind the music. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this story in the comments below.