it wasn't good because you could see the anxiety on their faces because, you know, it wasn't lionel ritchiebuddies. >> not even buddies. these guys were family. >> reporter: but it was time to go. lionel broke from the commodores to launch a solo career but there was definitely an up side. >> that rocket took off. ♪ because i'm truly >> reporter: flying solo richy's career hit warp speed. >> ♪ i'm truly in love with you, girl ♪ > his first solo album sold more than 4 million copies. >> can't slow down, lionel ritchie. >> reporter: his second earned two grammys. >> i want to say it. i want to say it. outrageous. >> we have mikes in front of us but what we'll do is.... >> reporter: richy and michael jackson wrote the super mega hit we are the world for african relief in 1985 ♪ we are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving ♪ >> reporter: now a bona fide super star, he was, like the title of his next album, dancing on the ceiling. ♪ what a feeling > so you're constantly album tour, album tour. were you able to enjoy it? >> you know, get a car to 100 miles an hour, roll down the