Soul
The song was written by group member Lionel Richie. It was released on the Commodores’ 1978 album Natural High as well as a single backed with “Look What You’ve Done to Me.” Richie has said that this romantic song was inspired by the love his parents had for each other and the love Richie has had for his wife. He had attended a wedding anniversary party for his parents celebrating 37 years of marriage. His father said to his mother: “I love you. I want you. I need you. Forever,” which comes to three times a lady.
“Three Times a Lady” was a major international hit, crossing over to many categories. It was the only Motown record to hit the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. The song topped the charts on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, and the U.S. R&B chart. It went to #1 in Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the U.K. It was #2 in New Zealand, #3 in the Netherlands, and #7 in Belgium.
The Commodores at the time were Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread, William King, and Wlater Orange.
