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Lionel Richie, Shania Twain Take Fans Behind-the-Scenes of 'Endless Love' (VIDEO)

Universal Music Group

Growing up in Tuskegee, Ala., Lionel Richie was immersed in country music. In an exclusive interview with The Boot, the legendary singer-songwriter recalled listening to the Grand Ole Opry, Dottie West, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens, among others. His high regard for Nashville and country musicians and artists led to making 'Tuskegee,' an album that pays tribute to the genre and its influence on him, and also afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with many of the performers he respects and admires. One such artist is Shania Twain, with whom he sings the iconic ballad, 'Endless Love,' a smash hit for him with Diana Ross in 1981. But at the same time, Shania's well-publicized medical issues called into question her ability to deliver a lead vocal on the classic tune. (Check out the exclusive in-studio video of their performance below.)

"Look, all artists are egotistical maniacs with inferiority complexes," Lionel told us with a laugh when asked about talking Shania into tackling the song. "We're great until we're alone. Once we're left alone, a little voice creeps in and says, 'I don't know if we can do that again.' When left alone too long, that little voice can talk us into madness. But what I had to do with Shania was just very simple. I said to her, 'We have something in common: we are both scared to death.' She said, 'But you're Lionel Richie!' And I said, 'But you're Shania Twain!' And in the middle of her paranoia, once she heard her own voice on that opening line, she loosened up. Greatness comes from fear. Fear can either shut us down and we go home, or we fight through it."

'Tuskegee' will be released March 27 and also includes guest appearances from Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Jennifer Nettles, Tim McGraw and more. Read our full interview with Lionel, along with the album's track list here.

Watch Lionel & Shania Behind-the-Scenes


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SUE

the world is a better place with your singing Shania..You are and Icon and that was one of my favorite Lionel Richie song's but now it has flouished with your voice and his..you are loved and cared about from your fans. We have missed you and your beautiful smile and sense of humor...God gave you a loving voice and He will guide you through your upcoming tours as well as the angels as you too are one of them...blessings to you..

February 19 2012 at 1:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SUE

the world is a better place with your singing Shania..You are and Icon and that was one of my favorite Lionel Richie song's but now it has flouished with your voice and his..you are loved and cared about from your fans. We have missed you and your beautiful smile and sense of humor...God gave you a loving voice and He will guide you through your upcoming tours as well as the angels as you too are one of them...blessings to you..

February 19 2012 at 1:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SUE

the world is a better place with your singing Shania..You are and Icon and that was one of my favorite Lionel Richie song's but now it has flouished with your voice and his..you are loved and cared about from your fans. We have missed you and your beautiful smile and sense of humor...God gave you a loving voice and He will guide you through your upcoming tours as well as the angels as you too are one of them...blessings to you..

February 19 2012 at 1:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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February 17 2012 at 11:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deputy_dog

Long awaited her return.Like her music and swagger.

February 17 2012 at 8:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stuart Roman

great song, great voice

February 17 2012 at 4:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BabyZz

Shania has such a unique spirit, you can hear it in her music! God Bless You Shania!

February 17 2012 at 4:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
whiteshep02

i am so glad to see she is back and doing so well,she is truely a wonderful pearson.

February 17 2012 at 10:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
slowrdr

what he said is true

February 17 2012 at 8:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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Terisha

February 17 2012 at 3:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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