Hubbry Logo
Three Times a LadyThree Times a LadyMain
Open search
Three Times a Lady
Community hub
Three Times a Lady
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Three Times a Lady
Three Times a Lady
Three Times a Lady
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
"Three Times a Lady"
A-side label of the U.S. vinyl single
Single by Commodores
from the album Natural High
B-side"Look What You've Done to Me"
ReleasedJune 9, 1978 (US)[1]
Genre
Length3:36 (7" version)
6:36 (12" version)
LabelMotown
SongwriterLionel Richie
ProducersJames Anthony Carmichael & Commodores

"Three Times a Lady" is a 1978 song by American soul group Commodores for their album Natural High, written by lead singer Lionel Richie. It was produced by James Anthony Carmichael and Commodores.

It was Commodores' first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for two weeks on August 12, 1978, and also reached number one on the soul chart for two weeks.[6] It was the only Motown song to reach the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 that year. The song also spent three weeks at number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[7]

The song also reached number one on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart for four weeks,[8] and was one of only a few Motown singles to reach the top spot on the UK Singles Chart, staying there for five weeks.[9] It was also successful in Ireland, staying at number one for three consecutive weeks. It was number one in Australia for five weeks, and reached number 2 in New Zealand.

Background

[edit]

As a student at Tuskegee University, Lionel Richie joined friends to form the band Commodores. The group primarily performed funk and party songs written by band members. Richie had grown up in a household full of varying kinds of music.[10] His grandmother, Adelaide Foster, taught classical piano, and he was also inspired by the country music that was ubiquitous in Alabama.[10][11]

At a party to celebrate his parents' 37th wedding anniversary,[12] Richie's father toasted his mother, Alberta, saying "She's a great lady, she's a great mother, and she's a great friend."[10] The toast inspired Richie to write a waltz, "Three Times a Lady", which he dedicated to his wife, Brenda.[10][11] As Richie later told Dick Clark, the toast caused him to realize, "I haven't taken the time to tell my wife thank you. How many guys are in the same position?"[13] Richie did not believe that a waltz would fit the Commodores' musical style, so he wrote it imagining that it would be sung by Frank Sinatra.[10]

As the band prepared to record the album Natural High, group members presented various songs that they had written. Richie played "Three Times a Lady" for producer James Carmichael, with the warning that he intended to pitch the song to Sinatra. Carmichael insisted that the song be added to the Commodores' album.[10]

Release

[edit]

In the United States, "Three Times a Lady" was the first of two singles off of Natural High.[14] It entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 18, 1978, at number 73. Eight weeks later, it reached number 1, where it remained for two weeks.[12] It also reached the top of the R&B, soul and country charts.[14][11] The song was the first number 1 single for the Commodores,[12] and the first of their songs to be a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom.[14] The song eventually reached the top of charts in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Canada, and was in the top 5 on charts in 25 other countries.[11]

Record World called it a "sentimental ballad" that should make the pop adult charts as well as the R&B charts.[15]

The original Commodores' version of the song was included as the final track on Lionel Richie's greatest hits compilation album Back to Front, released in 1992.

Impact

[edit]

The song was a "smash hit"[10] which launched the Commodores into a higher level of fame and notice. In large part due to the popularity of this song, the band was named the top R&B group of the year by Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Cashbox. Billboard also named them the number 3 pop group of 1978, making them one of the historically few non-white performers listed.[11] "Three Times a Lady" was nominated for two Grammy awards, for Song of the Year and for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus.[16] The song won a 1979 American Music Award and a People's Choice Award.[17]

Many other artists reached out to Richie, asking him to write songs with them. Richie at first turned them all down, but eventually agreed to work with country singer Kenny Rogers. The collaboration resulted in Rogers' hit song "Lady".[14]

Chart performance

[edit]

Year-end charts

[edit]
Year-end chart performance for "Three Times a Lady"
Chart (1978) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[18] 8
Canada (RPM)[19] 10

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[20] Gold 15,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Conway Twitty version

[edit]
"Three Times a Lady"
Single by Conway Twitty
from the album Lost in the Feeling
B-side"I Think I'm in Love"
ReleasedNovember 1983
RecordedFebruary 1–2, 1983
Sound Stage Studio, Nashville, Tennessee
GenreCountry
Length3:42
LabelWarner Bros.
SongwriterLionel Richie
ProducersJimmy Bowen, Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty singles chronology
"We Had It All"
(1983) 		"Three Times a Lady"
(1983) 		"Somebody's Needin' Somebody"
(1984)

Conway Twitty's version appears on his 1983 album Lost in the Feeling. Twitty's version reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the late winter of 1984 and number 4 in the Canadian charts.[21] (#81 Year End[22]) AllMusic reviewer Tom Jurek wrote that "Three Times a Lady" and the previous single, "Heartache Tonight" "offer(ed) a solid view of Twitty's amazing crossover potential, and his ability to take well-known pop tracks and turn them into solid country smashes long after the countrypolitan days of Chet Atkins and RCA."[23]


Other versions

[edit]

Nate Harvell recorded a country version in 1978, reaching number 23 on the Billboard country chart and number 24 in Canada.[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Three Times a Lady

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Three Times a Lady" is a soul ballad written by and originally performed by the American R&B group the , released as the lead single from their 1978 album Natural High. The song, which features Richie's heartfelt lead vocals, was inspired by a toast his father made to his mother, praising her roles as a , mother, and friend, and was composed in just 20 minutes on a university campus . Upon release in June 1978, it became the Commodores' first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for two weeks in August and also reaching number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart. In the United Kingdom, the track debuted on the Official Singles Chart on August 5, 1978, ascending to number one for five weeks and spending 14 weeks in the Top 100. It earned Grammy Award nominations in 1979 for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus, underscoring its critical acclaim as a timeless romantic ode. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its ranking as the second-biggest song of summer 1978 on the and its continued performance in Richie’s solo repertoire and various covers over the decades.

Origins

Inspiration and Writing

The inspiration for "Three Times a Lady" stemmed from a personal family milestone in 1977, when Lionel Richie attended his parents' 37th wedding anniversary celebration. During the event, his father delivered an emotional toast to his mother, Alberta, praising her as "a great lady, a great mother, and a great wife," which deeply moved Richie and led him to contemplate the supportive roles of women in his own life. Richie composed the song in just 20 minutes on a piano at Tuskegee University. He dedicated the song to two significant women in his life: his mother and his then-wife, Brenda Harvey, framing it as a tribute to their enduring love and sacrifices. This dedication mirrors the structure of his father's toast, rephrasing elements of appreciation—such as expressions of love, thanks, and happiness—into the chorus's repeated refrain of "thank you" and "I love you," underscoring themes of gratitude and affection. Initially, Richie wrote the with in mind, intending it as an elegant standard suited to the singer's sophisticated style rather than the ' funk-oriented sound. However, the band's producer, James Carmichael, recognized its potential for the group and persuaded Richie to adapt and retain it, shifting its to fit their while preserving its intimate essence. The song's lyrical structure unfolds as a in 3/4 time, with verses building emotional depth through personal reflections and a chorus that reinforces the "once, twice, three times a lady" motif to evoke timeless devotion. Richie penned it in 1978 amid sessions for the ' sixth album, Natural High, where it emerged as a pivotal, heartfelt contribution.

Recording

"Three Times a Lady" was recorded in 1978 at Recording Studios in Hollywood, , for the ' sixth studio album, Natural High, which was released in May 1978. The track was produced by , with delivering lead vocals, playing piano, and contributing to the arrangement. The Commodores' lineup featured Thomas McClary on guitar, on keyboards, Ronald LaPread on bass, William King on , and Walter Orange on ; Carmichael also arranged the strings and horns. Musically, the is a slow-tempo characterized by orchestral strings that underscore Richie's soulful vocal performance, supported by minimalistic instrumentation to emphasize the emotional depth of the lyrics. Serving as the opening track on Natural High, it signified a notable shift in the Commodores' sound toward more ballad-focused compositions within their funk and soul repertoire.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"Three Times a Lady" was released as a single by Records in the United States on June 8, 1978, serving as the lead single from the Commodores' sixth studio album, Natural High. The song was issued primarily as a 7-inch vinyl single, with the B-side featuring "Look What You've Done to Me," a track from the band's 1975 album Caught in the Act. Internationally, the single followed in July 1978 with a release in the United Kingdom via Motown (catalog TMG 1113), and subsequent distributions in Australia, Canada, and various European markets throughout the year. In the UK, the B-side was "Can't Let You Tease Me." Initial airplay targeted R&B and adult contemporary radio stations, aligning with the song's soulful style and broad appeal.

Promotion

Motown launched a promotional campaign for "Three Times a Lady" that emphasized its potential for crossover success, blending the ' R&B roots with pop to appeal to broader audiences beyond traditional soul listeners. The strategy highlighted the song's emotional lyrics and Lionel Richie's heartfelt delivery, positioning it as a universal tribute to women, which contributed to its chart dominance across pop, R&B, and adult contemporary formats. This approach marked a shift for in the late 1970s, as the label sought to expand its market amid changing musical tastes. The single's rollout included key live television performances to build visibility. The Commodores performed the track on The Midnight Special in 1979, delivering a live rendition that showcased the group's harmonies and stage presence. Additional appearances followed on Soul Train in December 1979, where they performed the song alongside other hits from the Natural High album, further solidifying its exposure on Black-oriented programming. These TV spots were integral to Motown's efforts to generate buzz through visual media. Radio promotion focused on securing airplay by underscoring the ballad's sentimental depth, with stations across pop and R&B formats quickly adding it to playlists. The push resulted in rapid ascent to the top of the , where it held the number-one position for two weeks starting August 12, 1978. In 1978, no official was produced, as the format was not yet established— would not launch until 1981—but archival live footage from performances like The Midnight Special has since been used in compilations and documentaries. Promotion tied directly into the Commodores' 1978 Platinum Tour, supporting the Natural High album with U.S. dates that featured "Three Times a Lady" as a centerpiece. Motown issued special promo packages, including compilation records of hits from the album and prior releases, distributed to hype the tour's high-energy sets blending funk and ballads. The tour extended to the UK in late 1978, capitalizing on the single's international momentum.

Commercial Success

Chart Performance

"Three Times a Lady" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 73 on June 17, 1978, and climbed steadily to reach number 1 on August 12, where it held the top position for two consecutive weeks. The single spent a total of 26 weeks on the Hot 100 chart. It also topped the US R&B Singles chart (then known as Hot Soul Singles) for two weeks and the US Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks, marking the Commodores' first number-one hits across all three major US charts. In the , the song entered the Official Singles Chart on August 5, 1978, and ascended to number 1, maintaining the position for five weeks during and October. It remained on the UK chart for 14 weeks in total. The track achieved number-one status in several other countries, including , where it topped the RPM Singles Chart for four weeks; , leading the for five weeks; and , holding number 1 for three weeks on the . In , it peaked at number 2. For year-end rankings in 1978, "Three Times a Lady" placed at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 8 in , and number 10 in .
Chart (1978)Peak PositionWeeks at No. 1Total Weeks on Chart
Billboard Hot 1001226
US R&B Singles12-
US Adult Contemporary13-
UK Singles Chart1514
Canadian RPM Singles1419
Australian Kent Report15-
13-
New Zealand Singles2--

Certifications and Sales

The single "Three Times a Lady" was certified by the RIAA in 1978 for sales of one million units in the United States, reflecting its immediate commercial impact following release. The parent album Natural High, featuring the track, was certified by the RIAA in 1978, marking the ' first such achievement and confirming sales exceeding one million copies in the US. In the , the single earned a Silver certification from the BPI in August 1978 for 200,000 units sold, later upgraded to in March 1985 for 400,000 units. The track also received certifications in and , underscoring its international appeal during the late . By 1980, the single had sold over two million copies globally, contributing significantly to the ' overall catalog success. As of 2025, the ' original version of "Three Times a Lady" has amassed over 90 million streams on , demonstrating its lasting digital popularity. The song's inclusion on Lionel Richie's 1992 Back to Front, which has sold more than four million copies worldwide, has further driven catalog sales and reissues, sustaining revenue without reaching certification levels in any major market.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in , "Three Times a Lady" garnered praise from music critics for its lush and heartfelt delivery, marking a shift toward more mature balladry in the ' catalog. Trade publications like Cash Box highlighted the song's emotional depth and stylistic finesse, positioning it as a standout single from the album Natural High. However, some contemporary reviewers expressed mixed sentiments regarding its sentimental tone as a departure from the group's foundations. Retrospective analyses have solidified the track's status as a timeless ballad. The song features elegant string arrangements by , contributing to the waltz-like intimacy that distinguishes the recording. Despite these accolades, purists have occasionally dismissed the as formulaic pop, arguing it diluted the Commodores' earlier gritty energy in favor of broad romantic accessibility. This tension underscores the song's role in the group's evolution, blending soulful sincerity with commercial polish.

Awards and Nominations

At the in 1979, "Three Times a Lady" received nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, but lost to Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" and the ' "," respectively. The song won Favorite Pop/Rock Single at the 6th in 1979, as determined by public vote. In year-end recognitions, the track ranked as the number-two song on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart for 1978, behind Gloria Gaynor's "," and similarly placed highly on Cash Box's R&B chart. The were named the top R&B group of 1978 in both Rolling Stone's critics' and readers' polls.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

"Three Times a Lady" played a pivotal role in the ' shift from their earlier funk-oriented sound to more ballad-driven material, marking a significant evolution in their musical style that emphasized emotional depth over rhythmic intensity. This transition, highlighted by the song's waltz-time structure and sentimental lyrics, helped establish the group as versatile performers capable of broad appeal, ultimately elevating them to superstar status with sold-out worldwide tours in 1979. The track's success also paved the way for Lionel Richie's solo career, confirming his songwriting prowess and leading to his debut hit "Truly," which echoed the intimate balladry of "Three Times a Lady." As a hallmark of the soul-pop crossover, "Three Times a Lady" exemplified the era's blending of R&B roots with mainstream pop accessibility, broadening the ' audience to include white listeners and setting a template for future genre-blending artists. Richie's composition, with its universal themes of and , influenced the crossover trajectories of subsequent R&B performers seeking pop stardom, contributing to the smooth, emotive style seen in later works by artists navigating similar soul-to-pop paths. The song's celebrate women in multifaceted roles— as friends, , and lovers—drawing from Richie's personal inspiration of his father's toast to his , which resonated deeply in discussions of familial appreciation and emotional bonds. This heartfelt tribute to enduring relationships has ensured its lasting cultural presence, often featured at weddings and for its timeless romantic sentiment. Additionally, the track has seen minor sampling in 1990s hip-hop, such as in Killah Priest's 1998 song "," extending its influence into later urban music genres.

Use in Media

"Three Times a Lady" has appeared in several films and television programs, often highlighting its romantic and nostalgic qualities. In the 2011 What's Your Number?, the song plays during a key scene where character Colin (played by Chris Evans) serenades Ally (), underscoring a moment of vulnerability and charm. Additionally, in a memorable 1981 sketch on the same show, Eddie Murphy's character delivered a comedic of the song, mangling the lyrics as "Fee Tines a Mady" in a medley of hits, which has since become a cultural touchstone for the comedian's early work. On television, the track featured in the animated series . In the Season 3 episode "Die Semi-Hard," sings "Three Times a Lady" while under the influence of energy pills, using it to express exaggerated affection in a humorous context. In video games, "Three Times a Lady" is available as for the karaoke title , released in 2008 for , where players can perform the song using motion-sensitive microphones. The song has also seen use in live performances and . included it in his setlist during the 2025 European tour, as noted in reviews of his June 6 concert at in , where it resonated with audiences through its enduring appeal. On platforms like , the track inspired various covers and nostalgic tributes in 2025, including renditions and live performance clips tied to its legacy.

Cover Versions

Conway Twitty's Version

recorded his adaptation of "Three Times a Lady" for his 1983 album Lost in the Feeling, produced by and Twitty himself. The recording took place in , and featured a arrangement that incorporated traditional elements such as and to suit Twitty's style. Released as a single in November 1983 with "I Think I'm In Love" as the B-side, the track entered the charts late that year. It peaked at number 7 on the US Hot Country Songs chart in 1984, spending 12 weeks on the listing. Twitty's version delivers the song in his signature vocal style at a slower than the original, emphasizing themes of emotional heartbreak and devotion through a more intimate, narrative approach. This adaptation bridged soul and , showcasing Twitty's ability to reinterpret pop-soul material within the format. The single's performance contributed to Twitty's late-career success, as part of a series of pop cover releases that sustained his presence into the mid-1980s.

Other Notable Covers

In addition to Conway Twitty's country adaptation, "Three Times a Lady" has inspired numerous covers across various genres, showcasing its versatility as a . released a jazz-inflected version in 1980 on his Different Kinda Different, featuring a smooth orchestral arrangement that emphasized his signature velvety vocals. This rendition reflected its appeal in easy-listening formats. Kenny Rogers included a country-pop styled cover on his 1999 album After Dark, delivering the song with his warm, narrative baritone that garnered minor radio airplay in adult contemporary and country outlets. Similarly, the British pop group Brotherhood of Man offered a light pop interpretation in 1980 on their album Sing 20 Number One Hits, preserving the song's romantic essence while infusing harmonious group vocals. In the realm of , recorded a gentle version in 1985 for his Just for You (20 Special Songs), highlighting and strings for a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere. The orchestral arrangement by and His Orchestra, released in 1980 on the album Feelings, transformed the track into an instrumental piece with sweeping strings and subtle brass, underscoring the melody's emotional depth. A more contemporary twist came from in 2007, who delivered a rock-electronic remix for an episode of the TV series and included it on their album ¡Viva la Cobra!, modernizing the original with synthesizers and upbeat energy that appeared on select dance charts. Post-2010 covers include Jai McDowall's 2020 acoustic rendition, performed with his father Jim McDowall in a stripped-down, heartfelt style shared via online platforms. Sarah Collins offered a soulful interpretation in 2023, emphasizing emotive vocals and subtle R&B flourishes in her personal cover. These adaptations illustrate the song's genre-spanning appeal, from and pop to orchestral and electronic styles. Databases like SecondHandSongs document over 90 covers, highlighting its enduring popularity among artists seeking to reinterpret Lionel Richie's timeless composition.

References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-lionel-richie-paul-mccartney-grammy-nods-song-of-the-year-compare/
  2. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lionel-richie-three-times-a-lady-songwriters-hall-fame-interview-7400313/
  3. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1978-09-09/
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/commodores-three-times-a-lady/
  5. https://grammy.com/awards/21st-annual-grammy-awards
  6. https://www.billboard.com/lists/songs-of-summer-chart-history/
  7. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/commodores/three-times-a-lady
  8. https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-three-times-a-lady-by-the-commodores-and-how-it-cemented-lionel-richie-as-a-love-song-legend/
  9. https://www.smoothradio.com/features/the-story-of/three-times-a-lady-lyrics-meaning-facts/
  10. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rediscovered-gem-natural-high/
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/84604-Commodores-Natural-High
  12. https://classic.motown.com/story/commodores-three-times-lady/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/12555107-Commodores-Three-Times-A-Lady
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/2804389-Commodores-Three-Times-A-Lady
  15. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=42056
  16. https://tsort.info/music/kfrtme.htm
  17. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Commodores&titel=Three+Times+a+Lady&cat=s
  18. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2024/04/23/three-times-a-lady-the-commodores/
  19. https://www.facebook.com/behindthegroovesblog/posts/on-this-day-in-music-history-august-12-1978-three-times-a-lady-by-the-commodores/1473764383788548/
  20. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/6twIAGnYuIT1pncMAsXnEm_songs.html
  21. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/7765
  22. https://www.stereogum.com/2068166/the-number-ones-commodores-three-times-a-lady/columns/the-number-ones/
  23. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1978/CB-1978-06-17.pdf
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/9062789-Commodores-The-Very-Best-Of-The-Commodores
  25. https://www.shatterthestandards.com/p/revisiting-the-year-1978-in-r-and
  26. https://www.grammy.com/awards/21st-annual-grammy-awards
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpNwFEpInls
  28. https://www.musicvf.com/top-r-n-b-songs-of-1978
  29. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/commodores
  30. https://theboot.com/kenny-rogers-lionel-richie-lady/
  31. https://www.classicbands.com/commodores.html
  32. https://www.alamhof.org/lionelrichie
  33. https://www.whosampled.com/Killah-Priest/Tai-Chi/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNMdUU5ualI
  35. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eddie-murphy-buckwheat-saturday-night-live/
  36. https://www.tunefind.com/show/the-cleveland-show/season-3/67065
  37. https://vgost.fandom.com/wiki/Lips_%28DLC%29
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/05/lionel-richie-review-larger-than-life-legend-delivers-a-lesson-in-charm
  39. https://genius.com/Conway-twitty-three-times-a-lady-lyrics
  40. https://www.sessiondays.com/2018/01/1983-conway-twitty-lost-feeling/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/master/556335-Conway-Twitty-Three-Times-A-Lady-I-Think-Im-In-Love
  42. https://www.billboard.com/artist/conway-twitty/chart-history/csi/
  43. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lost-in-the-feeling-mw0000650256
  44. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/418661/all
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/3682518-Johnny-Mathis-Three-Times-A-Lady
  46. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/480244/all
  47. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/19030/all
  48. https://www.whosampled.com/cover/328844/Brotherhood-of-Man-Three-Times-a-Lady-Commodores-Three-Times-a-Lady/
  49. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/444213/all
  50. https://www.discogs.com/master/1202850-Des-OConnor-Just-For-You-20-Special-Songs
  51. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/19030/all
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/19747567-Frank-Chacksfield-His-Orchestra-Feelings
  53. https://www.whosampled.com/Cobra-Starship/Three-Times-a-Lady/
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9-KVi1iuY0
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRxJXvvCvsc
  56. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/19030
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.