In his debut memoir Truly, Lionel Richie lifts the curtain on his longtime friendship with the late Michael Jackson and reveals a surprising behind-the-scenes detail — how the King of Pop earned the nickname “Smelly.” Richie describes Jackson’s life on the road as hectic and, at times, neglectful of personal hygiene.
Richie writes that Quincy Jones, the legendary producer of Thriller, affectionately dubbed Jackson “Smelly” because he often went days without changing or washing his clothes. Michael himself would laugh, unaware of how long it had been.
Life on tour left little time for laundry or shopping. Michael was either performing in elaborate costumes, lounging in pajamas while in the studio, or wearing loose, comfortable clothes at home practicing dance moves and playing with his pets.
Richie fondly recalls visits where Michael arrived in worn-out jeans that fit poorly and carried the expected scent but emphasized that despite these quirks, his talent and kindness always shone through.
