Feel it, Sheray! I love this one too. Lionel Richie is an amazing songwriter, in addition to being, a great singer. Definitely one of The Commodores' best songs.
This song right here! Such incredible lyrics that make you think about life, and most young reactors let these lyrics go over their heads, because the musical arrangement is so good.
A very free reaction 🪂! One of my top five songs of all time- bar none 🚫! Another soul touching song ❤🔥. I see 👁👁 you have reacted to the Commodores before: Brick House- Live, Sail On, Lady (You Bring Me Up), Night Shift and Easy- Live. Zoom was released as the third single, only in the UK, from the Commodores 1977 album: Midnight Magic. It was written by Lionel Richie and Ronald LaPread. It was produced by James Anthony Carmichael and Commodores. The song reached #38 on the UK Singles chart. The song is one of the Commodores' best known tunes, despite not being released as a single in the US. The song was about Kathy Faye LaPread, bass guitarist Ronald LaPread's wife, who had recently passed away from cancer. Commodores bass guitarist and trumpeter Ronald LaPread explained in the 2009 book: "Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Story Behind The Song", the sad and poignant tale that inspired this tune. His wife Kathy LaPread joined him on tour with the band but started having stomach pains. When they returned home to Alabama, she went to the hospital and learned she had cancer. She was given just two months to live. Ronald La Pread was devastated, but Cathy LaPread insisted he keep working with the band. After another set of shows, he returned home and started working on a song. "I sat down at the piano and started fiddling around", he said. "Kathy got out of bed and came and sat down beside me. She told me that there were nice changes but the melody should go up at a certain place. We sat there for about an hour and worked out the music. The Commodores had a listening session soon after and I played them another song I'd written, which they didn't like. I happened to have the tape for this song on me, although it didn't have any words yet. I played it and they asked what it was called. I said: 'It's like... Zoom' and the name stuck. I played it for our producer, James Carmichael, and he said it was nice but it needed a middle. He told me that (Lionel) Richie had a song with a middle and no beginning and he put us together to combine our songs. The group went into the studio before the words were done and we cut the track. I took the cassette home to work on, but I couldn't get Kathy out of my mind. The first lines that came to me were: I may be just a foolish dreamer / But I don't care / 'Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere Richie then added: Zoom / I'd like to fly far away from here By then we were back in Los Angeles and Kathy was in the hospital there so I could go back and forth from the studio and spend time with her. She wasn't doing well. I told Richie that I couldn't focus on it so he finished the words and recorded the lead vocal. He captured everything I was feeling. It was very quiet in the studio when they played it for me. When the song finished, everyone was crying. They knew where it came from". Ronald LaPread was on tour with the band in Glasgow, Scottland when he got the call that Kathy was about to pass away. He took a Concorde and made it back to Alabama in time to say goodbye. He said: "I went to her mom's house and Kathy somehow got out of bed and hugged and kissed me. I put her back in bed and her mom had to give her a shot of morphine because she was in a lot of pain. She said: 'I'm sorry we didn't have any kids'. I responded by saying: 'Don't worry, we'll do that later', and she said: 'I don't think so', as she took her last breath". The song was featured in the film 📽 : Shooting Stars (2003). The song has been covered by the singers 📻: Big Bub (1997) and Maysa (2007). The song was featured in the TV show 📺: Mr & Mrs Smith ("Double Date" - 2024). Lyrics 📝: I may be just a foolish dreamer But I don't care 'Cause I know my happiness is waiting Out there somewhere I'm searching for that silver lining Horizons that I've never seen Whoa, I'd like to take just a moment And dream my dreams, oh dream my dream Whoa, whoa, zoom I'd like to fly far away from here Where my mind, oh Lord, is fresh and clear And I'd find the love that I long to see Where everybody can be what they wanna be Whoa, I like to greet the sun each morning And walk amongst the stars at night I'd like to know the taste of honey in my life In my life Well, I've shared so many pains And I played so many games Ah, but everyone finds the right way Somehow, somewhere, someday Whoa, zoom, I'd like to fly far away from here Where my mind can see fresh and clear And I'll find the love that I long to see (ooh) People can be what they wanna be Woo, woo, woo, woo, woo, woo, woo, woo Whoa, I wish the world were truly happy Living as one I wish the word they call freedom Someday would come, someday would come Whoa, zoom, I'd like to fly far away from here Where my mind can be fresh and clear And I'd find the love that I long to see Everybody can be, what they wanna be Hey, yeah, hey, baby Woo Ah, zoom, zoom, baby, I'd like to fly away (Well, I like to fly away) zoom, zoom (well, I like to fly away) zoom Zoom, baby, I like (zoom) to fly away Well, I like to fly away, zoom, zoom (well, I like to fly away) zoom Zoom, baby, I like to fly away Well, I like to fly away, zoom, zoom (well, I like to fly away) zoom Zoom, baby Zoom, I, baby (zoom, zoom) baby, zoom You and me baby, wild and free Don't you wanna go (zoom, zoom) don't you wanna go (zoom) Baby, baby, baby (zoom, zoom) yeah, zoom (Don't you wanna go, don't you wanna go) Commodores Info 📰: The Commodores, a Funk/Soul band, were formed from two former student music groups at Tuskegee Institute: The Mystics and The Jays. Lionel Richie described some members of The Mystics as "Jazz buffs". The new six-man band featured Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, and William King from The Mystics, and Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert, and Milan Williams from The Jays. To choose their group's name, William King opened a dictionary and randomly picked a word. "We lucked in", he remarked with a laugh when telling this story to People magazine. "We almost became 'The Commodes". After winning the university's annual freshman talent contest, they played at fraternity parties as well as a weekend gig at the Black Forest Inn, one of a few clubs in Tuskegee that catered to college students. They performed cover tunes and some original songs with their first singer, James Ingram (not the famous solo artist). James Ingram, older than the rest of the band, left to serve in Vietnam, and was later replaced by drummer Walter "Clyde" Orange, who wrote or co-wrote many of their hits. Lionel Richie and Walter Orange alternated as lead singers. Walter Orange was the lead singer on the Top 10 hit songs: "Brick House" (1977) and "Nightshift" (1985). The early band was managed by Benny Ashburn who brought them to his family's vacation lodge on Martha's Vineyard in 1971 and 1972. There Benny Ashburn test-marketed the group by having them play in parking lots and summer festivals. The Commodores signed with Motown Records in November 1972 after having first caught the public eye opening for The Jackson 5 while on tour. The group's song: "Machine Gun" (1974), the instrumental title track from the band's 1974 debut album, became a staple at American sporting events, and is also heard in many films, including Boogie Nights and Looking For Mr Goodbar. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. Another 1974 song: "I Feel Sanctified", has been called a "prototype" of Wild Cherry's 1976 big hit song: "Play That Funky Music". The Commodores released three albums in between 1975 and 1976 including: Caught In The Act (1975), which was a Funk album, but their other album released that same year: Movin' On (1975), was a Pop album, as was their 1976 album: Hot On The Tracks. After those album recordings the group developed the mellower sound hinted at in their 1976 top-ten hit songs: "Sweet Love" and "Just To Be Close To You". In 1977, the Commodores released the single: "Easy", which became the group's biggest hit yet, reaching No. 4 in the US, followed by funky single: "Brick House", also top 5, both from their album: Commodores. Another album single: "Zoom", was only released in the UK but has become one of the band's signature songs. The group reached No. 1 in 1978 with their single: "Three Times A Lady", from their 1978 album: Natural High. In 1978, the Commodores appeared in the film: Thank God It's Friday. In 1979, the Commodores scored another top-five ballad: "Sail On", before reaching the top of the charts once again with another ballad: "Still", from their 1979 album: Midnight Magic. In 1981, the Commodores released two more top-ten hits with the singles: "Oh No" (No. 4) and their first upbeat single in almost five years, "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (No. 8). In 1982, the Commodores produced the theme song for the short lived NBC television series: Teachers Only, starring Tim Reid, Lynn Redgrave and Norman Fell. In 1982, Lionel Richie left the group in order to pursue a solo career, which would prove to be a very successful venture. During his solo career, Lionel Richie became one of the most successful balladeers of the 1980s, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. He has won four Grammy Awards, including 1986 for Song Of The Year for We Are The World, and Album Of The Year as well as for Producer Of Thee Year Non-Classical for his album: Can't Slow Down (1984). His song: "Endless Love", was nominated for an Academy Award, while his song: "Say You, Say Me", won both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song. In 1998, VH1 produced a "Behind The Music" episode on Lionel Richie. ****CONTINUE BELOW****
In 2007, Lionel Richie was awarded the the Music International Lifetime Achievement by Goldene Kamera. In 2014 Lionel Richie received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016 Richie received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. In 2022, he received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress; as well as the American Music Awards Icon Award. He was also inducted into Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Skyler Jett replaced Lionel Richie in the group as co-lead singer. Also, in 1982 their manager Benjamin Ashburn passed away of a heart attack at the age of 54. Founding member Thomas McClary left in 1984 (shortly after Lionel Richie) to pursue a solo career, and to develop a gospel music company. Thomas McClary was replaced by guitarist-vocalist Sheldon Reynolds. Then Ronald LaPread left in 1986 and moved to Auckland, New Zealand. Sheldon Reynolds departed for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987, which prompted trumpeter William "WAK" King to take over primary guitar duties for live performances. Keyboardist Milan Williams exited the band in 1989 after allegedly refusing to tour South Africa. The group gradually abandoned its Funk roots and moved into the more commercial Pop arena. In 1984, former Heatwave singer James Dean "JD" Nicholas assumed co-lead vocal duties with drummer Walter Orange. That line-up was hitless until 1985 when their final Motown album Nightshift, produced by Dennis Lambert (prior albums were produced by James Anthony Carmichael), delivered the Grammy Award winning title track "Nightshift", a loving tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, both of whom had passed away the previous year. During 1995 the Commodores were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. During 2003 the Commodores were also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. The Commodores have won one Grammy Award out of ten nominations. They won in 1986 for their song: Nightshift, in the category of- Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance Duo, Group Or Chorus. The Commodores have sold over 70 million albums worldwide. The Commodores as of 2024 consist of Walter "Clyde" Orange, James Dean "JD" Nicholas, and William "WAK" King, along with their five-piece band The Mean Machine. They continue to perform live on stage, playing at arenas, theaters and festivals around the world. In 2024, Lionel Richie still performs live on stage as a solo artist. Commodores Original Group Members 🎷🎺🥁 🎸🎹🎸: Lionel Richie (saxophone, lead vocals) William King (trumpet, background vocals) Walter “Clyde” Orange (drums, lead vocals) Thomas McClary (guitar, background vocals) Milan Williams (keyboards, background vocals) Ronald LaPread (bass guitar, background vocals) Commodores Albums 📀: Machine Gun (1974) Caught In The Act (1975) Movin' On (1975) Hot On The Tracks (1976) Commodores (1977) Natural High (1978) Midnight Magic (1979) Heroes (1980) In The Pocket (1981) Commodores 13 (1983) Nightshift (1985) United (1986) Rock Solid (1988) No Tricks (1993) Lionel Richie Solo Albums 📀: Lionel Richie (1982) Can't Slow Down (1983) Dancing On The Ceiling (1986) Louder Than Words (1996) Time (1998) Renaissance (2000) Just For You (2004) Coming Home (2006) Just Go (2009) Tuskegee (2012) Some more good Commodores songs 🎶: Zoom, Still, Three Times A Lady, Machine Gun, Painted Picture, Still, Reach High, Oh No, Too Hot Ta Trot, Fancy Dancer, The Zoo (The Human Zoo), Goin' To The Bank, Just To Be Close To You, Slippery When Wet, Only You, Animal Instinct, Funny Feelings, Wonderland, Lucy, Old Fashion Love, Sweet Love, Time, Mary Mary, Sweet Love, Free, (Can I) Get A Witness, Gimme My Mule, Hold On, Wide Open, Better Never Than Forever, Look What You've Done To Me, You Don't Know That I Know I'm Ready, Let's Do It Right, Come Inside, Let's Get Started, Girl I Think The World About You, High On Sunshine, Just To Be Close To You, Thumpin' Music, Quick Draw, Can't Let You Tease Me, You're Special, Gettin' It, Midnight Magic, Sexy Lady, Lovin' You, 12:01 (Reprise), Squeeze The Fruit, Heaven Knows, Funky Situation, Patch It Up, Say Yeah, Fire Girl, X-Rated Movie, Visions, Flying High, Such A Woman, I Like What You Do, Cebu, Celebrate, Heroes, All The Way Down, Sorry To Say, Wake Up Children, Mighty Spirit, Jesus Is Love, Saturday Night, Keep On Taking Me Higher, Got To Be Together, Why You Wanna Try Me, This Love, Rise Up, Ooo Woman You, Nothing Like A Woman, Been Loving You, Turn Off The Lights, Captured, Touchdown, Only You, Welcome Home, I'm In Love, Cowboys To Girls, Sing A Simple Song, I Know I'm Losing You, Who's Making Love, Baby This Is Forever, Love Canoe, I Keep Running, Ain't Givin' Up, Lay Back, Grrip, The Woman In My Life, Keep On Dancing, Play This Record Twice, Lightin' Up The Night, Take It From Me, Land Of The Dreamer, Slip Of The Tongue, United In Love, Talk To Me, Janet, Can't Dance All Night, Serious Love, This Christmas, So Nice, You're The Only Woman I Need, Let's Apologize, I'm Gonna Need Your Loving, Stretchhh, Do You Hear What I Hear, Homeless, No Tricks, I Wanna Rock You, Christmas Time Is Here, Your Smile, Let's Get Busy, Miracle Man, Bump The La La, Shut Up And Dance, Missing You, Don't Rock It, The Bump, Brick House '93, Everything Reminds Me Of You, Take My Hand, Merry Christmas Oh Happy Day, Living On The Edge, Missing You, Take It From Me, Right Here 'N Now, Flying High, Solitaire, Come By Here, There's A Song In My Heart, Superman, Thank You, Won't You Come Dance With Me, This Is Your Life, Rapid Fire, The Assembly Line, Gonna Blow Your Mind, Determination, Young Girls Are My Weakness, It Is As Good As You Make It, Don't You Be Worried, Are You Happy and I Feel Sanctified. Fun Fact 🕵🏾♀: Fergie sampled the Commodores 1977 song: "Zoom", for her song: "All That I Got (The Make-Up Song)", off of her 2006 album: The Dutchess.