Richie Says Jackson Nicknamed 'Smelly' in Memoir

Lionel Richie’s memoir Truly was published Sept. 30 and recounts that producer Quincy Jones gave Michael Jackson the nickname “Smelly” because Jackson often went days without changing or washing his clothes. Richie says Jackson’s nonstop touring, difficulty shopping normally and the risk of cleaners or others keeping his garments as souvenirs led him to wear the same pants until they were unwearable. He recalls taking Jackson home to shower and giving him clean jeans and underwear. Richie stresses these hygiene quirks never diminished Jackson’s talent, noting their collaborations and Jackson’s outsized influence on music and fashion.