LIONEL RICHIE - RICHIE REMINISCES ABOUT HIS PAL JACKSON

RICHIE REMINISCES ABOUT HIS PAL JACKSON

LIONEL RICHIE has finally paid tribute to his close friend MICHAEL JACKSON, almost a week after the King of Pop's sudden death.
The pair first met as young performers in the 1960s and formed a firm and long lasting friendship. Jackson was also godfather to Richie's adopted daughter Nicole - so his death has hit the soul star hard.
Speaking to People magazine, Richie reminisces about the Jackson he knew, saying, "I knew him since he was seven. He would put itching powder in your hat. Or ice in your shoes when you left them outside your hotel door to get polished. I know how difficult it was to be at his altitude. I wouldn't have wanted that pressure."
He also insists Jackson was serious about his comeback concerts, which were due to kick off this month (Jul09): "Michael told me his hopes for his London concerts. He was going to throw everything but the kitchen sink out there. It would have been brilliant."
The Thriller hitmaker died after suffering a cardiac arrest last Thursday (25Jun09). He was 50.