McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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The addition of a new lead singer and the success of their number one single ” Night Shift” opened the way for the Commodores to make A Classic Comeback Motown recording artists, the Commodores, appeared in the Lake Charles Civic Center on April 14, 1985. Opening for the group was the eldest daughter of America’s number one recording family, singer Rebbie Jackson. Jackson enter- tained with songs that included her hit single, ‘‘Centipede’’ preparing the crowd for the highlight of the evening, the Commodores. With Lionel Richie no longer with them, his replacement, J. D. Nicho- las, of England, has proven to be an asset by offering new life to the group. The other members of the Commodores, William King, Ronald LaPread, Walter Orange, and Milan Williams, who have been together since their early college days at Tus- kegee Institute in Alabama, also feel that this addition was a plus. While the changes that have tak- en place have brought new life into the group; the Commodores also feel that if something is good, to re- 26 Student Life main good, it needs to undergo changes. These changes paid off in 1985 when ‘‘Nightshift,’’ their musi- cal tribute to the late Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson rose to the top of the music charts. The success of this single opened many new doors for the group, who, as a result of this success, were able to bring their new style of music to cities across the country, including Lake Charles. The absence of Lionel Richie did not limit the appeal of their earlier hits which also brought fans to their feet. The group, being dedicated musi- cians, feel that their first duty is to their fans, and this was proven by their high energy performance in Lake Charles Civic Center. ‘‘The Commodores feel first that we have to perform,’’ LePread explained. “The show is the most important thing, especially when the people are there. To be on stage is probably my biggest thrill.’

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With three video screens and the latest audio equipment, Rick Springfield awed Lake Charles fans with all of his greatest hits. (Photo by B. Monds) Singing his 1981 Grammy Award-winning hit, “Jessie’s Girl”, Rick Springfield rocked the jam-packed Civic Center at his Novem- ber 19 performance. (Photo by B. Monds) Singing his first American hit, “Sunglasses at Night’, Cory Hart preps the crowd for Rick Springfield. (Photo by T. Maricle) Rick Springfield 25

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Entertainer Rebbie Jackson delighted the crowds with her fluid dancing and singing. (Photo by T. Maricle) Walter Orange and J.-D. Nicholas team up to sing ‘‘Night Shift’’, the Commodores latest number one song. (Photo by G. Edwards) J. D. Nicholas, the new vocal lead for the Commodores, had the crowd dancing in the aisles. (Photo by G. Edwards) Teamed since their college days, William King and Ronald LaPread of the Commo- dores entertain the capacity crowd at the Lake Charles Civic Center. (Photo by G. Ed- wards) Commodores 2