By Lionel Richie’s dazzling performance at the 1984 LA Olympic Games closing ceremony remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history, thanks in part to his standout outfit. Closing out the Games, Richie delivered an electrifying rendition of “All Night Long” to a global audience of approximately 2.6 billion, surrounded by a vibrant entourage in white tracksuits and red cheerleading mini dresses. The performance was punctuated by an impressive display of fireworks, making it a spectacle that perfectly captured the spirit of the era.
Richie’s outfit, a beaded jacket designed by the late Bill Frank Whitten, was a bold fashion statement. The jacket, which Richie describes as “a symbol that represented a moment where music and sport collided in a brilliant display of unity and celebration,” was adorned with blue and silver beads and cropped at the hips. It was paired with white pleated trousers, a silver sequinned shirt, and a matching beaded belt.
Whitten, renowned for his work with Michael Jackson and Elton John, crafted many iconic stage looks, including Jackson’s famous white glove and crystal-encrusted socks. His designs, characterized by their use of crystals and high-shine materials, were revolutionary at the time, breaking away from the velvet and silk of previous decades.
The beaded jacket worn by Richie is now on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, as part of a new exhibition celebrating the artists of 1984, including Tina Turner, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen.
Although the original jacket is no longer in Richie’s possession, he has a version of it—a blue sequined bomber jacket with “All Night Long” emblazoned across the back. This tribute to his 1984 Olympic outfit reflects Richie’s continued celebration of that iconic performance.
As viewers look back on the 1984 Olympics, Richie’s shimmering jacket and his unforgettable performance stand out as highlights, capturing the essence of both the era and the grandeur of the Games.
