(June 20, 2026) Lionel Richie’s 1984 #1 hit “Hello” has never really gone away, but the recent release of his autobiography, combined with the new season of American Idol and an international tour with Earth Wind & Fire has moved the song back to the front of consciousnesses.
We can’t think of a modern artist we’d rather bring this classic song forward to 2026 than Carl Brister, the emotive singer-songwriter who possesses both a sense of drama and the multi-octave voice to match it. And this week he gives the world his gripping reimagining of “Hello,” with a focus on digging deeply into a song that perhaps we’ve taken for granted after all these years. Brister says, “I want listeners to feel again, communicate again, and experience these beautiful lyrics through my own emotional perspective.”
Co-produced by Brister and guitarist Ricky Persaud, Jr. “Hello” is both sonically beautiful and emotionally charged, with the feel of a song pulled from Broadway rather than from an 80s pop/soul album.
Brister will soon be issuing a short film/music video for the song, which pays tribute to the men and women of the military and the families who stand behind them. We can’t wait for the video, but for now, put on your headphones and take in this stunning song.
By Chris Rizik
