You’re humming it right now. Or maybe you're arguing with someone in a bar about whether it’s a solo guy or a girl group. The reality is that "All Night Long" is one of those titles that’s so catchy, songwriters just can’t stop using it.
If you have that tropical, Caribbean-infused beat stuck in your head, the answer is Lionel Richie. But if you’re thinking of a smooth, synth-heavy R&B groove that feels like a sunset in 1983, you’re actually looking for the Mary Jane Girls.
Honestly, it’s one of the most common "tip of my tongue" moments in music history. Let’s break down exactly which version you’re hunting for and why this song title basically owns the 80s.
Lionel Richie: The King of the Party (1983)
When most people ask who sings All Night Long, they are looking for the man who told us all to "Fiesta, Forever."
Lionel Richie released "All Night Long (All Night)" in August 1983. It wasn't just a hit; it was a juggernaut. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the R&B chart, and the Adult Contemporary chart. You couldn't go to a wedding or a backyard BBQ for twenty years without hearing it at least once.
The "Gibberish" Mystery
Ever wondered what those African-sounding lyrics in the bridge mean? "Tam bo li de say de moi ya, hey Jambo jumbo."
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Here’s the truth: It’s complete nonsense. Richie actually admitted later that he wanted to include real foreign languages to give the song a global feel. He ran out of time to find a translator, so he just made up "wonderful gibberish" that sounded like a party language. It worked. People have been singing along to made-up words for four decades now.
Why it feels different
Richie was coming off a massive run with The Commodores, but this track was his pivot into a more global, "world music" pop sound. It’s got:
- Calypso rhythms.
- Reggae-influenced basslines.
- A music video produced by Michael Nesmith (of The Monkees fame) that basically defined the early MTV aesthetic.
The Other 1983 Hit: Mary Jane Girls
This is where the confusion starts. In the exact same year—1983—a group called the Mary Jane Girls released their own song called "All Night Long."
If your version of the song sounds more "street" and less "tropical," this is it. It was written and produced by the legendary Rick James. While Lionel’s version is for dancing at a wedding, the Mary Jane Girls’ version is the ultimate "cool" R&B track.
It’s been sampled to death. You’ve heard its DNA in:
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- Mary J. Blige’s "Mary Jane (All Night Long)"
- LL Cool J’s "Around the Way Girl"
- Jennifer Lopez’s "I’m Real (Murder Remix)"
If the song you’re thinking of has a hypnotic, funky bassline that makes you want to lean back in a Cadillac, you’re thinking of Rick James' proteges, not Lionel.
The 90s Reinvention: Mary J. Blige
If you grew up in the 90s, your brain might automatically go to the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul."
In 1994, Mary J. Blige released "Mary Jane (All Night Long)" on her iconic My Life album. This version is a direct homage to the Mary Jane Girls. It’s slower, grittier, and carries that heavy 90s New York vibe.
Because she used the title and the melody so effectively, a whole generation thinks of her as the primary artist for that "All Night Long" hook.
Wait, there are more?
Music history is littered with songs with this title. If it’s not Lionel or the Mary Jane Girls, check these out:
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- Joe Walsh (1980): A gritty rock track from the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. Total different vibe.
- Faith Evans (1999): Featuring Puff Daddy. This is peak late-90s Bad Boy Records energy.
- Buckcherry (2010): For the hard rock fans.
- Benjamin Ingrosso (2019): A modern, polished cover of the Lionel Richie classic that went platinum in Sweden.
How to identify your version in 5 seconds
Still not sure? Use this quick cheat sheet.
- Does it sound like a tropical vacation? It’s Lionel Richie.
- Does it have a funky, repetitive bassline and female vocals? It’s the Mary Jane Girls.
- Is it a soulful 90s R&B track with a hip-hop beat? It’s Mary J. Blige.
- Is there a lot of slide guitar and 70s rock energy? It’s Joe Walsh.
Why this song title is an SEO nightmare
Honestly, "All Night Long" is one of the hardest songs to find via voice search like Siri or Alexa because there are over 100 registered songs with that exact title.
The reason songwriters love it is simple: it’s universal. It implies a party, a romance, or an endurance that everyone understands. When Lionel Richie wrote his version, he was specifically trying to create an anthem that worked in every country. By naming it something so "generic," he actually made it more accessible, even if it makes Googling it a bit of a chore today.
If you’re building a playlist, make sure you check the artist name. You don't want to expect Lionel’s party vibes and end up with a Joe Walsh guitar solo—unless that's your thing.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for the Lionel Richie version on streaming services, always search for "All Night Long (All Night)" with the parentheses. That's the official title and it usually helps the algorithm bypass the dozens of other covers and similarly named tracks.
Next time you're at trivia night and this question comes up, remember the year 1983. It was the year of the "All Night Long" showdown, and depending on whether you like soul or pop, both artists technically won.
Next Steps for Your Playlist:
If you love the Lionel Richie vibe, look up "You Are" or "Running with the Night" from the same album. If you’re more into the Mary Jane Girls version, check out "Candy Man" or Rick James’ own "Give It To Me Baby" to get that full 80s funk experience.