he didn't write or sing it but i guess he played on it since he was a group member then.

but yes i too was bothered that the song was included. it'd be like singing 'Yesterday' in tribute to John Lennon. but at least technically Lennon is credited as a co-writer on 'Yesterday' though he didn't write any of it.

EDIT - Lionel IS credited as a co-writer on 'Brick House'. but still...that's not his song and it was out of place in a Lionel Richie tribute.