"The Commodores formed in 1968 as an American funk and soul band consisting of members from two separate groups, The Mystics and The Jays. The original lineup featured Lionel Richie, and he also features here on these recordings. "Rise Up" is a collection of early Commodores recordings, including the band's 1969 debut single alongside covers of The Intruders' "Cowboys to Girls" and Sly & the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song."