The script typeface is Charme, designed by Helmut Matheis and released more than sixty years ago, in 1957. When Richie’s single hit the charts in 1983, Matheis had just reached the statutory retirement age. Today, Matheis celebrates his 101st birthday. He probably won’t party all night long, but he’s in good mood and sends his regards “to all the younger colleagues—keep on writing!”
See more of Matheis’ work including typeface designs, lettering and calligraphy in the article I published on the Fust & Friends website a year ago.