Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained worldwide fame as a member of the funk and soul band, Commodores, in the 1970s. Born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Richie’s passion for music started at a young age. He began playing the saxophone and piano and eventually formed his own rhythm and blues band in high school.

In the late 1970s, Lionel Richie embarked on a successful solo career after leaving the Commodores. He released his self-titled debut album in 1982, which spawned hits like “Truly” and “You Are.” Throughout the 1980s, Richie became a household name with chart-topping singles such as “All Night Long (All Night),” “Hello,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”

Richie’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, earning him numerous accolades and awards, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Say You, Say Me” from the film “White Nights.”

Beyond his solo career, Lionel Richie has collaborated with various artists, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Kenny Rogers. His contribution to the music industry has been recognized with inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Richie has continued to tour and release new music. His timeless songs continue to captivate audiences of all ages, cementing his status as one of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry.