Biography
Who is Lionel Richie?
Early life and education
Lionel Richie was born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, United States. He grew up on the campus of Tuskegee Institute and graduated from Joliet Central High School in Illinois. He attended Tuskegee University and Auburn University, earning a degree while playing in the marching band.
During his youth, he developed an interest in music alongside his studies. He formed several rhythm and blues groups in the mid-1960s while still a student, laying the groundwork for his future in the music industry.
Rise with the Commodores
In 1968, Lionel joined the Motown group Commodores as a singer and saxophonist. The group started as a support act before establishing themselves as a popular soul and funk band with danceable tracks like Machine Gun and Brick House.
Over time, Lionel wrote and sang romantic easy-listening ballads for the group, including Easy, Sail On, Three Times a Lady, and Still. He also began writing songs for other artists, such as penning the number one single Lady for Kenny Rogers in 1980.
Solo career and awards
Lionel launched his solo career with his self-titled debut album in 1982, which featured the hit single Truly. His second album, Can't Slow Down, achieved big worldwide success and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, spawning number one hits like All Night Long and Hello.
He co-wrote the charity single We Are the World with Michael Jackson, earning a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. He also won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song with Say You, Say Me from the film White Nights.
His extensive contributions have earned him numerous honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Johnny Mercer Award, and the Humanitarian of the Year award.
Family and television work
Lionel was previously married to Brenda Harvey-Richie and Diane Alexander. He has three children named Nicole Richie, Sofia Richie, and Miles Richie.
In later television work, Lionel joined the singing competition American Idol as a judge starting from its sixteenth season in 2018, bringing his decades of music experience to a new generation of performers.
Birthday and age
Lionel Richie was born on June 20, 1949, which makes Lionel 77 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Lionel shares the date with 62 other famous people.
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