Lionel Richie

Lionel Brockman Richie Jr., born on June 20, 1949, is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, musician, and television personality. He first gained prominence in the 1970s as a co-lead singer and songwriter for the iconic Motown group, the Commodores. During his time with the group, he penned and recorded several hit singles, including "Easy," "Sail On," "Three Times a Lady," and "Still," before embarking on a successful solo career.

In 1980, Richie showcased his songwriting prowess by writing and producing the chart-topping single "Lady" for Kenny Rogers. The following year, he recorded the duet "Endless Love" with Diana Ross, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time and marked a significant milestone in both artists' careers. His self-titled debut album, released in 1982, sold over four million copies and featured popular tracks such as "You Are," "My Love," and the number one hit "Truly."

Richie's second album, "Can't Slow Down," released in 1983, achieved remarkable success, reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and selling over twenty million copies globally. This album produced the chart-topping singles "All Night Long (All Night)" and "Hello." In 1985, he co-wrote the charity single "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson, which also sold over twenty million copies. His third album, "Dancing on the Ceiling," released in 1986, included the number one single "Say You, Say Me" and the title track that reached number two.

After a hiatus from recording between 1986 and 1996, Richie returned to the music scene with seven studio albums. He has also made a mark on television as a judge on the singing competition show American Idol since its sixteenth season in 2018. Over his illustrious career, Richie has sold more than ninety million records worldwide, earning him a place among the best-selling artists of all time. His accolades include four Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, along with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2022.