Lionel Brockman Richie Jr., born on June 20, 1949, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality in the entertainment industry.
With numerous hits under his belt, Richie’s talents have earned him worldwide recognition and a place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Richie began his career in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores.
He wrote and recorded the hit singles “Easy,” “Sail On,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Still” with the group before departing to pursue a solo career.
In 1980, Richie wrote and produced the US Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Lady” for Kenny Rogers.
Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Richie is the son of Lionel Brockman Richie Sr., a U.S. Army systems analyst, and Alberta R. Foster, a school principal and teacher.
His grandmother, Adelaide Mary Brown, was a pianist who played classical music.
Richie grew up on the campus of Tuskegee Institute, and his family home was gifted to his grandparents by Booker T. Washington.
He graduated from Joliet Township High School, East Campus, in Joliet, Illinois, where he was a star tennis player.
Richie accepted a tennis scholarship to attend Tuskegee Institute, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and a minor in accounting.
In addition to his music career, Richie has also made a name for himself in the television industry.
He served as a judge on the hit show “American Idol” from 2018 to 2020 and has made several appearances on various talk shows and award ceremonies over the years.
Lionel Richie Children: Meet Sofia Richie, Nicole Richie, Miles Brockman Richie
Lionel Richie has three children with the names, Sofia, Nicole, Miles Brockman.
Nicole Richie is the only adopted child of the Richie family. Nicole was adopted legally at the age of 9 years.
Aiva Arthur
