Lionel Richie: Singer, Age, Bio And Net Worth

Lionel Richie, born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his smooth and soulful love ballads that dominated the music scene in the 1970s and ’80s. ​

Early Life and Education

Richie was born to Lionel Brockman Richie Sr., a U.S. Army systems analyst, and Alberta R. Foster, a teacher and school principal. He grew up on the campus of the Tuskegee Institute, where his family home was a gift from Booker T. Washington to his grandparents. Richie graduated from Joliet Township High School in Illinois, where he was a star tennis player. He accepted a tennis scholarship to attend the Tuskegee Institute, where he was a member of the Marching Crimson Pipers and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with a minor in accounting. ​

Profile Summary

Career Highlights and Lows

Richie’s music career began with the Commodores, a funk and rhythm and blues group that gained fame in the 1970s. He was a lead vocalist and saxophonist for the band, contributing to hits like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” In 1981, Richie recorded the number one single “Endless Love” with Diana Ross, and by the end of that year, he left the Commodores to pursue a solo career. ​

As a solo artist, Richie achieved immense success with hits such as “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Say You, Say Me.” His 1983 album “Can’t Slow Down” won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and sold over 20 million copies. In 1985, he co-wrote the charity single “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. ​

However, Richie’s career faced challenges in the 1990s when he suffered from a mysterious throat illness that required multiple surgeries and nearly led to a nervous breakdown. Despite these setbacks, he made a successful comeback and continued to produce music and perform worldwide. By 2021, Richie had sold more than 125 million albums and won numerous awards, including four Grammys, sixteen American Music Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.

In recent years, Richie has continued to tour and perform, maintaining his status as a beloved figure in the music industry. He has also served as a judge on the television show “American Idol,” mentoring a new generation of singers. In 2025, Richie is set to release a memoir titled “Truly,” which will provide an intimate look into his life and career. ​

Richie’s enduring appeal and contributions to music have solidified his legacy as one of the most successful and influential artists of his time.