Lionel Richie

Get Lionel Richie Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Lionel Richie BIO

He rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of funk band the Commodores; writing and recording the hit singles "Easy", "Sail On", "Three Times a Lady" and "Still", with the group before his departure. In 1980, he wrote and produced the US Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Lady" for Kenny Rogers. The following year, he wrote and produced the single "Endless Love", which he recorded as a duet with Diana Ross; it remains among the top 20 bestselling singles of all time, and the biggest career hit for both artists. In 1982, he officially launched his solo career with the album Lionel Richie, which sold over four million copies and spawned the singles "You Are", "My Love", and the number one single "Truly".

His second album, Can't Slow Down (1983), reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and sold over 20 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time; and spawned the number one singles "All Night Long (All Night)" and "Hello". He then co-wrote the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson, which sold over 20 million copies. His third album, Dancing on the Ceiling (1986), spawned the number one single "Say You, Say Me" (from the 1985 film White Nights) and the No. 2 hit title track. From 1986 to 1996, Richie took a break from recording; he has since then released seven studio albums. He has joined the singing competition American Idol to serve as a judge, starting from its sixteenth season.

During his solo career, Richie became one of the most successful balladeers of the 1980s, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for "We Are the World", and Album of the Year for Can't Slow Down. "Endless Love" was nominated for an Academy Award; while "Say You, Say Me" won both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song. In 2016, Richie received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Lionel Richie Photos

Lionel Richie Videos

Lionel Richie News


Neal Medlyn's HOLY SATURDAY to be Presented at The Kitchen

The Kitchen will present HOLY SATURDAY, a day-long multi-event performance liturgy created by Neal Medlyn in collaboration with Gillian Walsh and others. Learn more about Holy Saturday here.

Pop Artist and Songwriter Haven Madison Drops 'Monster' From Debut EP

Rising pop artist Haven Madison has released her new track 'Monster', the second song from her debut EP, TURN OFF ALL THE LIGHTS.

Billy Porter And More To Celebrate Elton John And Bernie Taupin Receiving The Gershwin Prize In All-Star Tribute

Join the celebration as Elton John and Bernie Taupin receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize. The lineup includes performances by Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, and Billy Porter.

Enrique Iglesias & Miranda Lambert Release 'Space in My Heart'

The King of Latin Pop, Enrique Iglesias, makes history with his first foray into country music on 'Space in My Heart' featuring the most-awarded artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music, Miranda Lambert. Recorded in Nashville, 'Space in My Heart' is a powerful love song and the third single from Enrique's album FINAL VOL. 2.

Yachtley Crew Announce 'Full Steam Ahead Tour' In Support Of Their Debut EP 'Seas The Day'

Seas the Day was produced and mixed by Grammy award winning Chris Lord-Alge (Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day) and features the band's first original song “S*x on the Beach,” accompanied by a video with a guest appearance by the Access Hollywood & iHeart host, Mario Lopez.

Diane Warren to Receive Johnny Mercer Award at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala

Diane Warren will be honored with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 13, 2024. Other notable inductees include Hillary Lindsey, Timbaland, and R.E.M. The award reflects whose body of work upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer.

Isaac Mizrahi, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Performers & More Are Coming to Bucks County Playhouse

Music and magic — with a dash of celebrity — are on tap at Bucks County Playhouse this March, as the New Hope theatre continues its Winter-Spring Visiting Artists Series. Learn about programming and see how to purchase tickets!

Lionel Richie And Diana Ross To Headline Inaugural Fool In Love Festival

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross will headline the inaugural Fool In Love Festival at Hollywood Park on August 31, 2024. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross to headline inaugural Fool In Love Festival with additional performances from Santana, Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, and many more at Hollywood Park.

Katy Perry to Exit AMERICAN IDOL After Seven Seasons

Katy Perry's run on American Idol is coming to an end. While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, Perry broke the news that her seventh season on American Idol would be her last. Perry recently announced that she will be headlining the Rock in Rio music festival this fall, and has teased that her new album and world tour would be happening this year.

Photos: Inside the GRAMMYs With Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé & More

Check out photos from the GRAMMYs. Winners throughout the night included Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Billie Eilish, and more. Presenters included Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Meryl Streep, Drew Barrymore, and Mariah Carey. Performers also included Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Cyrus, Eilish, SZA, Dua Lipa, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, and more.

Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep & More to Present at the GRAMMY Awards

Presenters have been added to the lineup for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards and taking the stage will be Christina Aguilera, Samara Joy, Lenny Kravitz, Maluma, Lionel Richie, Mark Ronson, Meryl Streep, Taylor Tomlinson, and Oprah Winfrey.

Lakewood Cultural Center to Present Special EFX 40th Anniversary Tour in March

Grammy-nominated, jazz-fusion supergroup, Special EFX brings a carefully curated selection of renowned, contemporary jazz musicians to the Lakewood Cultural Center for a performance of irresistible grooves filled with funky memorable hooks, lyrical head-bopping melodies and body-shaking rhythms this March.

AMERICAN IDOL Alum Haven Madison Releases 'Sky Up' From Forthcoming EP

'American Idol' Season 21 finalist and 19 Recordings/BMG pop vocalist Haven Madison releases 'Sky Up' from forthcoming EP. New song drops with official animation video, music video to premiere on January 25. 'Turn Off All the Lights' five-track EP releases worldwide April 26, available now for pre-order/pre-save/pre-add.

THE TEN TENORS Return to Popejoy Hall in March

The TEN Tenors return to Popejoy Hall to perform their Greatest Hits LIVE on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 7:30pm.

Video: Watch THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP Trailer to Find Out The Story Behind 'We Are The World'

Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film details the early planning stages, including the writing sessions with Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, and goes inside the famed Henson Studios where “We Are the World” was recorded. Watch the video trailer for The Greatest Night in Pop now!

Story Behind 'We Are The World' Told In Netflix Documentary

Find out the story behind 'We Are the World' in a new Netflix documentary. Many of the artists who were there that evening -- Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, and Huey Lewis -- reminisce alongside musicians, engineers, and production crew about one of the most storied nights in music history.

Video: Katy Perry Stars in WIZARD OF OZ-Inspired Promo For AMERICAN IDOL

Follow Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Ryan Seacrest down the “golden ticket” brick road in an all-new “Wizard of Oz”-inspired promo teasing the season seven return on ABC! The video features Perry as Dorothy as they head to Hollywood, passing by the hometowns of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Adam Lambert.

David Blaine: IMPOSSIBLE To Launch On New Year's Eve Weekend at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

After spending the last several decades blowing the minds of individuals and audiences around the world, David Blaine – the world's most iconic magician and stunt artist – will present his new show “David Blaine: IMPOSSIBLE” exclusively at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with a sure-to-be unforgettable debut this New Year's Eve Weekend.

AMERICAN IDOL'S Iam Tongi Returns to Hawai'i Next Week

Singer/songwriter Iam Tongi,  winner of American Idol’s 21st season and beloved Hawaiʻi native, returns to Hawai'i at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

See Isaac Mizrahi, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Performers & More At Bucks County Playhouse in 2024

Bucks County Playhouse announces a slate of visiting performers for 2024, including Isaac Mizrahi, America's Got Talent performers, and more.

Lionel Richie FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lionel Richie has written 1 shows including Motown the Musical (Composer).

Get Lionel Richie Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos