After a long and successful career with ‘The Commodores, he began writing and producing country hits and ended up becoming one of the most popular singer of his time.

 It has been reported that the singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor has sold nearly 100 million records worldwide and is single-handedly known for his solo-career success, without depending on his earlier success with ‘The Commodores’.

During his music career, he had the opportunity of collaborating with musicians and singers such as Diana Ross, Enrique Iglesias, Rascal Flatts, and Kenny Chesney. The multi-gifted singer also made an appearance in films such as ‘Pariah’ and the documentary series, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’.

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. was born to Alberta R. (Foster) and Lionel Brockman Richie in Tuskegee, Alabama. It is reported that studied at Joliet Township High school.

He was a very good tennis player during his school days, which led to a tennis scholarship offer to study at the Tuskegee Institute, which he accepted and graduated from at university where he majored in Economics.

It is during his time at the university that he took interest in a number of upcoming R&B groups in the 1960s. After completing his degree at the Tuskegee Institute, he briefly attended post studies at Auburn University.

 In 1968, he was signed on as a singer and saxophonist with ‘The Commodores’. The same year, he signed a record contract with Atlantic Records for one record and then moved on to Motown Records.