Has there ever been a voice so instantly recognizable, so deeply intertwined with the soundtrack of our lives, as that of Lionel Richie? Lionel Richie isn't just a musician; he's a cultural touchstone, an icon whose melodies have soundtracked countless love stories and filled dance floors for generations. His career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to his enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences on a profoundly emotional level.

Lionel Richie's journey is a narrative of remarkable success, from his early days with the Commodores to his meteoric rise as a solo artist. Born Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, his upbringing was steeped in music. Influenced by his family's musical heritage, he developed a passion for the saxophone and honed his performance skills in local soul groups while attending college. Little did the world know, this young man from Alabama was destined to become a global sensation.

Category	Information
Full Name	Lionel Brockman Richie Jr.
Date of Birth	June 20, 1949
Place of Birth	Tuskegee, Alabama, USA
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Television Personality
Years Active	1968 Present
Genre	Pop, R&B, Soul
Instruments	Vocals, Saxophone, Piano
Net Worth (Estimated)	$200 Million
Associated Acts	The Commodores
Awards	5 Grammy Awards, 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe
Website	Lionel Richie Official Website
Early Life	Grew up in a musical family in Tuskegee, Alabama. His father, Lionel Sr., was a systems analyst, and his mother, Alberta, was a schoolteacher. He developed a passion for music early on, playing the saxophone in local groups during his college years.
Career Beginnings	Rose to fame as a member of the Commodores in the late 1960s. The band became one of Motown's most successful acts.
Key Hits with the Commodores	"Easy," "Three Times a Lady," "Sail On," "Still"
Solo Career Launch	Began a solo career in the early 1980s, achieving massive success with his debut album, "Lionel Richie" (1982).
Notable Solo Albums	"Lionel Richie" (1982), "Can't Slow Down" (1983), "Dancing on the Ceiling" (1986)
Signature Solo Hits	"Truly," "Endless Love" (duet with Diana Ross), "All Night Long (All Night)," "Hello," "Say You, Say Me"
Philanthropic Efforts	Known for his involvement in various charitable causes and humanitarian efforts.
Recent Activities	Continues to tour and perform, delighting audiences worldwide with his timeless hits. He also launched a Las Vegas residency show, "Lionel RichieAll the Hits," in April 2016.
Family	Father: Lionel Sr. (systems analyst), Mother: Alberta (schoolteacher). Details about the death of Lionel Richie's father are not widely publicized.