Lionel Richie
Singer • Musician
Birth Name: Lionel Brockman Ritchie Jr.
Birth Date: June 20, 1949
Age: 76 years old
Birth Place: Tuskegee, Alabama
Children: Nicole Richie, Sofia Richie
If Lionel Richie had only been the frontman for The Commodores he would have earned a place in music history, but his subsequent solo career made him a superstar in the '80s and beyond. Richie was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on June 20, 1949, where he began playing in bands in the '60s.
In 1968, he and some members of his band The Mystics merged with members of another local band, The Jays, to form The Commodores. Though the band would later become famous for a pop-friendly R&B approach, their early sound was far edgier and funkier. With Richie on vocals, keyboards, and sax, The Commodores released their debut album, Machine Gun, in 1974, scoring a hit with the instrumental title track. By 1976 they were reaching the upper rungs of the Top 40 with hits like "Sweet Love" and "Just To Be Close To You."
But they became bona fide pop stars the following year with the ubiquitous smashes "Easy" and "Brick House." Though Richie wasn't the band's only singer/songwriter, his name became synonymous with The Commodores by the time of hit ballads like 1978's "Three Times a Lady" and 1979's "Still." By the beginning of the '80s he was penning pop hits for others, like Kenny Rogers' "Lady."
A solo career seemed imminent, and after 1981's In the Pocket, he left The Commodores, releasing his hugely successful, self-titled solo album in 1982, featuring the hits "You Are," "Truly," and "My Love." 1983 blockbuster follow-up Can't Slow Down was the biggest album of Richie's career, eventually achieving Diamond status and including No. 1 hits "Hello" and "All Night Long." 1986's Dancing on the Ceiling boasted huge hits too, like the title track and "Say You, Say Me."
Richie's profile dipped with his '90s releases, but he experienced something of a comeback with 2006's Coming Home, his first Gold album in a decade.
And in 2012 he earned his first No. 1 album since the '80s by shifting direction with Tuskegee, a country-flavored album on which he partnered with top country singers on new versions of his classic tunes.
Credits
The Greatest Night in PopStream
Self
Movie
2024
Easy Like Sunday Morning by Lionel Richie Fragrance
Guest
Show
2023
Easy Like Sunday Morning by Lionel Richie Fragrance Premiere
Guest
Show
2023
Happy Hour Deals with Helen
Guest
Show
2023
Happy Hour Birthday Deals With Helen
Guest
Show
2023
The Coronation Concert
Music Performer
Show
2023
Live with Kelly and MarkStream
Guest
Talk
2023
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas
Self
Show
2023
Hello by Lionel Richie Fragrance Premiere - All On Free Shipping
Guest
Show
2022
Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Guest
Special
2022
The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Self
Show
2021
Kenny Rogers: All In for The Gambler
Music Performer
Special
2021
Kenny Rogers Farewell Concert Celebration: All in for the Gambler
Music Performer
Show
2021
American Music Awards: The Legends
Music Performer
Show
2021
Country Strong 2020: Countdown to the CMA Awards -- An ABC News Special
Guest
Show
2020
The Drew Barrymore ShowStream
Guest
Talk
2020
CMA Best of Fest
Actor
Show
2020
Biography: Kenny Rogers
Self
Show
2020
Nikki Fre$hStream
Actor
Reality
2020
Nikki Fre$hStream
Guest
Reality
2020
Lionel Richie at Glastonbury
Music Performer
Show
2020
Lionel Loves Idol
Music Performer
Show
2020
Saved by the '80s New Years
Music Performer
Show
2020
Sandy & Junior: Endless Love
Composer
Show
2019
The Kelly Clarkson ShowStream
Guest
Talk
2019
David Foster: Off the Record
Guest
Show
2019
The Black Godfather
Actor
Show
2019
Lionel Richie: Ordinary Girl
Director
Show
2019
Lionel Richie: Ordinary Girl
Music Performer
Show
2019
American Idol: A New Journey Begins
Guest
Show
2019
Lionel Richie Feat. Luciano Pavoratti: The Magic of Love
Music Performer
Show
2019
David Foster: Off the Record
Self
Movie
2019
Lionel Richie: Truly
Music Performer
Show
2018
The RookieStream
Guest Star
Self
Series
2018
Idol Reboot
Music Performer
Show
2018
Lionel Loves Idol
Music Performer
Show
2018
BBMA Top R&B
Music Performer
Show
2018
American Music Awards 2018: Top 10 Winners of All Time
Music Performer
Show
2018
The 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Guest
Show
2017
Daily Pop
Guest
News
2017
Live with Kelly and Ryan
Guest
Talk
2017
Live with Kelly and Ryan
Host
Talk
2017
Play Hits - Grandes Vozes 8
Music Performer
Show
2017
Play Hits - Black In Love 3
Music Performer
Show
2017
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2017
Music Performer
Show
2016
The Six O'Clock Show
Guest
Show
2016
The 58th Annual Grammy Awards
Guest
Show
2016
Glastonbury Festival 2015
Actor
Show
2015
Lionel Richie: Star Of Glastonbury
Music Performer
Show
2015
Lionel Richie
Music Performer
Show
2015
Lionel Richie: Live at Glastonbury
Music Performer
Show
2015
Beauty Report with Amy Morrison Celebration
Guest
Show
2015
The Late Late Show With James Corden
Guest
Talk
2015
Bonnaroo Backtracks
Actor
Show
2015
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Music Performer
Show
2014
Good Morning Britain
Guest
Show
2014
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream
Guest
Talk
2014
Nathan East: For the Record
Self
Movie
2014
Maria, Marì: Pavarotti & Friends - For Guatemala and Kosovo
Music Performer
Show
2012
ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends -- In Concert
Music Performer
Show
2012
The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
Music Performer
Show
2012
Lionel Richie Tuskegee
Host
Show
2012
NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
Music Performer
Show
2012
CBS This Morning
Guest
Show
2012
Lionel Richie Feat. Billy Currington: Just for You
Music Performer
Show
2012
The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Music Performer
Show
2011
The 45th Annual CMA Awards
Music Performer
Show
2011
Q With Jian Ghomeshi
Guest
Show
2011
Dish NationStream
Guest
Talk
2011
The VoiceStream
Guest
Reality
2011
The VoiceStream
Guest Star
Reality
2011
Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years
Guest Star
Show
2011
Love Songs at the BBC: A Valentine's Day Special
Self
Show
2011
Piers Morgan Tonight
Guest
Talk
2011
Lionel Richie Feat. Shania Twain: Endless Love
Music Performer
Show
2011
The Talk
Guest
Talk
2010
The Talk
Music Performer
Talk
2010
George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight
Guest
Show
2010
Lorraine
Guest
Show
2010
National Memorial Day Concert (2010)
Music Performer
Show
2010
On the Red Carpet
Guest
Show
2010
Who Do You Think You Are?Stream
Guest Star
Reality
2010
An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Lionel Richie
Guest Star
Show
2010
Watch What Happens Live With Andy CohenStream
Guest
Talk
2009
Alan Carr: Chatty Man
Guest
Show
2009
Feel the Beat
Music Performer
Show
2009
Piers Morgan's Life Stories
Guest
Show
2009
Lionel Richie: Dancing On The Ceiling
Music Performer
Show
2009
Lionel Richie Feat. Akon: Just Go
Music Performer
Show
2009
Lionel Richie: Angel (Metro Mix)
Music Performer
Show
2009
Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest
Music Performer
Show
2008
Spirit of Christmas
Music Performer
Show
2008
The Wendy Williams ShowStream
Guest
Talk
2008
Today With Kathie Lee & Hoda
Guest
Show
2007
Private Sessions
Music Performer
Show
2007
Chelsea Lately
Actor
Talk
2007
Lionel Richie: All Night Long (All Night)
Music Performer
Show
2006
The One Show
Guest
Show
2006
The One Show
Self
Show
2006
America's Got TalentStream
Music Performer
Reality
2006
The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part
Self
Show
2006
Lionel Richie: I Call It Love
Music Performer
Show
2006
Lionel Richie: Lady (You Bring Me Up)
Music Performer
Show
2006
Dancing With the StarsStream
Music Performer
Reality
2005
Motown 45
Host
Show
2004
Tavis Smiley
Guest
Talk
2004
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Music Performer
Talk
2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream
Guest
Talk
2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream
Music Performer
Talk
2003
American IdolStream
Judge
Reality
2003
Lionel Richie: Three Times a Lady
Music Performer
Show
2003
Top GearStream
Guest
Reality
2002
One Life to Live Today
Guest Star
Show
2000
One Life to Live Tuesday
Guest Star
Show
2000
One Life to Live Yesterday
Guest Star
Show
2000
FelicityStream
Guest Star
Series
1998
The View
Guest
Talk
1997
The View
Music Performer
Talk
1997
Access Hollywood
Guest
News
1996
The Preacher's WifeStream
Actor
Britsloe
Movie
1996
Late Show With David Letterman
Guest
Talk
1993
Late Show With David Letterman
Music Performer
Talk
1993
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
Music Performer
Talk
1992
The SimpsonsStream
Guest Voice
Himself
Series
1989
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Music Performer
Talk
1986
Lionel Richie: Running With The Night
Music Performer
Show
1983
Lionel Richie: Penny Lover
Music Performer
Show
1983
Lionel Richie: Hello
Music Performer
Show
1983
Entertainment Tonight
Guest
News
1981
Lionel Richie: Easy
Music Performer
Show
1981
NightlineStream
Guest
News
1980
CBS News Sunday Morning
Guest
News
1979
Good Morning America
Guest
News
1975
Good Morning America
Music Performer
News
1975
Saturday Night LiveStream
Music Performer
Series
1975
Parkinson
Guest
Show
1971
Parkinson
Music Performer
Show
1971
One Life to LiveStream
Guest Star
Soap
1968
TodayStream
Guest
News
1952
TodayStream
Music Performer
News
1952
Photos
News aboutLionel Richie
Finale
Won Won ‘American Idol’? Season 23 Winner Revealed After Live Finale
When Is the ‘American Idol’ 2025 Finale? Date, Performers & Everything Else to Know
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 3 After Round 2 of Disney Night?
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 5 After Mother’s Day Performances?
Will ‘American Idol’ Return for Season 24? Everything We Know so Far
‘American Idol’ Bosses ‘Want New Simon Cowell’ to Add to Judging Panel
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 7 & Who Won the Judge’s Song Contest?
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 8 After Ladies’ Night Performances?
Who Made the Top 10 on ‘American Idol’ Season 2025?
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 12 & Which 2 Artists Were Eliminated?
Exclusive
‘American Idol’s Amanda Barise Reacts to Being Saved by the Judges & Teases Future Plans
The ‘American Idol’ Judges Made Some Tough (& Surprising) Cuts in the Top 14
‘American Idol’ Recap: The Top 14 Is Revealed After America’s Votes & 4 Judges Picks
‘American Idol’: Who Made the Top 20 & Which 4 Artists Were Eliminated?
Exclusive
‘American Idol’ Judges Share Their Favorite Easter Traditions Ahead of Holiday Episode
‘American Idol’: Josh King & Amanda Barise Have Breakout Moments as the Rest of the Top 24 Perform
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: Victor Solomon & Kolbi Are Standouts as 12 of the Top 24 Perform in Hawaii
‘American Idol’ Contestant Claims Carrie Underwood Rejected Her Because of Taylor Swift Connection
‘American Idol’: Who Made the 2025 Top 24 After Head-to-Head Round?
How Much Money Do ‘American Idol’ Judges Make? Salary Details Revealed
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: 4 Artists Are Confirmed for Top 24 After Showstopper Round
‘American Idol’ Announces ‘Songs of Faith’ Special for Easter Sunday Episode
‘American Idol’: Over Half of the 144 Contestants Are Eliminated as Hollywood Week Begins
‘American Idol’s Final Auditions Feature a Luke Grimes Look-Alike & The Final Platinum Ticket Winner
‘American Idol’: 2 Teachers, Several Talented Students, a Nepo Baby & More Audition
Exclusive
‘American Idol’ Sneak Peek: Mattie Pruitt Brings Familiar Face to Her Audition (VIDEO)
What Is the Platinum Ticket on ‘American Idol’? What It Means, When It Was Introduced & More
‘American Idol’: Egyptian Singer Gets Platinum Ticket After Week 2 Auditions From Worship Pastor & More
Exclusive
‘American Idol’ Preview: Josh King Gets Carrie Underwood Singing Along in His Unique Audition (VIDEO)
‘American Idol’ Contestant Doug Kiker Dies at 32
How Much Do ‘American Idol’ Contestants Get Paid for Being on Show?
‘American Idol’ 2025 Premiere: First Platinum Ticket Is Awarded After Auditions From a Viral Star & More
Kolbi Jordan Is a Star! Get to Know the ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Contestant
Exclusive
How ‘American Idol’ Team Initiated Carrie Underwood — And What Made Her a ‘Nervous Wreck’
Carrie Underwood Shares Then & Now Photos Ahead of ‘American Idol’ Return
Jelly Roll Given ‘Artist in Residence’ Role on ‘American Idol’: What Will He Do?
‘American Idol’: See Carrie Underwood Join the Judges in First Look at 2025 Season (PHOTO)
Q&A
‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Will Moseley Opens Up After Final Heartbreak
Q&A
Abi Carter Speaks Out After Winning ‘American Idol,’ Reveals Advice She Got From Katy Perry
‘American Idol’: Katy Perry Gets Emotional as She Bids Farewell After 7 Seasons
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Crowns Season 22 Champ — Did the Right Person Win? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Top 3 Revealed on Disney Night: Do You Agree With Voters? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Reveals Top 5 After Night of Dance, Adele & Mentor Ciara (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: Who Got the Judge’s Save to Round Out the Top 7? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: A Pair of Shocking Eliminations as Top 8 Revealed (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: Did Your Favorites Make the Top 10? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Picks its Top 12: Do You Agree With the Decision? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Top 14 Takes Shape as 6 More Go Home (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Top 20 Reveal Brings Some Shocking Exits (RECAP)
Katy Perry Weighs In on Her ‘American Idol’ Replacement
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Remaining Top 24 Perform & Jelly Roll Mentors (RECAP)
‘American Idol’: Katy Perry Accused of Showing Bias To One Contestant
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ First Top 24 Take Stage in Hawaii for America’s Vote (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Showstopper Sing-Off & Final Judgment Reveals Top 24 (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: Judges Make Biggest Cut Yet During Hollywood Week (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ 2024 Auditions Wrap With ‘Bachelor’ Juan Pablo’s Daughter & More Standouts (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’: An ‘AGT’ Finalist Stuns, a Brit Charms & an Alum Returns (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Auditions, Week 3: Siblings, Tearful Dedications & Characters (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ Auditions, Week 2: Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter, a Dutch ‘Idol’ & a Platinum Ticket (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
‘American Idol’ 2024 Premiere: An NFL Alum, Mortician & TikTok Star Among First Auditions (RECAP)
Lionel Richie Blindsided by Katy Perry’s ‘American Idol’ Exit Announcement
Exclusive
‘American Idol’ Auditions: Meet Judge Faves Blake Proehl, Julia Gagnon, Athena Jett & Abi Carter (VIDEO)
‘American Idol’: Katy Perry Cries as Contestant Reunites with Birth Family (VIDEO)
‘American Idol’ Judges & Hosts Gear Up for Season 22 Auditions
Finale
‘American Idol’ 2023 Crowned During Star-Studded Finale (RECAP)
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services