Lionel Richie

Who is Lionel Richie?

Lionel Richie is among the famous celebrities, who have established himself in the music industry by his outstanding multiple music styles. His styles of music are prominently funk, soul, rhythm, and blues, along with the country. He is a singer, songwriter, composer, as well as multi-instrumentalist. Furthermore, he has worked as a record producer, and also appeared on the screen as an actor. Lionel has given several hits with the Commodores in addition to being a solo artist.

Bio

Lionel Richie was born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, US, as Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. He was born to his father Lionel Brockman Richie Sr., and his mother Alberta R. Foster. He has the star sign of Gemini.

Besides, he holds an American nationality. With a height of 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), and weigh about 77 kg, he has maintained his body fit.

Early Life of Lionel Richie

For his education, Lionel firstly attended Joliet Township High School, located in Joilet, Illinois. During his school, he became interested in playing tennis and also played as a skilled tennis player. Certifying from the school, he got an offer of a tennis scholarship at the Tuskegee Institute. Also, he enrolled in numerous R&B groups, during the University. He certified from the University majoring in Economics. Later, for some time, he joined Auburn University after his graduation.

Despite this, Lione deliberated to be a priest in the Episcopal Church. Moreover, he also decided to study sanctity. However, he then made a mind for him to go with the music. He became a representative of a national honour fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. Furthermore, he also represents Alpha Phi Alpha.

Professional Career

Lionel started his professional career in 1968 when the Commodores signed him as a singer and a saxophonist. Also, in the same year, he signed with the Atlantic Record. Eventually, Lionel aired his first studio album with the band in 1974, named “Machine Gun”. Then in 1977, they aired an album titled themself “Commodores”, which gained a hit and also got in the list of the top 5 albums. Subsequently, Lionel started getting attention for his outstanding voice. So, he got to sing a theme song for the film “Endless Love” in 1981, which became a hit. Also, the song is recognized as a big hit of Motown Records’.

Eventually, in 1982, Lionel started his solo career. He firstly released an album “Lionel Richie”, followed by an album “Truly”, which ranked first in the US music charts. In 1983, he aired an album “Can’t Slow Down”, which became a massive hit and also won numerous awards. Moreover, Lionel sang his most significant solo song “All Night Long” at the closing ceremony of the Olympics Games. Then, in the next year, he released many singles which involved “Stuck on You”, “Penny Lover”, as well as “Hello”.

Likewise, in 1985, he performed an award-winning song named “Say You, Say Me”. Moreover, Lionel hooked up with the star Michel Jackson in the hit song “We Are the World”. In 1986, he aired an album “Dancing on the Ceiling”. Lionel took a break for about 6 years. Then, in 1992, he came back with a bang “Back to Front”. However, his next two albums did not go so well.

More About His Career

Furthermore, Lionel’s song Running with the Night displayed in the famous game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City”. Also, during the time, he appeared in the series “Top Gear”, and “CMT Crossroads”. Likewise, in 2006, he depicted his album “Coming Home” at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The albums became the most enormous hit. Also, he appeared in the series “An Audience with Lionel Richie”.

Moreover, he starred at the “Australian Idol” as a judge for three years; 2007, 2008, and 2009. Then, in the next year, in 2010, he presented in the National Memorial Day Concert as well as in the AFL Grand Final Replay. His tenth album released in 2012. Likewise, he gave his next performance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2015.

Achievements

Lionel Richie has gained numerous honours with an award by his remarkable professional career. In total, he has been honoured with four Grammy Awards. He’s one of the Grammy award categories is of the SOng of the Year in 1985. Other Grammy award includes for the type of “Album of the Year”, “Producer of the Year”, and “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Truly”.

Furthermore, he became the first person who won the RIAA diamond album award. Likewise, in 1986, he gained the award for “Best Original Song”. Similarly, he earned an Academy Award for the same song, “Say You, Say Me”.

Personal Life of Lionel Richie

Lionel firstly married his longtime girlfriend, Brenda Harvey on October 18, 1975. The two met and dated since their college days. Also, the couple adopted a daughter, Nicole Richie, when she became nine years old. However, the couple raised her when she was two years old. Nicole is the daughter of one of the members of Lionel’s band.

Lionel had an affair extramarital affair with Diane Alexander. When Brenda found this out in 1986, she decided to divorce. Then, in 1988, Lionel and Brenda divorced. Eventually, Lionel tied a knot with Diane Alexander on December 21, 1995. Also, the couple is blessed with two children; son, Miles Brockman, and a daughter Sofia. However, they divorced in 2003.

Furthermore, Lionel’s daughter Nicole Richie married a lead singer of Good Charlotte, Joel Madden. The couple had two children together. Thus, Lionel became the grandfather of two grandchildren; born in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Net Worth

Lionel Richie, from his amazing professional career, he has been able to earn massive popularity. Along with gaining name and fame, he has gained a handsome amount of money. His net worth is estimated to be about $200 million as of 2020.