Lionel Richie, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a singer, songwriter and producer whose smooth blend of soul, pop, and R&B music made him one of the defining voices of the 1980s. He first found fame as co-lead singer of the Commodores, whose funk and ballad-driven hits like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Brick House” established them as Motown mainstays in the late ’70s.

Launching his solo career in 1982, Richie quickly became a global sensation with a string of hits including “Truly,” “You Are,” and “My Love,” all from his self titled debut album.