Profile of the Day: Lionel Richie

Happy birthday to Lionel Richie! Today the singer and songwriter turns 74.

Image: Lionel Richie / U.S. State Department Photo, Public Domain

He was born Lionel Brockman Richie on June 20, 1949 in Tuskegee, Alabama. He grew up at the Tuskegee Institute, where two generations of his family worked. After first gaining popularity as one of the founding members of the Commodores, Richie branched out on his own and established a highly successful solo career. Some of his greatest hits include “Truly,” “Hello,” and “Endless Love.” To date, he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

In 2022, Richie received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. That same year, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

What’s your favorite song?

Explore Lionel Richie’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the singing icon.

View Lionel Richie’s Geni Profile