Pop*Ledge: LIONEL RITCHIE

Friday, April 23

LIONEL RITCHIE

Lionel Richie is a singer, songwriter and record producer who has sold more than 100 million records.

Ritchie began his musical career as a singer and saxophonist with the Commodores a band that would become established as a popular soul group with hits like "Machine Gun", "Brick House", "Easy", "Three Times a Lady" and "Sail On."

In 1982 he released his self-titled debut containing three hit singles, "Truly," "You Are" and "My Love.” The album hit #3 on the music charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won two Grammy Awards including Album Of The Year. It also spawned the number one hit "All Night Long."

Several hits followed including "Hello," "Stuck On You,” "Running With the Night," and "Penny Lover.”

In 1985 Richie wrote and performed the song "Say You, Say Me" for the film White Nights, winning an Oscar for his efforts. The next year, Richie released Dancing on the Ceiling which produced hits "Say You, Say Me,” "Dancing on the Ceiling," "Ballerina Girl" and "Se La."

In later years, Richie gained notoriety in the 2000's as the adopted father of reality TV star Nicole Ritchie.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Richie

The cover of Ritchie's debut album, Lionel Ritchie.

In 1985 Ritchie collaborated with Michael Jackson to write the charity single "We Are the World." Ritchie was the first artist heard on the track (seen here signing with Stevie Wonder). The 25th Anniversary recording would see him replaced by Justin Bieber.