# Lionel Richie

> American singer, songwriter and actor

**Wikidata**: [Q26695](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26695)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Richie)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lionel-richie

## Summary

Lionel Richie was born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. A citizen of the United States [5], he has built a career as a singer, singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, film actor, and saxophonist [5]. Richie attended Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and Joliet Central High School .His musical work spans genres including pop music, soul, funk, rhythm and blues, pop rock, and new wave [8]. Richie’s accolades include the Humanitarian of the Year, Johnny Mercer Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song [9][10].

## Summary
Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, and actor known for his work in pop, soul, and funk music. He is celebrated for his contributions to Motown and Island Records, as well as his collaborations with artists like Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. Richie has won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Album of the Year and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

## Biography
- Nationality: United States
- Known for: Pioneering work in pop, soul, and funk music; influential singer-songwriter and record producer
- Employer(s): Motown, Island Records
- Field(s): Music, entertainment

## Contributions
Lionel Richie has produced and performed music across multiple genres, including pop, soul, funk, rhythm and blues, and new wave. He has worked with notable record labels such as Motown and Island Records, contributing to their catalog of influential tracks. Richie has also founded the band Commodores, which has been active since 1968.

## FAQs
**What genres of music is Lionel Richie known for?**
Lionel Richie is known for his work in pop, soul, funk, rhythm and blues, and new wave music. He has produced and performed across these genres throughout his career.

**Where has Lionel Richie worked?**
Lionel Richie has worked with record labels Motown and Island Records, as well as the band Commodores. He has also been affiliated with Auburn University and Tuskegee University.

**What awards has Lionel Richie won?**
Lionel Richie has won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Harvard Foundation. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

## Why They Matter
Lionel Richie's work has significantly influenced the music industry, particularly in the genres of pop, soul, and funk. His collaborations with artists like Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding have left a lasting impact on the sound of these genres. Richie's contributions to Motown and Island Records have helped shape the careers of many artists, and his work with the Commodores has been influential in the development of funk and soul music.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Grammy Award for Album of the Year
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Founder of the band Commodores
- Humanitarian of the Year award from the Harvard Foundation

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lionel Richie is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has been affiliated with Auburn University and Tuskegee University. These affiliations reflect his commitment to education and community engagement.

### Career and Musical Contributions
Lionel Richie has been active in the music industry since 1968, working with record labels Motown and Island Records. He has produced and performed music across multiple genres, including pop, soul, funk, rhythm and blues, and new wave. Richie's work with these genres has been influential in shaping the sound of popular music.

### Collaborations and Influence
Lionel Richie has collaborated with notable artists such as Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. These collaborations have helped to define the sound of soul and R&B music. Richie's work with the Commodores has also been influential in the development of funk and soul music.

### Awards and Recognition
Lionel Richie has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. He has won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Harvard Foundation. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the music industry.

### Legacy and Impact
Lionel Richie's work has left a lasting impact on the music industry, particularly in the genres of pop, soul, and funk. His collaborations with artists like Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding have helped to define the sound of these genres. Richie's contributions to Motown and Island Records have helped shape the careers of many artists, and his work with the Commodores has been influential in the development of funk and soul music.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
4. [Source](http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/12/hello-lionel-richie/)
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1986)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. CiNii Research
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. GeneaStar
14. Roglo
15. Google Knowledge Graph
16. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1982)
17. BBC Things
18. ISWC Network
19. [Source](https://movie.douban.com/subject_search?search_text=Lionel%20Richie)
20. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
21. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
22. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/lionel-richie-107Zzr4uUy/appearances)
23. The Movie Database