Profile of the Day: Lionel Richie

Happy birthday to Lionel Richie! Today the popular singer turns 70.

Lionel Richie / U.S. State Department

Richie was born on June 20, 1949 in Tuskegee, Alabama. He spent much of his childhood growing up on the campus of the Tuskegee Institute, where two generations of his family worked. In fact, his grandfather worked with the famous founder and educator, Booker T. Washington, at the university.

Music was a part of Richie’s life from a young age. His grandmother was a classical pianist and taught Richie how to play the piano, while his uncle, a big-band jazz musician, gave Richie his first saxophone. Ritchie began his musical career as a founding member of the Commodores. He later embarked on a solo career to become one of the best-selling recording artists in the world. Over the course of his career, Ritchie has released several chart-topping hits, including “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” and “Stuck on You.”

What’s your favorite song?

Explore Lionel Richie’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected!