Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Beginning in 1968, he was a member of the funk and soul band, the Commodores, before launching a solo career in 1982. He also co-wrote the 1985 charity single, “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson, which sold over 20 million copies. Richie has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.