African Celebrities: Lionel Richie

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. popularly known as Lionel Richie is an American singer - songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. He was born on June 20, 1949 to Alberta and Lionel Brockman Richie. He was raised in Tuskegee, Alabama , United States.

Lionel Richie graduated from Joliet Township High School, East campus. He was a star tennis player in Joliet. He accepted a tennis scholarship to attend Tuskegee Institute, and graduated with a major in economics. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Tuskegee, Lionel Richie briefly attended graduate school at Auburn University. Beginning in 1968, he was a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records. He made his solo debut in 1982 with the album Lionel Richie and number - one hit "Truly".

Lionel Richie married Brenda Harvey on October 18, 1975. In 1983 Lionel Richie and his wife, Brenda Harvey, informally adopted Nicole Camille Escovedo, the two - year - old daughter of one of the members of Lionel's band. They raised her as their daughter, Nicole Richie, and adopted her legally when she was nine years old. Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey divorced on August 9, 1993 after being married nearly 18 years.

Lionel Richie remarried Diane Alexander on December 21, 1995. They have a son, Miles Brockman Richie (born May 27, 1994) and a daughter, Sofia (born August 24, 1998). Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander divorced in January 2004.

Lionel Richie helped to raise over $ 3.1 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. His grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 80s, but survived and lived until she was 103 years old. Lionel Richie stated that she was his enduring symbol of hope and his reason for becoming a breast cancer activist.