Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer. Beginning in 1968, he was a member of the funk and soul band the Commodores and then launched 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.[2] Richie has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists of all time. He is also a five-time Grammy Award winner.[3] In 2016, Richie received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award.[4]