Lionel Richie: See Photos of the Singer Through the Years on His 74th Birthday

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June 20, 2023 9:30AM EDT
lionel richie
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Happy birthday Lionel Richie! In honor of his birthday, see photos from his younger years to today.

Lionel Richie has been a star for half a century and he’s still not slowing down. The iconic singer and songwriter was originally a member of the R&B group, the Commodores in the late 60s and early 70s. In 1982, he released his debut, self-titled solo record, and he’s been celebrated for tons of hits over the years, including the likes of “All Night Long”, “Hello”, and “Stuck On You.” He’s also collaborated with other huge stars for hits like “We Are The World,” and he’s won four Grammy Awards.

In more recent years, Lionel has also gotten resurgences in fame for his famous daughters. His eldest daughter Nicole Richie became a huge star in the aughts after being featured on the reality show The Simple Life. His youngest daughter Sofia Richie has also become a model and influencer. Other than that, Lionel has also been featured as a judge on American Idol since 2017.

Keep scrolling through our gallery to see photos of Lionel over the years.

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie
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Lionel Richie performs in concert. He sported a dazzling silver jacket. 

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel At Daughter Sofia’s Wedding

Lionel At Daughter Sofia’s Wedding
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Lionel Richie takes a moment to unwind at the picturesque Eden Roc Antibes, following his daughter Sofia’s beautiful wedding to Elliot Grainge in April 2023. He was with his girlfriend of 10 years, Lisa Parigi, who rocked a green dress. 

April 23, 2023, 4:53PM
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Lionel Richie & Lisa Parigi At The Prince’s Trust Gala

Lionel Richie & Lisa Parigi At The Prince’s Trust Gala
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Lionel Richie smiled on the red carpet with his girlfriend Lisa Parigi for the Prince’s Trust Gala in April 2022. The music industry legend’s girlfriend cozied up to him, as they both sported black outfits.

April 29, 2022, 8:40AM
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Lionel Richie & Kids Attend Hollywood Star Ceremony

Lionel Richie & Kids Attend Hollywood Star Ceremony
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Nicole Richie,Lionel Richie,Sofia Richie, and Miles Brockman Richie attend Richie Hand And Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 7, 2018 in Hollywood, California. The family of fashionistas looked incredible!

 

February 25, 2022, 11:03AM
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Lionel Richie & Sofia Richie Step Out in Los Angeles

Lionel Richie & Sofia Richie Step Out in Los Angeles
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Sofia Richie and Lionel Richie are seen in Los Angeles, California. The pair kept it casual for the sunny day out. 

February 25, 2022, 11:03AM
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Lionel Richie & Daughter Sofia Richie Enjoy Dinner Date

Lionel Richie & Daughter Sofia Richie Enjoy Dinner Date
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Sofia Richie goes to Madeo restaurant with her dad Lionel Richie in Los Angeles, California on January 31, 2017. The model work a chic ensemble for the dad/daugher bonding. 

February 25, 2022, 11:03AM
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Lionel Richie & Sofia Richie Attend Award Gala

Lionel Richie & Sofia Richie Attend Award Gala
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Sofia Richie and father Lionel Richie attend SAD-AFTRA Foundation’s Patron of the Artists Awards. The darling duo dared to impress in their sophisticated finery.

February 25, 2022, 11:03AM
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Lionel Richie Shows Off His Bracelets

Lionel Richie Shows Off His Bracelets
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Lionel Richie shows off his many beaded bracelets during a photo shoot for his hit show American Idol. The legendary performer joined the judges table on the talent search show in 2017. 

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Young: Photos

Lionel Richie Young: Photos
March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Is Styling On Stage In Silver Sports Coat

Lionel Richie Is Styling On Stage In Silver Sports Coat
REX/Shutterstock

Lionel Richie has been performing sold out shows since the 1960’s and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. As a judge on American Idol he’s reached a new generation of fans. 

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Looks Sleek In All Black

Lionel Richie Looks Sleek In All Black
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Lionel Richie is one of the world’s most beloved pop singers but his career almost didn’t happen. The piano player almost became a pro tennis player instead. He got a tennis scholarship from the Tuskegee Institute, but dropped out after his second year.

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Rocks Leather Jacket

Lionel Richie Rocks Leather Jacket
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Lionel Richie is known for giving back. In 1985, he co-wrote the famine relief song ‘We Are the World’ with Michael Jackson and since then he has remained commted to charity through his work with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, UNICEF, and The Art of Elysium. 

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Is Serious On Stage

Lionel Richie Is Serious On Stage
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Lionel Richie once styled Nelson Mandela. After Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, he made his way to the US for a series of public appearances and Lionel was assigned the task of updating his wardrobe.

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Poses On The Black Carpet At A Charity Event

Lionel Richie Poses On The Black Carpet At A Charity Event
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Lionel Richie has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. And with a net worth of $200 million he’s also one of the richest. 

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Is All Smiles At The Podium

Lionel Richie Is All Smiles At The Podium
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Lionel Richie has raised $3.1m for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  His grandmother was his reason for becoming an activist as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 80’s but lived until she was 103 years old.

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM
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Lionel Richie Walks The Red Carpet at the Kennedy Center

Lionel Richie Walks The Red Carpet at the Kennedy Center
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Lionel Richie was feted for his contribution to the arts in 2017 at the 40th annual Kennedy Center Honors. Luke Bryan, Leona Lewis, and Stevie Wonder all paid tribute to him during the annual gala.

March 9, 2018, 10:01AM