Lionel Richie

Fans will be rushing to take in the Lionel Richie gigs which showcase tracks from his forthcoming CD, Just Go, when he comes to the UK in March and through to April

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an Academy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, and occasional actor, who has sold more than 100 million records.

His career kicked off with The Commodores in1968. He was the lead singer and the saxophonist. Although at first they were being schooled as a support act to the Jackson Five, The Commodores became established as a popular soul group in their own right.

Despite the group being known for their danceable, funky sound (with such tracks as 'Machine Gun' and 'Brick House'), over time, Richie wrote and sang more romantic, easy-listening ballads such as 'Easy', 'Three Times a Lady' and 'Still'.

In 1981, Richie sang a duet with Diana Ross in the theme song for the film Endless Love. The single topped the UK and U.S. pop music charts, and it became one of Motown's biggest hits. Its success encouraged Richie to branch out into a full-fledged solo career in 1982. He never looked back.

Lionel Richie performs on Mon 16 March at Odyssey, Belfast; (20 Mar) MEN Arena, Manchester; (22 Mar) Sheffield Arena; (28 Mar) Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle; (30 Mar) Trent FM Arena, Nottingham; (31 Mar) LG Arena, Birmingham;) 2 April) Cardiff International Arena; (4-5 Apr) O2, London; (7 Apr) Liverpool Echo Arena.