Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and television personality. He gained prominence in the 1970s as a songwriter and co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores, writing and performing hits such as "Easy", "Sail On", "Three Times a Lady", and "Still" before leaving the group. In 1980, he wrote and produced the US Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Lady" for Kenny Rogers.