One of the premier balladeers of American pop music, Lionel Richie certainly has a knack for writing hits. At one time, he managed to pump out five #1 hits in five consecutive years, thanks in no small part to his silky-smooth voice. And while Richie was certainly no stranger to the uptempo dance number (“All Night Long” was a mega-hit,) he will forever be remembered for the tender candlelight love songs that have become his signature over the years.

Before Lionel Richie was crooning his solo hits, he made a name for himself at the helm of the notable R&B band, The Commodores. In the late 70s, the mega-group would churn out such timeless classics as “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Still” and “Sail On.” Audiences couldn’t help but take notice of the soothing lead vocals and it was only a matter of time before Richie started to test the waters of both the songwriting and solo artist market.

First, he penned the romantic ballad “Lady” for Kenny Rogers, which became a huge crossover hit for the country artist. Then Richie recorded a duet with Diana Ross that would become the theme for the film Endless Love in 1981. Once again, Richie proved his Midas touch as the song soared to the top of the charts. It became one of the biggest hits ever on the Motown label (no minor feat) and proved that, for Lionel, there was certainly life beyond the Commodores.  

His first self-titled solo album delivered another #1 song, “Truly,” in 1982, and led to his most-successful release in 1983, Can’t Slow Down. Kicking things off, airplay-wise, was the exotic and hypnotic “All Night Long” which was soon in regular rotation on every pop station in the country and quickly achieving #1 status. A plethora of other hits would soon follow, including the haunting ballad “Hello”, the driving “Running with the Night” and laid-back charmer “Stuck on You.”  

Richie would pair with iconic Michael Jackson in 1985, to pen a song that would bring global awareness to the plight of those suffering in Africa. Titled “We are the World,” the song featured vocal performances by 37 of the biggest names in the music business under the collective name “USA for Africa.”   The result was one of the biggest selling singles in the history of the music business. The same year, Richie would release the ballad “Say You, Say Me,” the title song for the film White Nights, and score yet another #1 hit.

Richie’s knack for number one hits continued with the title track of his next LP, titled Dancing on the Ceiling and released in 1986. He would score other hits on the album with “Ballerina Girl” and the rural “Deep River Blues” which he performed with country legends, Alabama. The following tour would find sell-out crowds all across the globe.

After establishing his well-deserved legacy over the years, Lionel Richie would take a bit of a breather from the industry before resuming his career in 1992 with the release of a best-of collection of hits called Back to Front. And, as if it needs to be said, this compilation album also rose to the top of the charts. Later albums such as Louder Than Words and Time have also proved modestly-successful for the tender singer/songwriter with the golden pen. All in all, the soothing sounds of Lionel Richie have managed to sell over 100 million records throughout his legendary career, ensuring him a well-deserved place on the list of most successful balladeers of all time.