Lionel Richie Speaking Fee: $500,000 to $750,000

Lionel Richie is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer whose career has spanned over five decades. Born on June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Richie was raised on the campus of Tuskegee Institute, where his father served as a systems analyst and his mother was an educator. His early exposure to music came through his grandmother, a classical pianist, and his uncle, a big-band jazz musician who introduced him to the saxophone. Initially aspiring to become an Episcopal priest, Richie shifted his focus to music during his time at Tuskegee University, where he joined a band that would later become The Commodores. As a member of The Commodores, Richie contributed to the group's success with hits like "Easy," "Three Times a Lady," and "Still." His songwriting and soulful vocals helped define the band's sound. In 1982, Richie embarked on a solo career with the release of his self-titled album, which included the chart-topping single "Truly." His subsequent albums, "Can't Slow Down" (1983) and "Dancing on the Ceiling" (1986), solidified his status as a global music icon. "Can't Slow Down" won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and featured the hit "All Night Long," which he famously performed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Beyond his musical achievements, Richie has been a prominent figure in humanitarian efforts. In 1985, he co-wrote "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson, a charity single that raised millions for famine relief in Africa. He has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including serving as the first Global Ambassador and Chairman for The Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III, focusing on youth education and employment initiatives. Additionally, Richie has supported breast cancer research and has been active in community development projects, such as the creation of "Hello Park" in his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama. Richie's contributions to music and society have earned him numerous accolades. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and received four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for "Can't Slow Down." In 1986, he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "Say You, Say Me" from the film "White Nights." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress the same year. Richie continues to influence the music industry, serving as a judge on the television series "American Idol" and embarking on international tours, including the 2025 "Say Hello To The Hits" tour.