Lionel Richie Honored by National Museum of African American Music
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American Idol judge Lionel Richie is set to receive an award from the National Museum of African American Music. He and several other artists will be honored with the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award.
Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers will also receive the awards for 2021. Richie has been in the music industry for decades with a series of hit albums, so the honor is well-deserved.
Lionel Richie to Receive Award From NMAAM
The awards presentation will reportedly take place during the organization’s seventh annual Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert on June 17. The event is a fundraiser to kick off NMAAM’s Black Music Month celebration from June 17 to June 19, also known as Juneteenth.
The benefit concert is sponsored by Amazon, and will feature live and remote performances. The next day, NMAAM will hold its State of Black Music Summit, featuring panel discussions.
SEE ALSO: THE REAL REASON LIONEL RICHIE APPEARED VIRTUALLY ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’
“NMAAM showcases Black music excellence every day, but this year’s Black Music Month will be a special one as we celebrate the museum’s opening with phenomenal music icons and Black music fans across the world,” president and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks III said in a statement.
Richie began his music career with the Commodores in 1968. They are best known for their iconic song “Three Times a Lady” and “Brick House.” The singer later launched a solo career with his self-titled 1982 album.
What Other Awards Has Lionel Won?
Richie has released ten studio albums over the years, with hits like “Dancing on the Ceiling” and, of course, “Hello.” He’s also won four Grammys, and an Oscar for his song “Say You, Say Me.” He was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’: LIONEL RICHIE JOINS SINGER AND HER MOM FOR EMOTIONAL SONG
Richie retweeted a Billboard article announcing this latest honor on Wednesday. Fellow honoree Quincy Jones also posted about it, adding a heart emoji in response to the news.
Richie has been a judge on American Idol on ABC since 2018, along with Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Recently, he performed “Say You, Say Me” during the show’s Oscars Night.
