American singer-songwriter and producer born June 20, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama. First gained prominence as lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the Commodores (1968-1980) before launching a solo career.
Ten solo studio albums starting with the self-titled 1982 debut. Commercial peak: Can't Slow Down (1983, multi-platinum, featuring "All Night Long (All Night)" and "Hello") and Dancing on the Ceiling (1986). Subsequent career has included extensive touring, a 2018-present judging role on American Idol, and continued chart appearances. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994.
