Lionel Richie was honored at UNCF’s 31st annual television special, ‘An Evening of Stars’ this weekend. UNCF, with the aid of an all-star lineup of performers and presenters, gave Richie the Award of Excellence for his successful career and longtime support for education. Richie is a graduate of the prestigious UNCF member school, Tuskegee University. ‘An Evening of Stars Tribute to Lionel Richie’ was taped before a live audience at the Pasadena Civic in Pasadena, California and will air nationwide on January 23rd and 24th, 2010 on BET Networks and WGN and on more than 40 stations in major cities.
This year’s roster of performers include nine-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole, Akon, Jesse McCartney, Grammy-Award winner, Chrisette Michele, Boney James, Katharine McPhee, Ledisi, Johnny Gill, James Ingram, Brian McKnight, Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell and 25-time Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder.
A parade of celebrities joined UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax and performers in celebrating Richie. Presenters included Tom Joyner, Shemar Moore, Terrence Howard, Romeo, Cedric The Entertainer, Justin Chambers, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Gina Ravera, Tracie Thoms, Regina King, Lauren Velez, Paige Hurd, Terri Crews, Suzanne de Passe, Merri Dee, Extra’s AJ Calloway and Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
“It is such an honor to receive this award from UNCF,” said Lionel Richie. “I am a product of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and that experience has had a tremendous influence on my life. I understand the importance of a college education and the impact it can have on our children and our nation. I am honored to join stars like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle who have received UNCF’s Award of Excellence and who support UNCF and its students.”