buzzz worthy. . .
a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar®, Richie’s accolades recognize him not only as a genius musician, but as an artist whose talents reach into all forms of expression. Past recipients have included: Whitney Houston; Earth, Wind & Fire; James Brown; The Isley Brothers; Gladys Knight; Chaka Khan; Diana Ross; Al Green; The O’Jays; Prince; Patti LaBelle; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Charlie Wilson.
New York, NY (May 20, 2014) – Following up on last week’s big host announcement (Chris Rock), BET Networks announced music icon Lionel Richie will be honored with the 2014 BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Hosted by comedian and actor Chris Rock, the “BET Awards” will broadcast live on Sunday, June 29 from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles with sizzling performances and tributes by some of the hottest talent on the planet including this year’s special honoree himself, Lionel Richie.
“I am extremely honored to receive the BET Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Richie. “In Black America, it’s the ‘BET Awards’ where artists receive the highest recognition for their talent from their peers and fans. I am so proud to be included in the extraordinary company of past ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ recipients.”
The BET Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon the most significant and influential individuals in music history, and Lionel Richie is no exception. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, five Grammy® Awards, 16 American Music Awards,
In 1968, against his parents’ wishes, Richie joined The Commodores, playing both saxophone and piano. Just three years later, the group was discovered by Motown executives Skip Miller and Berry Gordy and given a record deal. They began their international success as the opening act for The Jackson 5, continuing on to have a variety of chart-topping singles including “Brick House,” “Just To Be Close To You,” and “Too Hot Ta Trot.” In 1981, under tutelage from some of the greatest names in music history, Richie decided to pursue a solo career, which made him one of the most successful artists of the 1980s. He earned nine #1 singles, including many that are still celebrated in pop culture today – “Endless Love,” “Truly,” “Hello,” and “Say You (Say Me)” for which he won an Oscar® and Golden Globe. To this day, Richie continues his work as a performer, writer, mentor, father and grandfather. His three-decade career sets the bar for young artists looking to build successful life-long careers.
The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a ticket to the “BET Awards.” It also includes great seats to 3 nights of concerts at the Staples Center and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information, including exclusive hotel rates, and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.
The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience in Los Angeles from June 27-29th. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola can be found at BETExperience.com.
The “BET Awards” 2014 will broadcast live on Sunday, June 29th at 8pm ET on BET from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA. The BET Awards 2014 will premiere internationally on BET’s international network on July 1st, 2014 at 8:00pm GMT (check local listings).