The Commodores were a highly successful soul/funk band in the 1970s. They met as freshmen at Tuskegee Institute, and signed to Motown having first caught the public eye supporting The Jackson 5 on tour.

Original Band Personnel

* Lionel Richie (vocals, saxophone, piano) - born on 20 June 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
* Thomas McClary (lead guitar) - born on 6 October 1950, in Eustis, Florida.
* Milan Williams (keyboards) - born on 28 March 1948, in Mississippi.
* William King (trumpet) - born on 30 January 1949, in Florida.
* Ronald La Pread (bass guitar) - born on 4 September 1946, in Alabama.
* Walter Orange (vocals, drums) - born on 10 December 1946, in Florida.