The Commodores were a highly successful funk/soul band of the 1970s and 1980s. The members of the group met as freshmen at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in 1968, and signed with Motown having first caught the public eye opening for The Jackson 5 while on tour.

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