Lionel Richie
Gala Entertainment
The Georgia Aquarium

Music icon and Southern native Lionel Richie, known for his timeless talent and dynamic, energetic performances, treats 2010 North American Leadership Conference guests to a private concert following the Gala Dinner at the Georgia Aquarium. This Alabama-born entertainer’s many career accomplishments include multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, 11 American Music Awards, five People’s Choice Awards, a World Music Lifetime Achievement Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The co-founder of The Commodores at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute in 1967, Richie experienced his first taste of success after the group signed to Motown Records in 1971, becoming one of the most popular U.S. funk bands with hits such as "Machine Gun" and "Brick House," before creating a slew of slower-paced, Richie-penned classics with "Easy," "Three Times a Lady" and "Sail On."

In 1980, Richie began working outside the Commodores by producing Kenny Rogers' album "Share Your Love." That same year, "Endless Love," Richie’s chart-topping duet with Diana Ross, was Motown's most successful single. In 1982, his self-titled solo album went quadruple platinum. The ten-million-selling hit "Can't Slow Down" earned him a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1983 and was followed by the hit single "Dancing on the Ceiling."

Richie’s continuing relevance as a multi-generational artist was evidenced by his inclusion as a celebrity judge on “American Idol;” the performance of his classic “Easy” in the show’s 2006 finals was another reminder of his enduring presence on the contemporary music scene. Most recently, he led the re-recording of “We are the World,” a song he originally co-wrote with Michael Jackson in 1985. The new recording debuted during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and benefits earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Jeff Foxworthy
Leadership Luncheon
The Georgia Dome

Atlanta native and comedian Jeff Foxworthy welcomes you to the floor of the Georgia Dome during the Leadership Luncheon for extra helpings of Southern charm and wit. Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and best-selling author of more than 25 books. His humor explores the antics of everyday family interactions and human nature. Foxworthy currently hosts the hit FOX television show “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?”

Jeff’s passionate commitment to improving pediatric healthcare helped Duke University Children’s Hospital raise more than $4 million. He also has graciously lent his talents to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Georgia native remains true to his Southern roots and resides with his wife and two daughters in Atlanta.