For Ms. York Dees, it was more about aging rockers, like Lionel Richie and Elton John.

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He has interviewed newsmakers from Barack Obama to Lionel Richie, from the Prime Minister of Iraq to MC Hammer.

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Other legends with new albums in 2012, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Lionel Richie, were shut out of the nominations completely.

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Musical guests from other years have included Lionel Richie and Patti LaBelle.

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Herbie Hancock is among the other stars playing in the opening weekend, with Paul Simon, Domino and Lionel Richie performing next weekend.

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Past acts have included Sting, James Taylor, Diana Ross, John Cougar Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Elton John.

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The runner-up, Lionel Richie's "Tuskegee, " has moved 912, 000 copies.

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Past performers, who are never announced until they take the stage, have included Diana Ross, John Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Lionel Richie, Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Elton John.

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Jackson wrote the song with singer Lionel Richie.

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The result: an eclectic album with tracks by Stargate (the Norwegian duo behind hits from Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Shakira and others) and Rico Love (who has produced for Beyonce, Usher, Fergie and others).

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