Lionel Richie, Hozier slated for North Sea Jazz Fest

American pop icon Lionel Richie will appear at the 40th North Sea Jazz Festival. It will be his first performance at the annual event. The 65-year-old soul singer claims over 100 million record sales worldwide, scoring hits with the Commodores, as a writer for several other artists, and as a soloist. Jazz legends Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock were also announced as headliners, who will perform together on tour for the first time in nearly forty years. The festival also announced deals with Hozier, Benjamin Clementine and Paolo Nutini. Hozier’s 2013 hit, “Take Me To Church” has been viewed on Youtube roughly 100 million times. Clementine, an English pianist, drew critical praise for his 2013 EP Cornerstone. Scottish-born Nutini is also a singer-songwriter, and has twice landed in the top five on the UK Albums Chart, with Sunny Side Up debuting at number one. Rock band Alabama Shakes will also make their debut at the festival. The three-day North Sea Jazz Festival begins July 10 in Rotterdam.