Who is the Black Barry Manilow?

People are asking if their is a black counterpart of Barry Manilow. It is really confirmed that Lionel Richie has the power to place par on par with Barry Manilow. The man is a singer, song writer, and a record producer. He sang those pretty ballads like "Hello" and Say you , Say me. He is one of the famous people behind the Commodores in the 1960's. He is really a Hello guy.

Why he is the black counterpart of Barry Manilow? The answer is his talent is almost identical with the man. He is a prolific song writer. And had been for instance the man who made it on top to make good music. He is behind Lady of Kenny Rogers and the popular We are the World Song.