Lionel Richie recalls equipment robbery

Lionel Richie has recalled buying back his musical equipment for $20 after it was stolen in Harlem.

The singer was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame on Monday night. As Lionel accepted the honour, he entertained the audience with tales of his early career with '70s group The Commodores.

One time, the band landed a show in New York and shortly before they were due to go on stage, they realised all their kit was missing.

"I went to a policeman and said, 'We've been robbed. How do we get our stuff back?'" Lionel laughed, before revealing the officer had suggested he approach the thief and offer him money.

The star followed the advice and tracked down the man, who demanded $1,000.

"I said, 'I only have $20.' He said, 'That's fine,' " he smiled.

The group managed to retrieve all their belongings, apart for a jacket with Richie written on the back.

However, Lionel insists he was willing to let that item go.

"I realised I didn't want that jacket back anymore because that jacket was not getting the proper cleaning," he added to the amusement of the audience.

Lionel saw a fan wearing the jacket to a The Commodores show some years later.

The 62-year-old star closed the ceremony on Monday with his hits Easy and Three Times a Lady.

During the event, Chaka Khan paid tribute to Whitney Houston by performing I'm Every Woman.