Summer Concert Series "Sets Sail"

Lionel Richie Kicks It Off On Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

(CBS)  Sound will swell over the high seas -- of New York Harbor -- this summer as classic rockers, rappers and R&B sensations perform free concerts aboard the iconic World War II aircraft carrier-turned-museum, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, live on The Early Show.

First on deck, Friday, in The Early Show's Summer Concert Series was R&B star Lionel Richie.

He performed four songs: three old favorites, "Easy," "Brick House," "All Night Long," and one new song, "Just Go" from his new album of the same name.

Richie is a five-time Grammy winner known for his 1970s Commodore hits "Still," "Sail On," "Easy," and "Three Times a Lady". Richie won an Oscar for "Best Song" for the composition "Say You, Say Me." He has sold over 100 million albums and written several compositions for fellow artists like Kenny Rodgers and Michael Jackson.

Fellow star Akon was to appear as well, but had to bow out due to the passing of Gabon President Omar Bongo, a close mentor and friend of Akon and his family. Akon was to head for Africa in order to pay his respects and take part in a remembrance ceremony.

Next week: Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Chicago will perform their trademark rock ‘n’ roll hits on the USS Intrepid in the second week of The Early Show’s Summer Concert Series. Formed in 1967, the band is known for their horn-infused sound and hits like "25 Or 6 To 4," "Make Me Smile" and "Beginnings." The group has earned 20 top 10 singles, 12 top 10 albums, and sales of more than 120 million records.

Earth, Wind and Fire will perform with Chicago. Famous for their 1970s pop sound of mixed funk, gospel, blues, jazz, and rock, the band has won multiple Grammy awards and is known for chart-topping hits like "Shining Star," "Celebrate," "Keep Your Head to the Sky," "Sun Goddess" and "Reasons."

The USS Intrepid is now home to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, which has welcomed over 10 million visitors, since it opened in 1982. The Intrepid was originally a World War II aircraft carrier. But after the war ended, the ship had stints recovering vessels for NASA, two tours in Vietnam and was used for surveillance in the North Atlantic during the Cold War. The museum, both monument and education center, draws more than 750,000 people each year.

If you'd like to attend any of our concerts, e-mail us!