Lionel Ritchie likes to collect autographs

London: Singer Lionel Ritchie has revealed he is a "big believer" in collecting autographs and despite his own international fame, he does not mind asking other celebrities for their signatures.

The 66-year-old "Easy" hitmaker said he cannot resist getting a lasting reminder of his encounters with famous faces, he is a fan of, reported Female First.

"I bought a guitar just like BB King's Lucille and I asked him to sign it. He died about four months later.

"I'm a big believer in getting an autograph. I have presidents, major dignitaries. When I met Nelson Mandela, the first thing I said to him was, 'You gotta sign something. If I walk in a room and I'm a fan of you, I will act like a fan."

Ritchie, however, said he no longer gets asked for autographs as frequently and always has to be camera-ready because fans prefer to get pictures instead.

"Selfies are now replacing autographs. Now we all have cell phones, even if you don't want to be bothered, they just take a picture of you from across the room.

"So you have to be mindful of being fully dressed when you walk out in public because you'll be Instagrammed," he said.