“Le Freak, C’est Chic”- lyrics known all around the world and definitive of the effervescent disco era and just one prime example of the influential repertoire that the legendary composer, producer and musician Nile Rodgers (born 19 September 1952) from New York, US, who has built an extraordinary legacy.
Born into a family of musicians, it’s only natural that Rodgers inherent love for music began to develop. At age 15 he picked up the guitar and in no time at all he started backing R&B icons such as Aretha Franklin, Ben E King and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins at the famous Harlem Apollo Theatre, US.
Fast forward to 1976, the prime era of disco and the year that Rodgers alongside Bernard Edwards founded one of the most instrumental disco groups of all time, Chic. Providing hits such as “Everybody Dance”, “Good Times” and of course the iconic classic “Le Freak”, becoming the biggest selling single in Atlantic Records history. In 2014, in conjunction with o2 and Go Think Big, Rodgers reworked the popular track inviting aspiring young music enthusiasts in the UK to get involved with the project providing amazing work experience opportunities. The following year “Le Freak” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Rodgers’ signature Stratocaster alone is worth an estimated £1.3 billion which he used on a number of smash hits for an array of music legends including: Sister Sledge, Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger, Madonna and Michael Jackson- just a few of the artists who feature in his production credits clocking in at over 200 tracks and albums.
With three Grammy Awards under his belt, over 200 million albums sold and his credentials extending over all aspects of the entertainment industry, it’s no wonder Rodgers in held in such revere as he continues to impact the music world collaborating with old school legends as well as contemporary artists such as: Daft Punk, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams and Avicii. Rodgers’ influence is unstoppable and with an everlasting legacy it will continue impact generations to come.
38 Special
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