Nile Rodgers (b. 1952)

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Biography

Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr. is an American musician, songwriter, guitarist and record producer. The co-founder of Chic, he has written, produced, and performed on records that have sold more than 750 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide.

Timeline

The story of Nile Rodgers, told in moments.

1977 Event

Co-founded Chic with bassist Bernard Edwards. "Le Freak" became the biggest-selling single in Atlantic Records history at the time. "Good Times" followed in 1979.

How did you and Bernard Edwards first click musically? Did you know 'Le Freak' would break records? What kept Chic together through the disco backlash?

1983 Life

Produced David Bowie's Let's Dance album. The title track went to number one. He also produced "Like a Virgin" for Madonna and "Original Sin" for INXS.

What did Bowie teach you about production? How did working with Madonna differ from Bowie? Did you worry about being typecast as a hitmaker?

2013 Event

Collaborated with Daft Punk on "Get Lucky," which sold over 9.3 million copies. He was 60. His guitar riff drove the track.

How did collaborating with Daft Punk at 60 feel? Did that guitar riff come naturally or take work? What surprised you about working with a younger generation?

2018 Life

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Chic. Records he's written, produced, or performed on have sold over 500 million copies worldwide.

Does 500 million copies sold feel real to you? What would your teenage subway-playing self think now? Was the Hall of Fame overdue or right on time?

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