b. Nile Gregory Rodgers, 19th September 1952, New York, U.S.A.
Nile Rodgers is a highly talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer.
His and Bernard Edwards work with the group Chic, laid the foundations of late Seventies disco music.
The song 'Good Times' formed the rhythmic bassline for many rap artists, including T-Ski Valley, for 'Catch The Beat', and the Sugarhill Gang, on 'Rapper's Delight'.
Nile hails from New York and studied classical music and jazz.
He then moved into the Apollo Theatre in Harlem where he joined the house band.
It was during 1972, he joined the Big Apple Band where he first met the late Bernard Edwards.
The band recorded with the group New York City on their chart hit 'l'm Doin' Fine Now'.
nile rodgers and bernard edwards
Nile and Bernard Edwards began writing and producing together, a liaison that was to become massively succesful in future years.
Apart from their own band, Chic, they worked with Diana Ross on her 'Upside Down' sessions and Sister Sledge for the 'We Are Family' album in the mid-to late 70's.
Chic's No. 1 hit 'Le Freak' still remains Warner Brothers' biggest selling single of all time.
Nile was not afraid of straying fom the Black Music Scene, working, writing for, producing and / or playing alongside various rock acts.
nile rodgers, bernard edwards and david bowie
These included David Bowie, on his 'Let's Dance' album, Madonna, on her 'Like A Virgin' record, Peter Gabriel, Brian Ferry, Eric Clapton, The Vaughan Brothers, Duran Duran, Britney Spears, Sting, Jeff Beck, INXS and Mick Jagger.
adventures in the land of the good groove - 1983 / b-movie matinee - 1985
During the period 1983 to 1985, Nile recorded two solo albums, both with the help of Bernard on bass.'
'The Land Of The Good Groove' was the first of these, recorded for the Mirage label and containing 'Get Her Crazy' and 'Rock Bottom'.
The album featured Bernard along with other artists including, ex LaBelle vocalist, Sarah Dash, Fonzi Thornton and Rachel Sweet.
In 1985 came a second solo album, 'B-Movie Matinee' for Warner Brothers.
The album included 'Stay Out Of The Light' and 'State Your Mind', both of which were highly popular in the U.K. and came packaged with a pair of 3D effect glasses to view the cover through!
'Let's Go Out Tonight', from the set, reached number 35 R & B.
Nile also worked alongside AI Jarreau, for his 'L Is For Love' album, Philip Bailey, on his 'State Of The Heart' record, Sister Sledge on the song 'Frankie' and further work with Diana Ross on her 'Workin' Overtime' record.
Nile is a two-time Grammy Award winner and four-time Grammy Award nominee.
He is, currently, working on the soundtrack for a video game entitled 'Outlaw Yolleyball Spike Or Die'.
Nile is a big videogame fan.
The Harry Fox Agency recently stated that Nile's music is the most sampled of all time.
Albums:
Adventures In The Land Of The Good Groove (Mirage Records 1983)
B Movie Matinee (Warner Brothers Records 1985)
