Yes, I’m super late (sorry to the die-hard Chic fans who already knew all this info). Many people got acquainted with the brilliance of Nile Rodgers after his work on the critically acclaimed and Album of the Year Grammy Award-winning album, Random Access Memories by Daft Punk “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself to Dance” were everybody’s jams last year). But really, the guitarist, producer and songwriter has been killing the game since 1970. Once a member of Chic, Rodgers has written and produced for some huge performers, including Diana Ross, Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Sister Sledge and more. Here are a few of the old-school cuts I’ve always enjoyed and heard on the radio, but hadn’t realized (until now) that Rodgers was behind.
“Upside Down” by Diana Ross
“Upside down you’re turning me!” One of Diana Ross’ biggest hits and #62 on Billboard’s list of the “Greatest Songs of All Time,” Rodgers wrote and produced the song with Chic member Bernard Edwards. They said Ross was the first major artist they worked with, and they worked very hard to impress her. Clearly they did, and impressed everyone else in the process.
