His name is synonymous with that funky signature bassline. He’s responsible for some of the most amazing disco and funk tracks of our time. He’s worked with and produced music for such legendary artists like Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Duran Duran and Sister Sledge, and he’s even worked with current musical acts like Daft Punk, as seen today. His name is Nile Rodgers and, together with his band Chic, I present to you one of the best disco songs of our time, Le Freak. Seventh grade, dance intramural class, Phyllis Tocci in the lead teaching us how to do le Freak. Joey Henderson and I were the only boys in the class (or maybe Bobby Melk was there too?) and this song takes me immediately back to that moment. Years later the real story behind the song is told and I fall in love with it all over again. As relative unknowns, Nile and the band Chic tried to gain access to the exclusive Studio 54 and were readily turned away. One of the band members shouted “Fuck off!” to the bouncer, and as they walked away, the song was born and became the song we know now. Fast forward to 2013. Daft Punk releases Get Lucky, a catchy bounce-fest featuring the voice of Pharrell, but unmistakably bearing the signature funky guitars of Nile Rodgers. Like the legend of the Phoenix, this legend just keeps going!
From the historical writing archive. Original date: November 25, 2018. Recovered from local source material; editorial review is still in progress.