Colony Little, Culture Shock Art

Of the hundreds of songs that are in regular rotation on my iPod, I am willing to bet that Nile Rodgers had something to do with over half of them.  There was a period of time as a child when every record or tape I owned carried a Nile Rodgers producer credit.

The man is a musical genius.  I’m watching the Stevie Wonder tribute right now and am so touched to hear current artists pay homage to a legend who influenced their art.  I feel the same way about Nile Rodgers.  With a career spanning 40 years Rodgers inspires new generations of artists and has a musical sound that is the aural equivalent of Midas’ touch.

I’m not kidding when I say that much of my music collection bears the Nile Rodgers sound.  (Grace Jones, David Bowie, Diana Ross, INXS, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, ABC, Jody Watley, Daft Punk, Disclosure…. I could go on and on).

2015 is going to be a big year for him as Chic is going to be coming out with a new album (the first single will be released in March).  Today I decided to go down memory lane listening to tracks produced by this legend in music, and I love this video because it is iconic in so many ways.  Frankly anytime I can see Grace Jones in a Keith Haring dress is a win win.  It is a bonus that Rodgers’ magic was on the track (love his hi-top fade in the vid too).

I am also both touched and inspired to hear about his battle with prostate cancer a few years ago.  He jumped head first into projects during his battle which really appeared to be a cathartic way to manage his fight.  This blog post by Rodgers has convinced me to snag a copy of his memoir. Can’t wait to read it.