Nile Rodgers

I went to a Nile Rodgers and Chic concert a few years back, but didn't really know much about him apart from his back catalogue of hits and some of the acts he has produced over the years. This autobiography, now over a decade old, is very honest and accessible, funny and also shocking in places. I enjoyed reading about his younger years more than the (well-earned) name dropping of his later career but also had fun listening to the various albums he produced while reading (especially David show more Bowie's Let's Dance).

A key ingredient, shall we say, of both his childhood and success in the music business was drugs. His parents were addicts, Nile started sniffing glue at eleven, while being passed from pillar to post and various relatives in New York and Los Angeles, and his rehabilitation was a long and painful journey of overdoses and psychosis. I can't believe he's still alive, never mind performing! Nile's career started with the Sesame Street band, a fact I love, and his partnership with Bernard Edwards. Disco shot them into the charts, both performing as Chic (inspired by Roxy Music and KISS, of all combinations) and writing/producing for other acts like Sister Sledge. When disco died - 'One group would continue to befoul the throne under the dark rule of Disco (the music of blacks, gays, women, and Latinos), and the other would try to return it to its rightful rulers (the white guys)' - Nile moved onto to producing for famous names like Diana Ross, David Bowie and Madonna (and many more! as the song goes). But he will always be known for disco hits like 'Good Times' and 'Le Freak' (I knew the story behind that song, but reading Nile's version was fun - 'Studio 54! Fuck off!')

I was sad to read about Bernard Edwards' death in Japan but glad that Nile is somehow still going, beating his demons and fighting cancer. Maybe not all good times, but certainly a very eventful and hard-fought life! show less

Wow!
When I first began this book, I planned to read one chapter per day until the end, like I normally do. But my plans were derailed and as soon as I started I could not put this down!
Le Freak is one of the best autobiographies that I've ever read, if not THE BEST.
By no means was this an "easy" read. In fact, much of it was difficult to read so I can only imagine how Nile Rodgers felt writing it all down, but the words were eloquent and it was all beautifully-put together.
Absolutely show more phenomenal! show less

How he achieved what he achieved given his traumatic childhood, and with a smile on his face, is the real miracle of this well-written book. Truly impressive.

Really good and well written music bio. I especially enjoyed what he had to say about the marginalization of disco and racism in the music industry. Plus, it's fun to listen to Chic again!