Nile Rodgers talks Chic, David Bowie and His Diverse Career | Red Bull Music Academy

[@SimonTittley]

You gotta love this man - brilliant, funny, hip and so humble. His book 'Le Freak' is an amazing human story - a triumph of talent and wit over stark adversity...

[@stephengiese7549]

This is the most technical interview about music that I have ever heard. He speaks about composing, guitar playing, producing etc.in detail. He could speak forever about music. He sounds like a teacher. He sounds like a musical historian. I have alot of his work which I played alot. Thanks Nile and utube.

[@dkae92]

So crazy hey.. should watch the diggin in the crates episode.. awesome stories

[@pco2004]

Nigel is a genius. Happy the interviewer gave him space to talk too. Such gems of wisdom from a legend.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

How does this not have more views? Sure. It's a long interview but still. This should have millions of views by now!

[@FUNKINETIK]

Great interview. It must be nearly 10 years ago now when I saw that Chic were performing at The Warehouse Project in Manchester also topping the bill was Detroit Techno genius Jeff Mills, immediately I realised I had 12” singles by both artists with a 30 year gap between them and so promptly bought tickets for the event. At the end of Nile’s set his manager noticed me holding C’est Chic album and asked if I would like to meet Nile backstage, my answer was of course YES. Just one other person was also invited. Backstage I noticed Nile nearby and so let the lady, who was also invited, to meet him first, I took I slight detour as I’d just spotted Johnny Marr who had joined Chic for their final song. As I reached and shook his hand I said “Mr Marr, what an honour . . . . . it was for you to be up there performing with Nile tonight” he looked at me with a momentary look of confusion and replied with a nod of the head saying “Yeah, you’re right”. I did feel a little cheeky saying that but have recently discovered, watching an interview he did for Oxford university, that he had named his Son after Nile. And so I got to meet the man who is as important to Dance music as the river is to Egypt. As you know he has a giant smile, while chatting he asked me if I would like him to sign the two records I held in my hand, as I passed him the 12” single Le Freak I said to him “I bought this a third of a century ago” to which he said with a big smile “WOW” . Such a precious memory. P E A C E : )

[@stevieh9860]

I don’t even know how this works..... I’m doing a bit of research into the Honeydrippers, who Nile played with and produced, this leads me to him talking about Let’s Dance, which in turn led me here. Fascinating. Gripping stuff. Extraordinary life, extraordinary man, phenomenal talent. What a guy, with real vision, and the chops to realise it. There seems to be a refreshing lack of bullshit, just straight, matter of fact delivery. He has an ego, which he keeps in check because he doesn’t need to play up. A true rarity in the world of music. It’s brilliant to listen to him.

[@positivevibez73]

So for replying to your comment so late. I think your view of Nile is spot on. He really is a true talent.

[@jeromemathis6449]

His group was CHIC!! Start there!! 🤔

[@stevieh9860]

@@jeromemathis6449 In the 70s, Chic didn’t land with me. The whole Sister Sledge/ Chic stable passed me by. It’s hard to estimate how influential, how important, how damn talented they were even then. Listening now, it’s obvious. At the time, not so much.

[@jeromemathis6449]

💯

[@FUNKINETIK]

@@jeromemathis6449 As a young kid being raised on Soul music I remember a great song ‘I’m Doing Fine Now’ by New York City. It was only a few years ago I found out that was Bernard’s & Nile’s first band (later called The Big Apple Band. P E A C E : )

[@tommeredith7079]

First time I ever zeroed in on Nile Rodgers, very talented, articulate, speaks his mind very effectively. I recently watched him featured on Netflix once in a lifetime.

[@sincro007]

Why so low on views , man this man is walking legend

[@kenritch3941]

Just too busy & tired, down time from the pandemic got me here.

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

Makes no sense. Same as that guy denying you soup.

[@cbbuntz]

He's one of those guys that all music nerds know, but people who aren't music nerds don't.

[@spookyvilepiano8882]

@@kenritch3941 dodaditrio tá ofto

[@12foot04]

Yeah this man is a legend to a select few. That’s probably great for him in the day to day. I definitely wouldn’t want to be famous to everyone. LoL I was watching this hanging on every word cuz I love this mans work, while my girlfriend walked in, and thought Tyler the creator grew dreads… I feel like that drives home my point pretty well.

[@DANYALLAYNAD]

What a legend. Besides the fact of being a musical legend, a legend of a person. Could listen to him talk forever

[@diggnhim2]

..as.zzgvucggvvv. C bc cchv veg vggcvgvgcc hgvcc c c. Bc. Call You Right Back ☎️ ☎️ C c c. B

[@diggnhim2]

..as.zzgvucggvvv. C bc cchv veg vggcvgvgcc hgvcc c c. Bc. Call You Right Back ☎️ ☎️ C c c. B

[@naturligfunktion4232]

RBMA is such a great resource

[@dwannb]

Music God Nile Rodgers.

[@sspbrazil]

Always loved Nile and his guitar style. Glad he’s still around after his cancer diagnosis.

[@PaluzziGuitar]

Every time I listen to a Nile Rodgers interview I learn of yet another classic recording he produced. For those who like 'Let's Dance', Rodgers also produced Bowie's 'Black Tie White Noise' album, which for me was also a pretty darn good album that was overlooked by many.

[@dkae92]

Countless hits.. like a virgin Madonna.. Duran Duran, Bowie, INXS.. he even took acid with Timothy Leary when he was 14…

[@Vanessa-yn4dx]

Nile Rodgers needs his own show. He is great!!!

[@jambutty2218]

I read his autobiography and it’s a gift to the world. Couldn’t recommend it anymore. It’s got everything, absolutely entertaining and informative. 🇬🇧

[@dkae92]

Is this ‘Le Freak’?

[@monkeybrain213]

It's amazing how he stays thin in shape and lucid of mind and thought.

[@walterwallace3059]

i just spent an absolute unique moment watching this man.greatness!! BUT to me ...niles rodgers 's sound is also about the drums,which are amazing specially during the chic organization era..i would have liked some words about tony!! peace yall love niles forever.

[@tod3msn]

Nile Rodgers is a great talent and an amazing musical talent. Stunning talent indeed!

[@mikespindler6712]

Inspiring Nile. A Chic jazz LP would go down a storm! Don't you think! It's About Time style. I can live in hope. A pleasure to meet you in B'ham, UK.

[@katiadunn4873]

I think Hollywood should make a movie about his life. It's Soo interesting, the good, the bad, the sad, the happy moments. Everything makes sense. He earned it.

[@thomasnelson5758]

I could listen to him talk about music for days. Or just about anything. Love Nile so much

[@manguera9]

Nile showed the power of the rhythm guitar as a tool of composition ,as the beat in a song, the strumming of the guitar as main ingredient of the attraction of a song, even the best funky,soul rhythm studio session guitar player from the 60,70 never thought to make a hit with rhythm guitar.

[@josephkrokoski5095]

Nile. The man with the Midas touch. I first found interest in him when I seen the movie "Soup For One"

[@driven64]

NILE IS SO INTERESTING AND GRAVITATING! TRULY A BROTHER WHO LOVES MAKING MUSIC AND COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS WHO SHARE THAT LOVE!

[@digitalmusicalart3494]

@54:00, my uncle's wore Playboy's in the 80's. Dope!!!

[@AlvaSudden]

I always feel like I could run into Nile Rogers on the street and have a conversation with him about anything.

[@davidjohnston9481]

Love Nile, what an awesome gem he is. A true inspiration and music legend.

[@discophrenia1585]

Keep on flowin' Nile♥

[@zivaray]

One of the greatest interviews ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Vanessa-yn4dx]

He needs his own show!!!

[@comodisc]

"He did read the book." I'm really enjoying this well-moderated series. Niles is fascinating.

[@thedonbishop55]

This man is an international treasure and should be protected at all costs.

[@brainsareus]

I love how he is so connected to his inner child.

[@ComicPower]

So much living history in him. A legend.

[@deanedge5988]

Why have only 50,000 people seen this?

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

This guys is a fraking legend! A ton of respect!

[@ccth22]

Wow he created so many masterpieces. One that rarely gets talks about is probably my favorite. “At Last I’m Free” kind of got lost with other slow drag classics.

[@joglou7247]

I truly feel blessed that this person has a heartbeat.

[@linden5165]

Such a great guy, a truly kind human being.

[@esseen100]

That "Love Is The Message" loop that Nile says they did, Tom Moulton says he did, with Leon Huff on the organ.

[@davidchavez81]

A few unforgivable gaffs on Red Bull's part but still amazing to be able to hear Mr. Rodgers explain, super inspirational.

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude.

[@manmewxlsgb]

Interviewer is fantastic. Nile does all the talking.

[@mileskendall1889]

Just found a new favorite.

[@peterlagroove6555]

Nile Rodgers the best disco guitarist

[@Yasharala3]

Cutting & Scratching changed the timing 2song's @NILE ROGERS ~ Nile & Bernard kings of funk~

[@FUNKINETIK]

Wow, I’ve just realised something, Nile mentions within the first minute of the interview that within one hour after the gig in Manchester he was on the plane to Madrid, I was blessed to meet him within that hour. P E A C E : ) p.s. please check out Nile’s tweet he made today 5th May (coincidentally my birthday) it’s important for the world.

[@afrosoul1369]

I love him even more

[@jonglenister8140]

4:17 the way he said they talked is also how Charles Manson talks.

[@tommy2capa]

this is the best one

[@captainpawpawchannel]

With Bernard Edwards

[@peterlagroove6555]

Disco music is the best music in the world......

[@JimmieJamOfTheDay]

And, Nile said it's Queen has been treated unkindly by history. He holds Donna Summer up extremely high, referring to her as an avant-garde artist.

[@vickynicholas6952]

An absolute legend!

[@allen394]

Nile = MR. COOL ❤❤❤

[@zivaray]

Benji B is a great interviewer!!!!!

[@americareal3]

He's a fucking twat.

[@Drakemiser]

Maybe it's a generational thing, but dude is just staring at the floor. At least fake interest buddy!!

[@peterlagroove6555]

1979 In Montréal Canada... We never has the disco sucks mouvement ...... Because Montréal was the best disco city in the World

[@rosemiller7583]

He ageless what a beautiful soul.

[@casimirliberski]

Such a brilliant man!

[@markgeorge1980]

I always hear the good side of Nile's childhood in heroin culture. The extensiveness of what he speaks of has a dark dark DARK side...I want to hear Nile speak on the "drouts" when his parents couldn't cop and had to become sick. When it's as extensive as Nile explains it's a 24 hr cycle all day everyday of cop score pop drop or become useless and sicker than you can imagine.

[@johneta7665]

That must be a miserable enslavement.

[@acr08807]

You'd like his book, then.

[@LeslieESP21]

Nile, I believe the after hours was called THE GARAGE. The Bowie connection? Anyway, wishing you great health and prosperity, always. Thank You for speaking your TRUTH, sharing is caring. Be well and keep shining your light. Purely, Leslie

[@RobBaartwijk]

It's very interesting but PLEASE buy proper microphones. First in the Trevor Horn video, now in this one. Just buy wireless or something? For the rest; very much fun to hear Nile!

[@ericsilberstein667]

He’s worked with a lot Alternative bands, mainly New Wave.

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

CLASSIC

[@nickbaires2864]

Nile Rodgers fantastic dancing music

[@basehead617]

Nile also leaves out that the entire Diana Ross album was remixed and all the vocals re-recorded and the songs themselves substantially changed after their work was completed. They cannot claim to be the reason that the album did well as their work is not what was released.

[@kimbozw1808]

Nile and Bernard wrote all the songs on the album. Without the songs the album would have not done well!

[@basehead617]

@@kimbozw1808 well of course! but im talking about the production side.. there are other kudos needed

[@DJGary0910]

@@basehead617 can you explain more

[@allendavis141]

All these great black artists that they have as guest and no black people in audience. Young black adults should be their learning about their culture.

[@trevorwoodley3897]

Well, at least the pink vultures are there to do what they do best: "Columbus", copy, imitate, reverse-engineer, appropriate, steal.

[@jasonalpha]

Very interesting interview

[@kevinmartinear7811]

One of the if not greatest disco arranger producer along with his co producer Bernard Edwards...

[@davidurciuoli8594]

Why are the songs not played?

[@DANYALLAYNAD]

Copyright strikes. Erykah Badu and EL-P are the only ones Iv seen with the music left in

[@trevorwoodley3897]

This is idiotic and infuriating. What happened to the concept of "fair use"?, especially when being used in the service of instruction and insight by the creators?

[@RP-mm9ie]

3hrs at once ,great host

[@basehead617]

His anecdote about David Bowie listening to his album seems really strange, considering in the wikipedia entry for his album it says Smash Hits magazine's review of it said '"Amazing! Incredible!...the best thing I've heard in five years. If David Bowie's LP is half as good it will be excellent"' - is he conflating something David said with an actual review?!

[@howardjdownes]

The Tik Tok "Sea Shanty" - ( the Billie of Tea) Anyone else Notice LOUIS TOMLINSON there in a white hoodie [upper centre]?

[@Zeal808]

Yeah Niles!

[@paul10018]

1:07:35 - holy crap!

[@aaronfrank9649]

Mr. Rogers is a very bright man.

[@craigromero8303]

Brilliant, plain straight shooter ahead by a century or few! Glad bowie finally paid his homage at Grammy's for ressurecting a slip of a corpse & giving each their due! Tho' Nile is clearly the blessed big original G! He seems ageless! Would love to be fit to work with him.

[@user-mm6vo1cl1d]

Nile is fucking hilarious legend

[@manuseal5983]

Why does this show never play the music for us?

[@jdm2651]

17:39 Nile tries to parody the impromptu poetry typical of these happenings, but he simply can't do uneven and awkward free flow, he raps with good rhythm and rhyme. The he goes no, there were no rhymes, and comes up right away with an even better one. That is when you can't stop the musician in you. Great guy Nile is.

[@conorosullivan3795]

Brilliant !!! / TREPANIC ;)

[@richardcordoba]

Awesome

[@h.m.7218]

Talented smart guy.

[@peterlagroove6555]

VIVE LE DISCO LIBRE

[@blackcutty8549]

The best bass player Barnard Edwards SIP

[@nigelburton2070]

My hero

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

Even if at the end this turned out to be some Verbal Kint /Keyser Soze bulletin board/crazy man shit, it would still be one of the greatest pictures ever painted lol. Could definitely see a movie! What an artist and raconteur.

[@qunatuai8640]

soul rhythm studio session guitar player from the 60,70 never thought to make a hit with rhythm guitar.

[@xxzstatixx562]

💥💯💥

[@ryanconnelly9399]

Is this the coolest 😎 guy ever

[@vadimvasquezmortisjwhw9566]

It is a machine It realy is.. The digital generation Started with Dire straighs record Money for nothing With Compact disc format. The vinyl record players Were not avaible anymore.. Television Became digital. There is huge differens Between Analog generation And digital generation.. Young People talk like Windows operating system. But on higher level It is like a computer.. It can create a Mirekal And actualy also a Very useful thing. But the machine Donnot have any Humour So it is True Machine=True Yes

[@panameraboomin7925]

Well shit I think Nile Rodgers might be Tyler, the creators long lost father.

[@happycamper7859]

1980's Sam's BBQ. Texas. MmmmmMmmmmm. RIP STEVIE RAY.

[@minnermin]

i needa job.

[@seth4766]

[@loganmcgee18]

Damn, his work with Daft Punk wasn't broughten up at all...? Won a Grammy, ffs

[@suzannek3493]

He speaks a lot about them in other interviews

[@lbamusic]

Playboy shoes!! I still have a few pairs over 60 years oldl. I Bought from Lefcourts in NYC on Madison & 48th St.

[@rinahall]

number of black poeple in the audience ? 0.

[@dannyanime3468]

_ _ 1

[@rinahall]

@@dannyanime3468 lol

[@ngc-ho1xd]

Man... That audience is dead or something.

[@brainsareus]

I love Nile... and, I do realize he gets short shrift on his genius. however, Too much of his talks can become; ponderous, as they become self-referential, as well as self-reverential.

[@peterlagroove6555]

Hip Hop are another aspect of musical decline as the many untalented people we hear on the radio can’t live without autotune. Autotune artificially stretches or slurs sounds in order to get it closer to center pitch. Many of today’s pop musicians and rappers could not survive without autotune, which has become a sort of musical training wheels. But unlike a five-year-old riding a bike, they never take the training wheels off to mature into a better musician. Dare I even bring up the subject of U2s guitarist “The Edge” who has popularized rhythmic digital delays synchronized to the tempo of the music? You could easily argue he’s more an accomplished sound engineer than a talented guitarist. Today’s music is designed to sell, not inspire. Today’s artist is often more concerned with producing something familiar to mass audience, increasing the likelihood of commercial success (this is encouraged by music industry execs, who are notoriously risk-averse).

[@OerythiaDeQuatrefages]

I sadly have to agree, hopefully I still have a wall of old vinyls and I rarely can find new 'productions' which does match the qualitative level of 60's/70's/80's & even some of the 90's productions. Being blamed of nostalgia by blokes online self-proclaiming themselves 'producers for, in their own terminology, "doing beats" is an other disgrace of our times.

[@BloggStandard]

also look up Micheal Brook. Eno introduced him to U2, and is the pioneer/inventor of that guitar signature

[@dizzyd4910]

The infamous baby undeniably carve because foot conjecturally tour into a spooky tray. lame, psychotic cherries

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

Ahhh, I get it now...copasetic my man..

[@trevorwoodley3897]

@@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945 stop trolling the bot lol.