Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. A multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, Nile Rodgers has played a huge part in expanding the boundaries of popular music.

As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like Le Freak, sparked the advent of hip-hop with Good Times, and won CHIC 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations.

Nile Rodgers has worked with a whole host of artists, including: Bryan Ferry, Duran Duran, and more recently, Pharrell Williams, Avicii, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Christina Aguilera.

We’ve put together a list of some tracks you might not know Nile Rodgers had something to do with! Check them out below…

“Give Me Your Love” | Sigala ft. John Newman & Nile Rodgers (2016)

Although the song was only partially produced by Rodgers, this summer anthem definitely deserves a mention. As well as helping produce the track, he also plays guitar on it.

It peaked at number 1 in Scotland and Belgium, and reached number 9 in the official UK Singles Chart.

“Notorious” | Duran Duran (1986)

Nile Rodgers played a huge part in helping Duran Duran become the 80s pop legends they are today. Not only did he produced their 1986 album Notorious, he played guitar on it the title track as well!

Duran Duran were at a rocky time in their career before this album and have credited Nile with helping to get them back on track. During a 1986 performance, Duran Duran’s frontman Simon Le Bon introduced Rodgers, saying: “This band went through a difficult time and it might not have made it if it weren’t for this gentleman.”

“Get Lucky” | Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers and Daft Punk (2013)

One of the best-selling songs of all time, Get Lucky was a collaboration between Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams and French house duo Daft Punk. Since its release, the track has sold almost 10million copies world wide!

“Black Tie White Noise” | David Bowie (1993)

The track was inspired by Bowie’s stay in Los Angeles in April 1992, when the city saw race riots in reaction to the Rodney King incident.

Produced by Nile Rodgers, the song is one of the most Jazz influenced tracks on the album. The song showed how adaptable Bowie was and solidified him as a chameleon of musical styles.

“Let’s Dance” | David Bowie (1983)

The whole album, along with the hit title track, was produced by Nile Rodgers. This collaboration epitomised Rodgers creativity and seamless ability to work with other artists.

The iconic record went on to sell way over 10 million copies!

“I’m Coming Out” | Diana Ross (1980)

Diana Ross wanted an album that would launch the next instalment of her career. After taking her daughter to see CHIC in concert, she enlisted the help of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards

Rodgers got the idea for I’m Coming Out after attending a drag show in New York where several participants were dressed as Ross.

Initially Diana Ross was not satisfied with the production from Rodgers and Edwards, however the album then went on to be the biggest selling record of her career!

“Like A Virgin” | Madonna (1984)

Although Madonna wanted to be the sole producer on her second album, her record label didn’t want to give her full control yet. After a few discussions, she gave in and chose Nile Rodgers as her producer.

This title track cemented Madonna in the history books as a boundary pushing artist and showed the success of collaborating with the likes of Nile Rodgers.

“We Are Family” | Sister Sledge (1979)

Nile Rodgers and fellow co-founder of CHIC Bernard Edwards, teamed up with Sister Sledge in the 1970s. They created the timeless album We Are Family, as well as the global smash hit!

“Do It For Love” | Sheena Easton (1985)

Having reached a peak of success with her previous album A Private Heaven, Easton’s record company secured the services of Nile Rodgers to work with her on the follow-up. This was due to the success of Nile’s collaboration with Madonna on Like A Virgin.

Nile Rodgers produced Sheena Easton’s seventh studio album – Do You. Which featured the top 30 hit Do It for Love.

“Original Sin” | INXS (1983)

The first single – Original Sin – from the band’s fourth album The Swing, was produced by Nile Rodgers.

Fun fact: Daryl Hall sings the chorus with lead singer Michael Hutchence. Hall said Nile Rodgers called him and asked him to sing on the song. Rodgers had helped in remixing the single Adult Education for Hall & Oates the previous year.

“Telepathy” | Christina Aguilera featuring Nile Rodgers (2016)

This disco track was originally recorded for the 2016 Netflix musical drama series The Get Down. Composed and written by Sia, the track features Christina Aguilera and Nile Rodgers. Rodgers involvement in the collaboration gave the track an authentic disco feel.

See Nile Rodgers & CHIC live this summer!

Expect to hear some of the best-known pop anthems from the last four decades. With more than 200 production credits to his name, the scope of Nile Rodgers’ peerless influence is undeniable.

Join us for a fantastic summer evening and have a dance around the racecourse:

Thursday 9th August | Sandown Park Racecourse – Buy tickets

Friday 10th August | Newmarket Racecourses – Buy tickets