Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny

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It was 1963 and I was head over heels for a girl at my elementary school. She turned me on to The Beatles and we both commiserated when President Kennedy got shot. I walked her home from school that day. During these crazy times, I have indulged myself by finding things I wouldn't have the time for...like finding wonderful shows on YouTube not aired here in the States. One of them is Portrait Artist Of The Year 2020. It is a competition for artists where through a series of "Paint Offs", the final winner is commissioned to paint a portrait for the chosen subject to hang in the infamous Albert Hall. This year's subject is Nile Rodgers. His story of almost dying several times due to drug abuse, and finally overcoming addiction successfully and permanently is truly inspiring. The absurd coincidence of being saved by hitting the wrong elevator button seems to me as no coincidence at all... as a Spiritist, I'm pretty sure his friends on the "other side" helped him avoid prematurely ending his present life. But since this does not come for free, I guess they already knew that besides bringing joy to the world through music, he would still do charity work, as it indeed turned out to be. What do you get if you multiply the year that Dodie Smith released a novel that would be adapted as a film by Disney five years later, by the number that features in that book's title?

As the main creative engine in the 70's-era disco duo Chic, Rodgers wrote and performed Good Times, Le Freak (Freak Out), and countless other platinum hits that NYC dance clubs would simply leave spinning over and over for hours at a time.

Phil was the creator of the famed Wall of Sound, and a genius hitmaker. He had a difficult childhood, which seemed to be a direct result of his father's early death. When you read about the massive number of hits he made it's almost mind-boggling. The discography at the end of the book puts his work in perspective. 9. Hendrix: Setting The Record Straight by John McDermott with Eddie Kramer Daft Punk have released Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) via Columbia Records. The re-release, which has removed all drums and percussive elements from their final studio album, arrives at the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 Grammy-winning Album of the Year. Stream the album below. Speaking of the upcoming album, McCabe said it was "great to reconnect with Ian Broudie", and that working with Chic legend Nile Rodgers was "an amazing experience" which "gave me a confidence that I've never felt before making a record".

Nile Rodgers is a global force in pioneering innovation, creativity and disruption. With over four decades of worldwide hits to his name, he is considered one of the most important producers in the history of popular music. With a wealth of anecdotes about the artists he’s worked with and the stories behind some of the best-known songs, Nile applies his passion for creativity to the business world. He discusses the importance of persistence and determination as a driving force for creativity. He also examines different structures of collaboration and teamwork, and argues that diversity is a key ingredient to its success. His work in the CHIC Organisation and his productions for artists like David Bowie, INXS, Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, and Madonna have sold over 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure, and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music. Westonbirt’s captivating landscape and stunningly lit trees create an enchanting world full of wonder and imagination – the perfect place to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.Confession: I haven't read this book but am using it as a way to highlight something very interesting I saw about him. This is the all-time heavyweight champ of musician biographies for me. Having known Miles and his no-nonsense inability to edit himself, I can see the man, the child and the innovator in every paragraph. Miles takes you on an in-your-face journey more outrageous than any you've ever travelled. Before I read this book, I worshipped his musical genius. This bold and revealing book validated my eternal devotion to the man himself. 2. Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business by Fredric Dannen Two persons alone once possessed my whole love, one of whom still lives, and you are now the third. Farewell, beloved, good, and noble friend! Ever continue your love and friendship towards me, just as I shall ever be your faithful BEETHOVEN." I read these letters over and over again. 5. The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa and Peter Occhiogrosso Following his recovery (inspired, no less, by Keith Richards), the timeline fragments and the story effectively ends in 1996 (the book was published in 2011) with the death of Bernard Edwards, which is very touchingly dealt with. The epilogue jumps ahead fourteen years with a curt “it’s been a busy decade”, encompassing his work with his “We Are Family” foundation and the fundraising around 9/11 that I would have liked to have read in more detail. The same with the admission that he has cancer (he’s recently, as I write this, been given the all-clear), it seems like an odd place to leave a work that is, essentially, about hope and the triumph of his spirit.