Latest news with #NileRodgers
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Musician Nile Rodgers on Trump's America: 'So Strange Right Now'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Musician Nile Rodgers questioned President Donald Trump's decision to become chairman of The Kennedy Center, telling Newsweek: "America is so strange right now." Rodgers was the star performer at the King's Trust Global Gala in New York on Thursday night, getting big name celebrities on their feet and dancing with his disco hits including Le Freak. And on the red carpet, he told Newsweek his candid thoughts on where America stands just more than 100 days into Trump's second term as president. He questioned the president's decision to fire multiple board members of The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., before taking on the role of chairman. "How does a person who has nothing to do with art find themselves in charge of, artistically, what we're going to say. That would be like me trying to be an artist who's designing things that have absolutely nothing to do with my background. I don't feel like I'm qualified. That would be like me running for public office." He continued: "I do what I do because it's who I am as a human being. And the president of the United States being in charge of the arts? Especially he ever been known for that? Just think about that question. You know, America is so strange right now. It's hard for me to tell if there's love for anyone which is bizarre because I'm usually the most optimistic person in the world." Musician Nile Rodgers attends The King's Trust 4th Annual Global Gala, in New York City on May 1. Musician Nile Rodgers attends The King's Trust 4th Annual Global Gala, in New York City on May 1."It's not America as a whole because I just came back from North Carolina and I had the nicest time. People were so kind, they were so loving, and it didn't seem like politics were on their mind. It just felt like they were the way that people used to be and it's just heartbreaking to me because I think people should be kind," Rodgers said. The King's Trust is King Charles III's most successful charity, founded in the 1970s to help disadvantaged young people into work. Rodgers was a disco icon with band Chic and also produced major hits by Madonna including Like a Virgin and Material Girl. He gave a glowing account of his experiences of the king: "I've done so much and he's done so much. He's just a charitable, wonderful human being. Every time I've met him, every time I've worked with him, it's just been pure joy. Regardless of what you believe in, we should just have dignity that we should be cool and that's what the king is. Every time I'm with him he is the coolest and he's always engaged." He continued: "Every time I see people around him, he's interested in what they have to say even though his troop is leading him through the crowd he still stops and talks to people. You have to be a real person to be that way. I don't think that that's made up, I don't think he's trying to have a great public image I think he's just that person." Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page. Do you have a question about Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@ We'd love to hear from you.
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Music World Hitmaker Nile Rodgers Celebrates Launch Of ‘The Creative Entrepreneur' By Carolyn Dailey
Spike Lee, Carolyn Dailey, Nile Rodgers at 'The Creative Entrepreneur' NYC Book Launch Recalling how he had grown accustomed to a tight recording budget for quickly producing 'Black music' without the luxury of extra takes, contemporary Renaissance man Nile Rodgers told an intimate group feting the launch of The Creative Entrepreneur by Carolyn Dailey at a private club in Manhattan's West Village how producing Duran Duran's 12th single "The Wild Boys" changed his perception of the business of music. The song – based on the ferociously influential 1971 novel The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead by William S. Burroughs – which also inspired the flamboyant costumes, bright red, spiky mullet-bouffant, and lightning bolt makeup of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona – became one of the band's highest-charting singles, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, while claiming the top spots on the Cash Box Top Singles chart, in the U.S. and on the charts in Germany and South Africa. 'I grew up by one of my best friends, he played on every single Chic record, but he was in another band called The Simms Brothers Band, and they got a record deal. These guys got a million dollars. Never had a hit record. I think our budget was $35,000 to do a whole album. Everything was on a budget. I never locked out a studio until I did Duran Duran 'The Wild Boys'. Every record up until then was done like a Black record. We did eight-hour shifts in and out. That meant we had to set up every day and break down. Set up and break down. If you look at my catalog, you'll see that you don't hear any alternate versions. We're a one-take group. I mean, there's no alternate version of 'Let's Dance'. There's no alternate version of 'We Are Family'. There's no alternate version of 'Like a Virgin',' Rodgers told a glamorous crowd, including Spike Lee, packing a room during an interview with Dailey at the San Vicente West Village, the elite private members club's new New York location.. Nile Rodgers, Carolyn Dailey at The Creative Entrepreneur NYC Book Launch The Simms Brothers collaborated with many musicians, including backing vocals on Bowie's "Let's Dance," "Modern Love," and "China Girl,' the first of which was co-produced by Rodgers and Bowie, and recorded in December 1982 with sessions featuring Rodgers' and members of band Chic, along with then-unknown Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar. The first time Bowie only sang and played no instruments on an album led to blockbuster commercial success, with "Let's Dance' soaring to number one in numerous countries. Anyone familiar with contemporary music knows Rodgers from his inimitable imprint on a wide array of music through collaborations with a diverse group of artists including Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Sheena Easton, Bryan Ferry, Madonna, INXS, Britney Spears, Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Avicii, Disclosure, Sam Smith, Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Nervo, Laura Mvula, and Keith Urban. From disco king to go-to music world master hitmaker, Rodgers has become synonymous with commercial success. Rodgers ability to mitigate creative risk-taking as co-founder of The Chic Organization places him in the pantheon of entrepreneurs featured in Dailey's book, joining: Roksanda Ilincic, founder of fashion label Roksanda; Yinka Ilori, founder of Yinka Ilori Studio; Andy Harries founder of Left Bank Pictures (The Crown); Priya Ahluwalia, founder of fashion label Ahluwalia; Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, Matthew Slotover, co-founder of Frieze; Ruthie Rogers, founder of The River Cafe; Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Grand Theft Auto), Nick Jones, founder of Soho House. Duranies have long known that Rodgers' influence has been indispensable in the seminal band's rapid evolution from thriving in Britain's underground glam rock-inspired New Romantic scene to helming the Second British Invasion of the U.S. via MTV in the 1980s. Infusing his singular funk style by looping a key vocal hook, along with incorporating percussive elements, a distortion on the guitar, and a mono bass line, Nile Rodgers' remix of "The Reflex" was a pivotal juncture for Duran Duran. The "fle-fle-fle" chorus and Rodger's rhythmic scratching sound sent the remix rocketing up the charts. The groundbreaking sound of Duran Duran's eleventh single released on April 16, 1984, and the last to be taken from their third studio album Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983), became the band's first to grasp the crown of the Billboard Hot 100 and their second to lead the UK Singles Chart. Nile Rodgers performing at The Creative Entrepreneur NYC Book Launch Rodgers who – as a solo artist and with the disco band Chic he co-founded in 1972 along with late bassist Bernard Edwards – has frequently performed live with Duran Duran, kindling energetic on-stage chemistry. He produced and played guitar on Duran Duran's Notorious album in 1986. The single of the same name generated another global commercial success, shooting to number seven on the UK Singles Chart, number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, and the top 10 in several other countries. Rodgers did it again in 2015, when he co-wrote and co-produced the song 'Pressure Off' from Paper Gods (2015) along with Mark Ronson and Mr. Hudson, and Janelle Monae on vocals. His funk infusion helped birth the band's first top-10 album since Duran Duran (1993), which reprises the title of the band's first studio album in 1981. Summarizing Rodger's impact on one band illustrates how and why he belongs in a book subtitled A Guide to Building a Successful Creative Business from Industry Titans, as few artists can balance business with creative processes and output. Sharing laugh-inducing anecdotes – from a missed opportunity to work with Grace Jones amid a faux accent fumble to transforming Diana Ross into a gay icon after encountering a gaggle of drag queens paying homage to her haute couture style showcasing sequined dresses, beaded catsuits, voluminous hairstyles, and statement jewelry – Rodgers demonstrated how his captivating personality, along with his tireless work ethic, boundless innovation, and open mind, continue to fuel his career. 'It's a book, but it is a much bigger movement. It's a mission to show that creativity and commerce, this whole myth, we want to revolutionize the old school thinking that the two shouldn't mix. And in the book we do that, hopefully, through interviews with 10 creative icons about how they built their businesses, and also with practical advice, because we want to crush that myth and show that business is how creativity becomes real and gets into the world,' Dailey told the attentive group at San Vicente.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Gen-Z: How social media redefines cancel culture in 2025
Picture this: It's 1981, and Nile Rodgers, the legendary musician behind hits like Le Freak and Good Times, is at a club with his girlfriend. When she behaves in a way he deems unacceptable, he doesn't just write a song about heartbreak—he writes Your Love Is Cancelled. The track, a sequel of sorts to his earlier hit I Want Your Love. The track didn't exactly top the charts, but it did something far more revolutionary: it introduced the concept of 'cancelling' someone for bad behaviour. Decades before hashtags and viral call-outs, Rodgers was already onto something. Fast forward to 2025, and cancel culture has become a defining feature of our social landscape, especially for Generation-Z. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much to this generation? Cancel culture refers to the practice of publicly calling out, shaming, or boycotting individuals, organisations, or even brands for behaviour deemed socially unacceptable. This could range from offensive comments and controversial beliefs to harmful or illegal actions. Social media platforms have become the battlegrounds where these cancellations play out, with hashtags and viral posts amplifying the outrage. The fallout from being 'cancelled' can be devastating. For influencers, the stakes are far higher than simply losing followers; it's about witnessing the community they've painstakingly built collapse overnight. A single misstep—whether it's offensive comments, personal scandals, or revelations of unethical behaviour—can unleash a ripple effect of repercussions. Prominent YouTubers like PewDiePie, Tati Westbrook, and Shane Dawson have all experienced the downfall of their communities in the past, as did Instagram star Nessa Barrett. More recently, Indian YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia faced a similar fate. For many, the path to redemption is daunting, if not entirely out of reach. For the ones cancelling, it's a necessary tool for accountability—a way to hold powerful people and institutions responsible for their actions. For others, it's a digital witch hunt that leaves little room for redemption. Gen-Z, the first true digital natives, have grown up in a world where social media is both a megaphone and a microscope. They've witnessed movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter use collective outrage to drive real change. For many in Gen-Z, cancel culture isn't just about punishment—it's about justice. It's a way to challenge systemic inequalities and demand accountability in a world where traditional systems have often failed. 'We're not cancelling people—we're cancelling toxic behaviour,' says Sayeda Arif, a young professional working in a startup company in Dubai. But it is not all black and white. Gen-Z's relationship with cancel culture is complicated. On one hand, they've seen it work—celebrities, politicians, and corporations have been forced to reckon with their actions in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. 'There have been instances where I have supported the idea of cancelling out of touch of reality influencers, and offensive and insensitive brand campaigns,' says Rajasi Shrestha, a Nepalese student. On the other hand, they've also seen it spiral into toxicity, with online mobs sometimes targeting individuals for minor missteps or misunderstandings. ' I have never cancelled anyone. Though it could be a positive view of holding people accountable in a social way. I also feel people took it too far away and started cancelling others over very trivial issues,' says Sara Alaa Abdelmagid, an Egyptian student studying in Dubai. While cancel culture can be a powerful force for good, it's not without its flaws. Critics argue that it often lacks nuance, leaving little room for forgiveness or growth. The speed and intensity of online outrage can sometimes overshadow the possibility of meaningful dialogue or education. Take, for example, the case of a young influencer who makes an insensitive comment. Instead of using the moment as a teaching opportunity, cancel culture can quickly shut down any chance for their learning or redemption. This raises an important question: Are we cancelling people to create a better world, or are we just feeding into a cycle of performative outrage? The challenge for Gen Z,and for all of us, is to find a balance between accountability and empathy. Cancel culture can be a tool for social change, but it shouldn't be the default response to every controversy. Open dialogue and a willingness to listen are just as important as holding people accountable. In a world where everyone has a platform, it's up to us to use our voices wisely. So, the next time you're tempted to type 'cancel', ask yourself: Is this about justice, or is it just about the drama? Because in the end, the goal shouldn't be to destroy—it should be to build a better, more inclusive world.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Mariah Carey to perform at Sandringham
The music megastar will take to the stage at the royal estate in Norfolk, England on 15 August for an outdoor concert as part of Heritage Live's August 2025 concert series. Mariah will be joined by special guests including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Nile Rodgers and British R&B group Eternal. Giles Cooper of Heritage Live Festivals said in a new statement, "We're absolutely thrilled to bring one of the greatest pop artists of all time to the Royal Sandringham Estate for an exclusive UK headline show."
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mariah Carey to perform at Sandringham
The music megastar will take to the stage at the royal estate in Norfolk, England on 15 August for an outdoor concert as part of Heritage Live's August 2025 concert series. Mariah will be joined by special guests including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Nile Rodgers and British R&B group Eternal. Giles Cooper of Heritage Live Festivals said in a new statement, "We're absolutely thrilled to bring one of the greatest pop artists of all time to the Royal Sandringham Estate for an exclusive UK headline show."
