Nile Rodgers to Receive 2015 BMI Icon Award

CHIC member Nile Rodgers will be honored with the Icon Award at the 2015 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards this summer.

Known for being a hitmaker and an influential musician as part of 1970s disco funk band CHIC, Rodgers has made various contributions to music as a composer, producer, arranger and guitarist. Not only is he credited with the chart-topping hit, "Le Freak," but he also produced Madonna's "Like a Virgin," Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" and David Bowie's "Let's Dance."

He has also worked with Duran Duran, INXS, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, Steve Winwood, Peter Gabriel, the B-52s, and the late Michael Jackson. He has over 200 production credits, 17 BMI Awards and three Grammys.

Inducted into the 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame, Rodgers continued his prolific work with more contemporary artists including Sam Smith, Disclosure and Daft Punk, especially the French electronic duo's track, "Get Lucky."

“The BMI Icon Award is given to an individual for their ability to connect people through song and defy musical expectations,” said Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations, in a statement. “Nile’s exceptional body of work, spanning decades, crosses genres and leaves a lasting impression. We’re so thrilled to present this honor to such a singular talent and incredible musician.”

As this year's honoree, he will join an elite group of artists who include James Brown, Mariah Carey, Birdman, George Clinton, Little Richard, Al Green and Snoop Dogg.

The 2015 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards will take place on Aug. 28 at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles.

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