Artist

Chic

1977-1983 (reunions to present)·New York City

Chic came together in New York in 1977 when Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards decided to build a sound out of restraint rather than excess, a deliberate contrast to the lusher, more orchestrated disco productions filling the charts around them. Their debut, the self-titled Chic, laid out that approach in full: spare arrangements, a rhythm section tight enough to function almost like a rock band, and a discipline that came directly from Rodgers and Edwards's years working session and touring gigs before forming the group.

The full story is in New York Disco.

At a glance

Active
1977–1983 (reunions to present)
From
New York City, USA
Records in the issues
3 (1977–1979), 1 of them a Start here pick
Original label
Atlantic
Listening guide track
“Le Freak”

Listen

In the New York Disco listening guide: “Le Freak”

In the issues

  • New York Disco
    Principal · 1970-1983 · Members

    New York Disco is a music scene from New York City, USA, 1970–1983. Its principal artists include David Mancuso, Larry Levan, Nile Rodgers and Chic. This issue covers 7 essential albums and 13 dated events.

Records

Family tree

Bands that shared members with Chic, and who.

  • Next Step1996–1999
    Alfa Anderson, Norma Jean Wright
  • The Power Station1984–1985
    Bernard Edwards, Tony Thompson
  • Juicy1982–1987
    Jerry Barnes, Milton Gerry Barnes

Terms

Session musicians
Professional musicians hired to perform on recordings without being official members of the credited artist or band, often forming informal but highly skilled house bands for record labels or studios.