Le Freak by Nile Rodgers - Disco, Drugs, and Destiny - Memoir Book Review - We Are Family Reinvented

Odds are, you've heard the classic Pop and R& B tune, "We Are Family," by Sister Sledge, on the radio, at a wedding reception, or remember it as the anthem for the 1979 World Series Champion, Pittsburgh Pirates. The song was written by musicians Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, co-founders of the late 70s R&B/Disco group, Chic. While disco eventually died, Nile Rodgers' musical talents penetrate the music scene even today and his accomplishments are notable. Rodgers chronicles his life in his new memoir, Le Freak, named after Chic's 1978 monster hit.

Nile Rodgers is the son of Nile Rodgers Sr., a talented musician who, unfortunately, died penniless in New York City from his alcohol and drug addiction.

Rodgers' mother, Beverly (always on a first-name basis), met Niles Sr. at the age of 13 (he was 16). Their initial sexual encounter created Niles Jr.

Much of Rodgers' life involved alcohol and drugs before ever entering the music business. His mother and stepfather, Bobby were both heroin addicts; and Rodgers was introduced to sniffing glue at 13, for starters.

Growing up, Rodgers was shuffled between New York City and Los Angeles to be with family. He developed his musical talents early on, enjoying numerous opportunities to play with industry titans, including Screamin Jay Hawkins and Jimi Hendrix.

He met Bernard Edwards while playing the Chitlin' Circuit (a string of black nightclubs stretching from Buffalo, New York to South Florida). Musically, the two could read each other's mind. They would go on to create the R& B/Pop group, Chic.

Rodgers shares many intriguing behind-the-scenes stories about the music industry, including the origins of Chic's smash hit, Le Freak. Famous club performer, Grace Jones had invited Rodgers and Edwards to her show at Studio 54, the infamous Manhattan nightclub; and they were denied entrance.

The duo returned to a friend's nearby apartment. There, they drank Dom Perignon, snorted cocaine and jammed out their frustrations on bass and guitar. "Awww-f*** off Studio 54," morphed into "Awww, freak out," which became Le Freak's ear-catching refrain.

Le Freak was an international hit, giving Chic their first seven-figure check for their label's only triple platinum single. "The Zen of it was, by not getting what we wanted, we got more than we ever imagined," says Rodgers.

Rodgers narrates working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including David Bowie, Madonna, and Diana Ross.

In 1980, superstar Diana Ross was looking to reinvent her career. Her record label, Motown, teamed her with Edwards and Rodgers for the project. Despite their best efforts, Motown didn't like the results and demanded the master tapes be returned for their own post-production arrangements.

Devastated, the duo steadfastly believed that they'd produced quality work. Ultimately, Motown released their original production with trepidation. "Diana" went on to become Diana Ross' biggest selling album of her career, yielding the No. 1 hit, "Upside Down," and top five pop single, "I'm Coming out."

Studio 54 became Rodgers' number one hangout during its day. He vividly describes its appeal to serious partygoers and A-list crowd, with sex and drugs aplenty. "It may seem highly unlikely today, but inside Studio there was a Dionysian sense of belonging and trust. Nothing was taboo."

Racism is no stranger to Rodgers, as he's experienced it periodically, including during Chic's ascent. He and Edwards visited a Manhattan Mercedes Benz dealership. "A salesman charged over to us to try and delicately shoo us out of the store. It was clear to him the likes of us couldn't afford his wares," he says. His post-Chic years found him accepting invitations to parties on Martha's Vineyard and being turned away at the door by bouncers, due to his dark hue.

The 9/11 roll call of victims brought Rodgers sad news, as he recognized the name of one the dead, a woman who had photographed him several times for Billboard magazine. Rodgers received numerous calls from family, friends and acquaintances suggesting he reinvent his classic tune "We Are Family" in tribute to our national tragedy. He obliged, gathering celebrities, singers and emergency workers in New York to re-record the tune, not unlike the "We Are The World" celebration of 1985. He also assembled a Los Angeles version.

The We Are Family Foundation originated from the bi-coastal project and today is a successful not-for-profit organization. It's dedicated to forming a global family that strives to solve some of the biggest global challenges.

Le Freak reads full circle, as Rodgers poignantly describes the circumstances surrounding his long-time friend and business partner, Bernard Edwards' death. Both were in Japan in 1996 where Rodgers was being honored for his musical accomplishments. During their lengthy performance, Edwards fell ill, yet defied doctor's orders to cancel the second part of the show.

After their performance, at 1:33 am, Rodgers was awakened from a nightmare believing he was experiencing an earthquake. He landed on the floor and eventually fell back to sleep. Hotel staff awakened him in the morning to inform him that Edwards (staying in a room across the hall), wasn't answering his wake-up call. Rodgers forcefully knocked on Edwards' door, but he never answered. Upon entering his room, he and the housekeeper found him dead.

Briefing the medical examiner on Edwards' last hours to determine his time of death, he described his earthquake dream. The medical examiner assured him that no earthquake had occurred. "That was your friend leaving you. The time of death is 1:33 a.m., just like you said. Thank you for this information."

Le Freak transcends being another story of a self-indulgent musician. Sober since 1994, Rodgers is busier than ever, and is currently working on a project with American Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert.

Rodgers reminds us of the resiliency of the human spirit, that, despite a turbulent childhood and periods of being a wandering adult, we can reinvent our lives.