1. Bernard Edwards was an American bassist and record producer, known primarily for his work in disco with musician Nile Rodgers, with whom he co-founded Chic.
16 Facts About Bernard Edwards
1. 2.
In 2017, Edwards was selected as the 53rd greatest bassist of all time by Bass Player magazine.
3.
Bernard Edwards was born in Greenville, North Carolina, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he met Nile Rodgers in the early 1970s.
4.
At the time, Bernard Edwards was working at a post office with the mother of Rodgers's girlfriend.
5.
Bernard Edwards worked with Nile Rodgers to produce and write for other artists, using Chic to perform everything musically and vocally except lead vocals.
6.
Bernard Edwards released a solo album, Glad to Be Here in 1983, and in 1985 he was instrumental in the formation of the supergroup the Power Station.
7.
The band's first album was produced by Bernard Edwards and featured Chic drummer Tony Thompson, and Duran Duran members John and Andy Taylor as well as singer Robert Palmer.
8.
Bernard Edwards followed this by producing Robert Palmer's hit album Riptide.
9.
Bernard Edwards continued to produce artists throughout the 1980s and 90s, including Diana Ross, Adam Ant, Rod Stewart, Jody Watley, Grayson Hugh, Air Supply, ABC and Duran Duran.
10.
Bernard Edwards teamed up with Nile Rodgers again for the Chic reunion in the early 1990s and released the album Chic-Ism in 1992.
11.
Just before the concert at the Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Bernard Edwards fell ill, but despite Rodgers' insistence, refused to cancel the gig.
12.
Bernard Edwards managed to perform but had to be helped at times.
13.
At one point, Bernard Edwards blacked out for a few seconds before resuming his playing.
14.
Bernard Edwards retired to his hotel room where he was later found dead by Rodgers.
15.
Bernard Edwards was nominated for four Grammy Awards for his work with Chic, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, and Robert Palmer.
16.
On September 19,2005, Bernard Edwards was honored posthumously for his outstanding achievement as a producer, when he was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in New York.