Bernard Edwards

Bernard Edwards was an American bass player, singer, songwriter and record producer, known primarily for his work in disco music with guitarist Nile Rodgers, with whom he co-founded the band Chic. Edwards' bass lines not only dominated Chic's sound and the latter Disco era, but also became foundational for the beginnings of Hip-Hop, including the genre's first hit "Rapper's Delight", in which Edwards' bass line from "Good Times" was reproduced by studio musicians for the Sugarhill Gang's rappers to rap over. As music tastes changed, Edwards and Rogers moved into music production, with Edwards contributing to major hits for Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, Debbie Harry, and Johnny Mathis, among others. The two occasionally produced acts together as well. Chic, and Edwards in particular, were a major influence on the band Duran Duran, especially on bassist John Taylor, to whom Edwards became a mentor. Edwards was also responsible for the formation of supergroup The Power Station, assembling half of Duran Duran (John and Andy Taylor), vocalist Robert Palmer, and his Chic drummer Tony Thompson, leading to major hits "Some Like It Hot" and a cover of "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." Edwards also produced solo albums for Robert Palmer, starting with his breakthrough album Riptide.