LOS ANGELES (AP) – Nile Rodgers is getting lucky again.
The prolific 62-year-old guitarist-producer who has worked with the likes of Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Madonna, David Bowie and Diana Ross was lauded Tuesday night by the producers and engineers wing of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Rodgers received his award on stage during the group’s eighth annual Grammy week celebration at The Village, a historic Los Angeles recording studio that’s hosted the likes of the Beach Boys, Mariah Carey, Johnny Cash, Elton John and – of course – Rodgers.
“The best thing so far about tonight is seeing all the people who actually helped me get here,” Rodgers told the crowd of music industry professionals.
The recording academy honored Rodgers, who formed the band Chic in 1977 with bassist Bernard Edwards, not just for his artistic legacy but also his philanthropic efforts, which included founding the We Are Family Foundation after the Sept. 11 attacks to promote respect, understanding and cultural diversity.