Spinner

Nile Rodgers of Chic Battling 'Aggressive' Cancer

Jerritt Clark, Getty Images

Legendary musician and producer Nile Rodgers has announced that he has undergone radical surgery to treat an aggressive form of cancer. Though not revealing the type of cancer, Rodgers has taken to his blog to reveal that steps have already been taken to rid his body of all of the cancer.

Writing on his blog, Rodgers said, "On Oct. 27, 2010, I found out I had aggressive cancer. In an instant, everything in my happy-music universe imploded. It was like 'Jaws' was savagely eating me from the inside out."

He continued, "My biopsy showed that I had to make some important decisions ... fast. After consulting with numerous doctors, I decided to have radical surgery to try and remove the cancer in its entirety.

"I told only a handful of people because I didn't want to worry anyone, especially, my family around the holidays. I did everything as usual -- as best I could -- until one day I couldn't. My hand had sudden muscle loss and a number of stressful events followed.

"I've just returned home from the hospital and want to explain my recent disappearance to everybody and share my appreciation of life, music and people."

Rodgers is one of the most pivotal figures in the history of music. His work with Chic altered the course of popular music and the group's smash, 'Good Times' formed the basis of the seminal hip-hop track, 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugarhill Gang. The 1980s proved to be Rodgers' most successful period. Along with partner Bernard Edwards, Rodgers penned material for Diana Ross while is solo production work included David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' and Duran Duran's 'The Reflex.'

Watch Chic Perform 'Le Chic'

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

3 Comments

Filter by:
cheryl

Dear Nile,
Please get well soon! You are still the greatest and I know that you can beat the cancer. Your music is as cool today as it was earlier. I love it and it's forever.

Cheryl

February 23 2011 at 10:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
maureen

Nile I hope eveything is ok and you are responding well to the treatment best wishes to you get well soon.

maureen.

January 17 2011 at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to maureen's comment
Roger Medley

One of the best producers and guitarists in the history of music.

Get well Nile

February 12 2011 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply