- published: 25 Dec 2014
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Bernard Edwards (October 31, 1952 – April 18, 1996) was a bass player and record producer, both as a member of the Funk/Disco band Chic and on his own. He died of pneumonia while touring in Japan.
Edwards, who was born in Greenville, North Carolina, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York City, met Nile Rodgers in the early 1970s. The two formed the Big Apple Band (active 1972–1976) and then united with drummer Tony Thompson to eventually form Chic together with singer Norma Jean Wright.
With Chic (active 1976–1983), Edwards created era-defining hits such as "Dance, Dance, Dance", "Everybody Dance", "Le Freak", "I Want Your Love" and "Good Times". Edwards also worked with Nile Rodgers to produce and write for other artists, using Chic to perform everything musically and vocally except lead vocals. Those productions with Norma Jean Wright, Sister Sledge, Sheila and B. Devotion, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, Debbie Harry and Fonzi Thornton led to more hits such as "Saturday", "He's The Greatest Dancer", "We Are Family", "Spacer", "Upside Down", "I'm Coming Out" and "Backfired" to name a few. (In the song "We Are Family," Kathy Sledge gives Edwards a brief shout-out, singing "Yeah, come on Bernard, play...play your funky bass, boy!")
Chic "Interview Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards 1982" (Chic Organization)
Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards live at Budokan
Chic Megamix - in memory of Bernard Edwards
Bernard Edwards Style Bass Guitar Riff Lesson 1 EricBlackmonMusicHD
R.I.P. Bernard Edwards
Power Station :John Taylor and Bernard Edwards
CHIC Live at Budokan 1996 Good Times
My Forbidden Lover (Chic) - Bernard Edwards Bass Cover/Transcription
Chic,Nile Rogers,.Bernard Edwards.1976.3GP
Chic / Everybody Dance