Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Bernard Edwards was born on October 31, 1952 in Greenville, North Carolina. He grew up in a musical family, with both his parents and grandparents playing instruments. From a young age, Bernard showed an interest in music, especially after seeing the impact of Motown and James Brown on pop culture.
As a teenager, Bernard became infatuated with the bass guitar. He was drawn to the deep, rhythmic foundation that bass provides in music. Though his family couldn’t afford music lessons, Bernard taught himself how to play bass by carefully listening to records. He would pick out bass lines note-for-note until he could emulate the grooves and techniques.
Bernard began playing bass in local bands around Greenville in his mid-teens. This gave him the opportunity to hone his skills in a live band setting. Bernard quickly developed an advanced rhythmic and improvisational style on the bass. His energetic stage presence also started attracting attention around town.
Playing in Greenville bands enabled Bernard to make connections within the local music scene. This experience would prove invaluable as Bernard set his sights on becoming a professional bass player in New York City’s thriving music industry. Though just a teenager, Bernard already displayed the raw talent and determination that would make him a legend.
Meeting Nile Rodgers and Forming Chic
Bernard Edwards’ life changed forever when he met guitarist Nile Rodgers in 1970. Though they came from very different backgrounds, their shared deep passion for music led to an instant connection.
Rodgers, a classically trained guitarist, had worked as a session musician for various artists. Edwards was a self-taught bassist who had played in local bands around his hometown. They met by chance at a club where Rodgers was performing with the band New World Rising.
When Rodgers stepped off stage for a break, Edwards approached and the two immediately bonded over their love of jazz, soul, and the funk sounds of Sly and the Family Stone. As they talked late into the night, they discovered they had the same vision for blending genres to create an exciting new dance sound.
This meeting of musical minds led Rodgers and Edwards to form their own band, which they decided to call Chic. After bringing on drummer Tony Thompson, the group began playing shows around New York City.
Chic’s unique sound was on full display on their self-titled debut album in 1977. Rodgers’ funky guitar riffs paired beautifully with Edwards’ rhythmic and melodic bass lines. The album brought disco grooves together with the musicianship of jazz and rock.
This innovative style quickly caught on, and Chic’s first single "Dance, Dance, Dance" became a Top 10 hit. It was a spectacular beginning for the newly formed band that would go on to define the disco era. Rodgers and Edwards’ creative partnership was just getting started.
Bass Style and Techniques
Bernard Edwards developed a unique and highly influential bass playing style that was a core part of the Chic sound. His bass lines were often the melodic hook of Chic’s hit songs, and he had a signature techniques that helped him create his distinctive funky grooves.
Edwards’ style was shaped by various musical influences including jazz, R&B, and funk. He cited players like Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, and Stanley Clarke as key inspirations. From jazz, he gained an appreciation for chromatic bass lines and walking bass patterns. From funk and R&B he derived his sense of syncopation, rhythm, and groove.
One of Edwards’ signature techniques was "chucking", where he would mute the strings to create a percussive, staccato effect. This technique can be heard on songs like "Good Times" where he alternates muted staccato notes with full ringing notes. The chucking gave his bass lines a rhythmic drive and energetic forward motion.
He also made frequent use of slapping, popping, and sliding up and down the neck of the bass. These techniques allowed him to play funky syncopated riffs, fills, and runs between the main groove. His bass lines were often composed of short, repetitive, interlocking phrases that created an infectious feel.
In terms of equipment, Edwards favored Fender Precision basses for most of his career. He used roundwound stainless steel strings to get a bright, punchy bass tone. He also often added chorus and fuzz effects to fatten up and distort the sound of his bass lines. The combination of his signature playing techniques and tasteful use of effects resulted in the iconic bass sound that defined the Chic groove.
Hit Songs and Albums with Chic
As the bassist and co-founder of Chic, Bernard Edwards co-wrote and performed on some of the most iconic disco tracks of the 1970s and ’80s. Along with Nile Rodgers, Edwards penned instant funk classics like "Le Freak" and "Good Times" that would come to define the Chic sound and bring the group mainstream success.
One of Chic’s earliest hits was "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" from their self-titled debut album in 1977. Driven by Edwards’ irresistible bass line, the track exemplified his ability to lock into a tight groove.
However, their biggest smash would come a year later with "Le Freak" off the album C’est Chic. Originally written as a retaliation to being rejected at Studio 54, the song with Edwards’ distinctive bass chugs shot to number 1 on the charts and scored a Grammy nomination.
The group continued their hit streak with Edwards’ bass heavy jams like "I Want Your Love" and "Chic Cheer" from their third album Risqué in 1979. The record cemented their status as disco pioneers.
But perhaps Edwards’ most influential contribution was the bass line on "Good Times" from Risqué. This funky riff became one of the most sampled in hip hop, providing the backbone for early rap hits like "Rapper’s Delight."
Throughout Chic’s studio albums and live performances in the late 70s and early 80s, Edwards and Nile Rodgers churned out some of the tightest and most danceable disco ever recorded, with the bassist’s signature sound always at the forefront.
Other Collaborations
In addition to his groundbreaking work with Chic, Bernard Edwards lent his prodigious talents as a bassist, songwriter and producer to numerous other artists and projects over the course of his career.
One of his most notable partnerships outside of Chic was with the vocal group Sister Sledge. Edwards produced and co-wrote many of the songs on their smash 1979 album We Are Family, including the anthemic title track which became a major hit single. Edwards’ signature grooving bass lines and hook-driven songcraft were essential elements of the album’s success.
Edwards also produced and wrote for pop icon Diana Ross in the 1980s, including her top 10 hit "I’m Coming Out" and the album it appeared on, Diana. His slick production and funky rhythms helped Ross reinvent her sound for a new decade.
In addition to his disco and R&B work, Edwards displayed his versatility by producing music for the beloved children’s show Sesame Street. He co-wrote songs like "Don’t Walk" and "One Little Star" which educated kids about music through catchy melodies.
Bernard Edwards stepped out on his own as a solo artist in the 1980s and 90s. His debut album Thankful N’ Thoughtful yielded the dancefloor favorite "Don’t Make Me Wait", a collaboration with vocalist MeShell Ndegeocello. He also recorded the Japan-only album Comin’ At You in 1983.
Even outside the orbit of Chic, Edwards brought his consummate musicianship and hitmaking magic to every project he worked on. His output beyond the band stands as a testament to his enduring brilliance.
Partnership with Nile Rodgers: A Legendary Match
Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers formed one of the most legendary partnerships in music history. Though they came from different musical backgrounds, their talents were perfectly complementary and allowed them to create Chic’s signature sound.
Edwards brought his deep knowledge of jazz and funk to the partnership. His basslines were incredibly melodic and added a smooth, rhythmic groove to their music. Rodgers contributed his flair for catchy guitar riffs and clever chord progressions. Together, they merged disco, R&B, and rock seamlessly.
In the studio, Edwards and Rodgers had a fantastic chemistry. They constantly inspired and pushed each other creatively. Their songwriting process was highly collaborative. They would jam together to come up with basslines and guitar parts, composing the music first before adding lyrics. Both brought unique ideas to the table and weren’t afraid to experiment.
The duo wrote major hits not just for Chic but other top artists as well. They composed classics like "Upside Down" and "I’m Coming Out" for Diana Ross which became smash chart-toppers. For Sister Sledge, they penned "We Are Family" and "He’s The Greatest Dancer." Their innovative songwriting and productions shaped the sound of disco and dance music for generations to come. Though their partnership ended tragically with Edwards’ early death, their catalog of timeless songs will live on forever.
The Chic Sound: Shaping Disco and Funk
Chic’s signature sound blended funk, disco, pop, and R&B in innovative ways that shaped the evolution of dance music. At the core of their style were Bernard Edwards’ melodic and funky bass lines, Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic guitar riffs, and their sophisticated production techniques.
Some key elements that defined the "Chic sound" included:
- Tight, syncopated rhythm section with prominent bass and guitar parts
- Orchestral strings and keyboards adding melodic flourishes
- Lush background vocals and harmonies
- Percussive production with handclaps and other accents
- Soaring lead vocals and catchy hooks
This blend of groovy funk paired with pop sophistication took disco in a new direction. Where traditional disco was often characterized by a steady 4/4 beat, Chic brought in unpredictable syncopations and complex rhythms influenced by jazz and funk. Their lush instrumentation and arrangements made disco feel glamorous.
Chic ended up heavily influencing dance music, providing the foundation for house, techno, and other electronic genres. Their sound can be heard echoed in funk-inspired hip hop, as well as modern R&B and pop. Groups like Jamiroquai, Daft Punk, and Mark Ronson have cited Chic as inspirations.
As masterful songwriters and producers, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards left a lasting impact. Chic is considered one of the most sampled acts in music history, with their tracks frequently reused in other artists’ songs. Their iconic bass lines, guitar licks, and production techniques can be heard across decades of popular music. Even today, the "Chic sound" lives on through sampling and continues inspiring new generations.
Final Live Performances
In the 1990s, even as he continued producing and working on solo projects, Bernard Edwards still toured and performed live with Chic. Some of his most notable later concerts were in Japan and the United Kingdom.
In Japan, Edwards played with Chic at the Tokyo Dome for an audience of over 50,000 in December 1994. Footage from the concert shows Edwards’ infectious energy on stage, dancing and grooving while effortlessly laying down funky bass lines. His musical connection with Nile Rodgers remained seamless, clearly the product of decades of performing together.
One of Bernard’s final live shows with the band was at the Brit Awards in London in February 1996. The group performed a high-energy medley of some of their classic disco hits to an enthusiastic crowd. Bernard was in his element, slapping the bass with passion. This performance was a testament to his lasting brilliance and influence in the world of funk and dance music.
Just a few months later, in April 1996, Bernard Edwards passed away tragically while on tour in Japan. But his dynamic live performances alongside Nile Rodgers and Chic will forever be remembered and cherished by fans across the globe. Even at the end of his career, Edwards maintained his status as one of the greatest bass guitarists in music history.
Death and Legacy
Bernard Edwards tragically passed away at the young age of 43 in 1996 while on tour with Chic in Japan. On the morning of April 18th, Bernard was found dead in his hotel room in Tokyo. The cause was determined to be pneumonia, but his sudden death came as a shock to his fans, friends, and family.
Though his life was cut short, Bernard left behind an incredible musical legacy. His ingenious bass lines and songwriting contributions with Chic helped define the disco era. Bernard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 as a member of Chic, forever cementing his status as a legend.
After his passing, many artists paid tribute to Bernard and spoke about his influence. Bootsy Collins called him "a genius on the bass" while rapper Q-Tip said "Bernard Edwards’ bass playing was key in creating a new genre of music." In 2006, Chic held a tribute concert on the 10th anniversary of his death, with many guests honoring Bernard’s memory.
Though he is no longer with us, Bernard Edwards’ music lives on. His bass lines continue to be widely sampled in hip hop and R&B. Artists across genres cite Bernard as a key inspiration in developing their own style and sound. Even over 20 years after his death, the echoes of Bernard’s genius can be heard in much of today’s popular music. His legacy is carried on by his son, producer Bernard Edwards Jr, who upholds his father’s musical ideals. As long as people dance to Chic’s hits, Bernard Edwards’ spirit will continue to funkify dance floors for generations to come.
The Next Generation
Bernard Edwards’ influence continues through the work of his son, Bernard Edwards Jr., and the many artists who grew up inspired by his music.
Bernard Edwards Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps as a bass player, producer, and songwriter. Though he didn’t get to spend much time with his famous father, he soaked up his musical knowledge by studying his recordings and collaborating with Nile Rodgers.
Edwards Jr. tours with Chic, playing his father’s legendary bass lines. He also produces tracks and writes songs, cultivating the Chic sound for modern audiences. Through him, Bernard Edwards’ musical DNA lives on.
Additionally, Edwards’ work with Chic paved the way for subsequent generations of funk, dance, and hip-hop artists. His grooves and bass lines have been heavily sampled by acts ranging from Notorious B.I.G. to Daft Punk. The slick Chic sound continues to inspire pop, R&B, and hip-hop hits to this day.
From rising talent like Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak to genre-spanning superstars like Beyonce, today’s music landscape is filled with artists influenced by Edwards’ innovative style. Though he passed too soon, his musical contributions reverberate through the work of musicians who grew up on Chic. Bernard Edwards’ legacy is sure to impact many more generations to come.