Nile Rodgers’ life story reads like the stuff of fiction. Born to a family of drug-addicted bohemians in New York, he hung out with jazz stars and Hollywood superstars as a kid and went on to forge his own legend as the driving force behind Chic. His band defined the disco era like no other, but when the “disco sucks” backlash hit, he sidestepped into production to make classic albums with Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, David Bowie, Duran Duran and Madonna. Recently recovered from a battle with cancer, Nile Rodgers has a book out and a story to tell.

In our extraordinary interview at the 2011 Red Bull Music Academy, Rodgers reflects on starting Chic, his many hits, his biggest collaborations, and more.