Nile Rodgers Has Never Been Intimidated by Anyone He's Worked with: 'Nobody Can Make a Record Better Than Me'
- - Nile Rodgers Has Never Been Intimidated by Anyone He's Worked with: 'Nobody Can Make a Record Better Than Me'
Raven BrunnerFebruary 18, 2026 at 9:10 AM
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Nile Rodgers at Grammy Museum L.A. Live in Los Angeles in September 2025
Rebecca Sapp/Getty
Nile Rodgers said he’s never been intimidated by anyone he’s worked with in a recent interview
"If I ever believed that, it would mean I’m walking into the studio and thinking, 'You can make a record better than me.' And nobody can make a record better than me," he said
Rodgers has collaborated with Beyoncé, Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross and Duran Duran, among others
Nile Rodgers is feeling confident!
The musician, 73, told Vulture in an interview published on Tuesday, Feb. 17 that he’s never been intimidated by anyone he’s worked with throughout his lengthy career.
When asked about his most intimidating collaborator, he said, "Nobody. No way, man."
(L-R) Nile Rodgers, Stevie Wonder and Pharrell Williams perform during the 56th Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles in January 2014
Kevin Winter/WireImage
"If I ever believed that, it would mean I’m walking into the studio and thinking, 'You can make a record better than me.' And nobody can make a record better than me. Please don’t take this in an egotistical way," the Chic co-founder continued.
"Who have I made records with? Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, the London Symphony Orchestra," he said. "I’m not intimidated. I’m here to have fun. I’m here to become part of your band. The one thing that’s super important is to make an artist know that I have their best interests at heart. That’s all I care about. My legacy is pretty much written."
Rodgers co-founded Chic with bassist Bernard Edwards in 1972. The disco band is known for their hit songs, including "Le Freak" and "Good Times." He has also collaborated with Beyoncé, Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross and Duran Duran, among others.
In the interview, the artist spoke about his work with John Mayer at one point. The two had exchanged their favorite albums as an attempt to get to know each other better, but it "went sour."
"He turned me onto his favorite record, which was Coldplay’s first album, Parachutes. I thought it was cool, but I gave him the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request, which I think is the most underrated rock and roll album of all time," Rodgers said.
"It didn’t work with John. It’s weird, too, because John might be one of the smartest people that’s ever walked this Earth. Those first two days we got along like brothers, but then after we did the album thing, it was like, 'This isn’t happening,' " he added.
Nile Rodgers performs at Chelmsford City Music Festival in Essex, United Kingdom in July 2025
Bonnie Britain/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty
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Rodgers seems to have endless memories about the many stars he's worked with. Back in 2019, he exclusively told PEOPLE about the bond he formed with Cher while opening for her Here We Go Again tour.
“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a tour,” he said. “We absolutely adore each other.”
“At her birthday party, she said to me, ‘I never want you out of my life,'” the guitarist continued.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
