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Rodgers was nominated for the Award for Musical Excellence, a prize also given to Ringo Starr in 2015, The E Street Band, 2014 and Leon Russell, who was the first to receive the honor in 2011.
Chic has the longest-selling record in Atlantic history and Rodgers said he doesn't understand why he was chosen and not his band, according to multiple media sites.
"Le Freak" was Chic's number one hit in 1977, 1978 and 1979 and was inducted into the 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame.
Rodgers, 64, is active in the local arts scene, headlining a July fundraiser at the Summer Gala At Westport's Levitt Pavilion. He also played a fundraiser at the library in 2014.
“I moved to Westport in 1979 because of the number of artists and performers that lived here. The Levitt Pavilion continues to be one of the finest little artistic gems right in my backyard,” he said at the time.
Rodgers has produced for David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross, and Sister Sledge and worked with artists like Duran Duran, INXS, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, Steve Winwood, Peter Gabriel, The B-52s, and Michael Jackson. He has sold over 200 million albums and 50 million singles, and has collaborated with Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith.
Other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2017 inductees:
- Joan Baez
- Electric Light Orchestra
- Journey
- Pearl Jam
- Tupac Shakur
- Yes
The 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is Friday, April 7 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Ticket sale dates will be announced in Janurary. The ceremony will premiere on HBO.
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