Chic

About Chic

The popular 1970's band CHIC put a live funk twist on the disco beats burning up dance floors at the time. They were notable for their tight live band tracks, a noticeable contrast to the synthesizers and drum machines employed by most disco hit makers. Initially, their reputation as a live band worked against them-when trying to secure a record contract in New York in the mid-70's, they were perceived as a straight up rock band. Discrimination at the time held that "blacks can't play rock music." In 1977, they met up with former Patti LaBelle drummer Tony Thompson, who brought his classic disco rhythms to the CHIC party. Finally they hooked up with dance floor diva Norma Jean Wright and the band was complete. Wright's strong vocals could cut through any noise, allowing the band to reach frantic volume levels. CHIC released their debut album, the self-titled CHIC, in 1977 at the peak of disco's popularity. Party singles like "Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah)" and "Everybody Dance" were popular enough to warrant a tour, for which they enlisted the aid of backup singer Luci Martin. CHIC released their classic C'est CHIC in 1978. Their massive groove single "Le Freak" was an instant smash that still gets dance floors and wedding receptions jumping. CHIC released one more album, Risque, featuring the single "Good Times." It was a hit in its' own right, but also formed the main sample for Sugarhill Gang's breakthrough single "Rappers Delight." The members of CHIC all went on to produce disco hits for artists like Blondie's Debbie Harry, Diana Ross and Sister Sledge.