David Bowie: Why Nile Rodgers Thinks He Would Be Ignored By Labels Today
David Bowie is an undeniable legend and was a one-of-a-kind artist. However, producer Nile Rodgers says Bowie would have a hard time in today’s music industry.
Rodgers, who produced Bowie’s 1983 hit album Let’s Dance, recently spoke before the U.K.’s House of Commons select committee about music streaming and the lack of profits for artists. Per Ultimate Classic Rock, Rodgers explained how Bowie’s label gave him time in the late ’70s and early ’80s to craft a hit song that would break outside of the U.K. Eventually, he and Rodgers wrote the hit song “Let’s Dance.” That track went on to top the charts in 16 countries. Among them were the United States, the U.K., Canada and Sweden.
“They took on this financial responsibility, and they would carry the artists they believed in that at some point in time would finally break,” said Rodgers. “Those days are truly over.”
Another Bowie Producer on Bowie
Another former Bowie producer who still speaks fondly of the late legend is Tony Visconti. Visconti produced a number of Bowie albums, including his “Berlin Trilogy” consisting of 1977’s Low and “Heroes” and 1979’s Lodger.
Back in February, Visconti, like many music figures, tuned into the Grammy Awards. To put it lightly, he wasn’t impressed with what he saw.
In a since-deleted Facebook post that was screenshot by French journalist Steven Bellery, Visconti wrote, “What’s the difference between the Grammys and Las Vegas? Nothing!” He then added in the comment section of the post, “Someone just told me that Harry Styles is the new Bowie? From what I saw tonight, he’s not worthy of shining his shoes.”
Despite Visconti’s opinion, Styles still had an incredible showing at the 2023 Grammy Awards. He took home the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and stunned the masses winning Album of the Year for Harry’s House.
