Chic

Brainchild of guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards, Chic was one of the most successful groups of the disco era, both financially and creatively. Employing sparse, syncopated rhythm tracks as the basis for a slickly produced, yet highly recognisable sound, Chic avoided typical disco blandness, appealing to a wide variety of listeners. After Chic's demise, Edwards and Rodgers became successful producers and Chic's influence continued to be heard in the music of everyone from David Bowie to Duran Duran.

• r&b/soul