Chic, the funk band that defined the late disco era with two No. 1 smashes, “Le Freak” (1978) and “Good Times” (1979), has a dubious distinction when it comes to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: With 11 failed nods, Chic is, by far, the most-nominated group to not make it in.
Yet this year — when the inductees include Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur and Journey — the hall gave something of a consolation prize to Nile Rodgers, the guitarist, producer and songwriter who founded Chic with Bernard Edwards, and who went on to produce major hits through the 1980s with David Bowie and Madonna (and more recently with Daft Punk). Mr. Rodgers was given the award for musical excellence, a vaguely defined prize that in the past has gone to Ringo Starr and the producer Glyn Johns.
Speaking shortly after the inductions were announced on Tuesday, Mr. Rodgers was appreciative but, in his words, perplexed about receiving the honor even as his band was shut out once again. “I’m not bitter,” he said. “I’m scratching my head.”
For excerpts from the conversation, please visit TheNewYorkTimes.com/Arts/Music.
