Nile Rodgers elected Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman

FILE – In a Jan. 20, 2018 file photo, Nile Rodgers poses for a portrait to promote the film “Studio 54” at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Board members on Monday, July 2, 2018 unanimously elected Rodgers chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The 65-year-old guitarist will serve a three-year term, succeeding co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Image: Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP, File

NEW YORK — Musician, producer and composer Nile Rodgers has a new role as chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Board members on Monday unanimously elected the 65-year-old guitarist.

Rodgers will serve a three-year term, succeeding co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, known as Gamble & Huff. In a statement, Rodgers says he will try to serve “with all my heart.”

Hall of Fame president Linda Moran says Rodgers’ eloquence in talking about songwriting and its process makes him the ideal voice for the songwriting community.

The hall says it celebrates songwriters and educates the public about their achievements.

Rodgers co-founded the band Chic, known for such songs as “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” He has worked as a producer or performer with Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna and Sam Smith. MKH

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