Nile Rodgers and Kool & The Gang

Formed in Jersey City in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang, led by Robert "Kool" Bell, became R&B icons with hits like "Celebration" and "Jungle Boogie." Their jazz-influenced funk sound earned them numerous Top 40 hits and gold or platinum albums, including Ladies' Night and Emergency. Collaborating with producer Eumir Deodato, they achieved great success in the '80s. They continued to tour and release music, collaborating with younger artists and maintaining a prominent influence in the music world over decades.

Born in New York, Nile Rodgers revolutionized music with Chic's disco hits "Le Freak" and "Good Times," and produced for icons like Bowie, Madonna, and Daft Punk. His "chucking" guitar style and countless hits earned him a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Rodgers co-founded the We Are Family Foundation, performed at global festivals, and battled cancer while continuing to release music and collaborate widely.