There have been many classic American R&B as well as disco bands. They have always been an inspiration to young musicians and artists. Among these popular bands, Chic will always top the list as the favourite band of many. No wonder the band became famous because of Luci Martin. The band was created in 1976 by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. And Luci became part of the band during its successful years.
Luci Martin: Her early days
Chic lead vocalist Luci Martin was born on January 9, 1955, in the Bronx. But she spent her early days in Queens, New York. Luci’s descent is Puerto Rican, whereas she belongs to the Hispanic ethnicity.
Luci Martin: Her Career
Luci Martin career started when she was encouraged by a friend. She insisted Luci give an audition. This audition was for the touring company of the Broadway play. Luci always wanted to be a singer, and singing was the major part of this gig. This is how she started singing professionally. Also, while doing this gig, Luci even started dancing and, with time, participated in different local bands, theatre shows, etc.
Before being the lead vocalist of the Chic band, Luci Martin worked with Norma Jean Wright and her team. This is the popular soul group, ESP. She even toured in Canada and stayed for around 9 months. While experiencing all this, she played an active role in the music production.
While staying and touring in Canada, she got the opportunity to meet the Chic members, Tony Thompson, Nile Rodgers, as well as Bernard Edwards. This is how she got into the group and even met Alfa Anderson, who was her co-vocalist in the band.
She got to sing many songs and lend her voice to different artists like Carly Simon, Diana Ross, etc.
Luci Martin and the Chic Band
The Chic band was started in 1976 by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. However, the band is now known by the name Nile Rodgers and Chic. The band was able to record famous and highly loved disco songs like Everybody Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Good Times, My Forbidden Lover, and a lot more.
The Chic band launched its debut album with Atlantic Records in 1977. During that time, the two main pillars of the band were sure to produce the studio sound during a live performance with audio as well as visuals. This is how they started looking for the female vocalist in the group.
In 1978, Luci Martin became part of the group, and later the band started to work on its solo album, Norma Jean. This album was released in 1978 and became a huge success. The most famous song on this album was Saturday.
But to uplift Wright’s solo career, Chic started making separate contracts with Martin. This is how her career with the band ended in 1978. But she continued to play some Chic sessions. After this, the band released a line of the Chic albums.
Influence of the band on different musicians and artists
The band inspired different global artists to work on their sound and create great music in the 1980s. For example, the French duo band called Modjo got inspired by the band’s song, Soup for One, and created a global hit called Lady Hear Me Tonight. Also, the bassist of Duran Duran got inspired by the Chic band and created the song Rio.
Luci Martin: The Chic and Awards
Luci Martin, who was the lead vocalist of the band until 1978, sang hits for the group. She even lent her voice to different artists and gave them hits. This is the reason that Luci Martin was able to get various awards for her tremendous work. However, when it comes to Chic awards, it got nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame more than 11 times. In 2005, the group was honoured at the Dance Music Hall of Fame. In 2017, Nile Rodgers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Chic and its discography
- In 1977, Chic
- In 1978, C’est Chic
- In 1979, Risque
- In 1980, Real People
- In 1981, Take It Off
- In 1982, Tongue in Chic
- In 1983, Believer
- In 1992, Chic-ism
- In 2018, It’s About Time
- In 2019, Executive Realness
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