Late Bernard Edwards Plays on “New” Chic Single Born from Analog Tapes

Although Chic bassist Bernard Edwards died in 1996, new music featuring his bass prowess is available again on the Chic song, “I’ll Be There.”

The 12-inch vinyl single from Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers (Edwards’ Chic bandmate) and The Martinez Brothers is based on an old “lost” analog practice take of for a Chic song called “Love Somebody Today,” according to a late 2014 blog post by Rodgers.

“These recently-found lost tapes give me the opportunity to play with my bandmates, who’ve passed away, again. I completed the track and wrote a new song. It will be the lead single from the next CHIC album,” he writes.
The song’s name refers to the words Rodgers said he spoke upon finding Edwards’ body: ”Now, I can be there for you in death, the way you were There For Me in Life.”

Watch Rodgers explain more about the song. It’s pretty poignant.

The “I’ll Be There” is out now as a vinyl single and digital download.

“I’ll Be There” Vinyl Single Track List:

1. I’ll Be There
2. I’ll Be There (Instrumental)
3. Back in the Old School
4. Back in the Old School (Instrumental)