Bassist/songwriter Bernard Edwards, 43, a founding member

of the disco group Chic died in a Japanese hotel room this past Thursday (April

18). Edwards was in Japan with his longtime partner (and Chic-co-founder) Nile

Rodgers. Both were in Japan participating in a "Tokyo Super Producers Concert,"

part of which included participating in a retrospective of the music

produced by

one-time funk star Rick "Super Freak" James. Edwards performed Wednesday

night, but had felt ill and afterwards, returned to his room. His body was

discovered in the morning by Rodgers. Edwards and Nile Rodgers formed Chic in

the '70s and co-wrote and co-produced hits like "Le Freak," "Dance, Dance,

Dance" and "Good Times." Their success brought them plenty of production work.

Soon they were in the studio with the likes of Diana Ross ("Upside Down") and

Sister Sledge ("We Are Family"). Madonna's early sound--check out her debut

album--was heavily influenced by Chic, and Nile Rodgers produced Like A

Virgin. According to Reuters, Edwards had recently finished playing

on and producing a new Powerstation album with Robert Palmer, Chic bandmate

Tony Thompson and Duran Duran member Andy Taylor.