Watch Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers

Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers, released in 2019, is an engaging and charismatic ode to the great musician, producer, and songwriter Nile Rodgers. Directed by Charlie Lightening, the documentary takes us on a journey into the life and works of one of the most influential figures in popular music of the last 40 years. The film features candid interviews with Nile Rodgers himself, as well as with a range of music industry professionals, and showcases some of his most famous songs, recorded during three one-off performances in studios around the world.

The documentary, which is presented by Sky Arts, opens with Nile Rodgers performing at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. He stands with his guitar, wearing a burgundy suit, and greets the audience with his signature grin, before launching into one of his most recognizable tunes, "Le Freak." From here on out, the documentary is a rollercoaster ride of high energy performances, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt messages from fans and industry professionals alike.

The film is divided into several segments, each of which explores different aspects of Nile Rodgers' life and career. One of the most compelling segments takes us to the Hit Factory studio in New York, where Rodgers teamed up with some of the biggest names in the industry to produce a string of hit records in the 80s. The film takes us inside the recording studio, where Nile Rodgers and his collaborators reminisce about the creative process that went into making some of their most iconic songs, like "Material Girl" by Madonna, and "Let's Dance" by David Bowie.

One of the highlights of Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is undoubtedly the live performances. Throughout the documentary, we get to see Nile Rodgers playing his greatest hits with some of the best musicians in the business. In a studio in Los Angeles, he is joined by the Australian singer-songwriter Grace, who performs a soulful rendition of "Good Times." Later, back in Abbey Road Studios, we see him playing the intro to "We Are Family" with a group of young singers, who are grinning from ear to ear as they share the stage with one of their musical idols.

Throughout the film, Nile Rodgers is depicted as a tireless and dedicated musician, who has never lost his love for music despite facing some of life's biggest challenges. One poignant moment comes when he speaks openly about his battle with cancer, and the way that music helped him through the dark times. He reflects that "music is the only thing that can lift you up when you're feeling down," and it's clear that this sentiment has driven his lifelong passion for creating music that moves people.

The documentary is rounded off with a rousing performance of "Good Times" featuring Nile Rodgers and a host of young musicians. The scene is a testament to the power of music to bridge the generation gap, and the way that Nile Rodgers' influence has continued to inspire new generations of musicians.

Overall, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is a truly captivating tribute to a musical icon. The film is full of energy, wit, and charm, and it's clear that the affection and admiration that Nile Rodgers inspires in the music industry is fully deserved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual listener, this documentary is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.