As a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, Nile Rodgers has worked with a host of iconic artists ranging from David Bowie and Madonna to Beyoncé and Daft Punk. He’s written, produced and performed on records that have cumulatively sold more than 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide.
Chicago radio legend and Elmhurst University alumna Terri Hemmert just celebrated 50 years as a deejay at WXRT and is one of the country’s foremost experts on the Beatles. She has devoted her career to sharing her love of music, not only as a deejay but also as a teacher and popular speaker.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, Rodgers and Hemmert will present this year’s Roland Quest Lecture, “The Beat Goes On: Creative Collaborations That Last,” a lively conversation about creativity, innovation and music for the ages. Public lectures and other diverse cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community engagement and lifelong learning, and prepare our students to thrive as adaptive leaders.
In 2023, Rodgers became the first musician to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for his legacy in the same year he was awarded a Grammy for his new work with Beyoncé on the smash hit “Cuff It.” He is the first and only producer in residence at Apple Music, and helms the award-winning Apple Music 1’s “Deep Hidden Meaning” radio show celebrating the work of great songwriters.
Hemmert began her career at 93XRT in 1973 as overnight announcer and public affairs director, rising to become Chicago’s first female morning drive personality in 1981. In 2002 she became host of the popular Sunday morning program “Breakfast with The Beatles.” Hemmert teaches classes on the history of rock, soul, rap and other music topics, and hosts “The Classic Encounter Series” with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, Elmhurst University awarded Hemmert an honorary doctorate for her distinguished career and contributions.
“The Beat Goes On: Creative Collaborations That Last” begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, elmhurst.edu/campusmap). Admission is $15 for the general public and free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available by visiting elmhurst.edu/cultural. For more information, email [email protected].
