Songwriter Nile Rodgers Fighting Cancer

Nile Rodgers, the producer and songwriter behind Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out" and Madonna's "Like a Virgin," has been battling an aggressive form of cancer since late October.

Rodgers took to his blog and his Twitter page to let fans know he found out October 27 and has decided to undergo surgery for the cancer.

Rodgers did not specify what type of cancer he has.

Rodgers was one of the music industry's most sought-after producers and songwriters in the 1970s and '80s. As a member of the band Chic, he was responsible for such hits as "Everybody Dance," "Good Times," and "Le Freak."

He and bassist Bernard Edwards were then given the choice by Atlantic Records to produce for any act on their roster. The two chose Sister Sledge and penned the hit "We Are Family."

In 1980 they wrote and produced the album Diana for Diana Ross, which included "Upside Down" and what would become a coming-out anthem, "I'm Coming Out." Rodgers has also worked with Cyndi Lauper, Luther Vandross, Madonna, and David Bowie, among others.