Claude Nobs the CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival allowed me to curate a festival within Montreux Jazz

I'm rarely at a loss for words but ever since hearing my good friend Claude Nobs has passed away, I've been stunned. He was one of the world's greatest music impresarios. Last year he allowed me to curate a festival within his own Legendary Montreux Jazz Festival and it was one of the greatest nights of my life.

I've known Claude since 1978, a year after CHIC was signed to Atlantic Records. He was our first European tour manager. One thing I can say is the world is truly a better place because he was once among us. His presence will be missed.

The best way musicians celebrate the passing of one of our own is to dedicate music to them. At the upcoming We Are Family Foundation gala, we'll say goodbye to him in our way. He was a huge supporter of the charity and things won't be the same without him.

I can't count the times I've performed for Claude. He respected my taste in dance music and we were planning another big night for me at Montreux this year. Just a few weeks ago I had dinner with him and a group of music icons. I've spoken to all of them since that amazing night which we've now deemed The Last Supper.