Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician AKA the "Queen of Funk." She first gained fame as the lead singer of the funk band Rufus and later achieved success as a solo artist. Her powerful voice and ability to blend soul, funk, R&B, and pop have made her an influential figure in music. Over her career, Khan has won multiple Grammy Awards and has inspired generations of artists with her dynamic performances and timeless hits.
Chaka Khan Career Highlights
1973 Joins the band Rufus as lead vocalist, and the group releases their debut album, Rufus, establishing them in the funk and R&B scenes.
1974 Rufus releases Rags to Rufus, featuring the hit "Tell Me Something Good," written by Stevie Wonder. The song becomes a major hit and earns them a Grammy Award.
1978 Begins her solo career with the release of Chaka, featuring the hit single "I'm Every Woman," which becomes an anthem of female empowerment.
1984 Releases the album I Feel for You, featuring the title track written by Prince. The song becomes a global hit and wins a Grammy Award, solidifying her solo success.
1992 Releases the album The Woman I Am, which includes the single "Love You All My Lifetime." The album wins her another Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
2004 Releases the album ClassiKhan, showcasing her versatility by covering jazz standards and displaying her vocal range.
2007 Funk This is released, winning two Grammy Awards and bringing her back to her funk and R&B roots with hits like "Disrespectful" featuring Mary J. Blige.
2019 Releases Hello Happiness, exploring contemporary sounds and electronic influences, while still paying homage to her funk and soul roots.
Chaka Khan Band - Collaborations
Rufus Lead singer of the band in the 1970s, known for hits like "Ain't Nobody" and "Sweet Thing."
Collaborated with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Mary J. Blige, and Quincy Jones, crossing over into various genres.
Known for working with producers like Arif Mardin, who helped shape her sound during her early solo career.
Chaka Khan Grammy Awards
1975 Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Tell Me Something Good" (with Rufus)
1985 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for "I Feel for You"
1993 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for The Woman I Am
2008 Best R&B Album for Funk This
2008 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for "Disrespectful" (with Mary J. Blige)
3 Most Famous Chaka Khan Songs
- I'm Every Woman
- Ain't Nobody (with Rufus)
- I Feel for You
Chaka Khan Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
1976 Leaves Rufus briefly to focus on her solo career, leading to tension within the band, but returns to record more albums before eventually going solo permanently.
1984 "I Feel for You" becomes one of the first songs to feature a rap verse, performed by Melle Mel, helping to bridge the gap between R&B and hip-hop.
2016 Enters a rehabilitation program, citing struggles with prescription drug addiction, and speaks openly about her challenges, raising awareness about addiction issues.
Chaka Khan ratings
