Chaka Khan: A look at her incredible career
She's every woman!
Known as the Queen of Funk, singer songwriter Chaka Khan is a musical powerhouse with a career spanning over five decades.
She enjoyed success with her first band Rufus before embarking on an incredible solo career, rising to stardom with hits including 'I Feel For You' and 'I'm Every Woman'. To celebrate Chaka's incredible career, we've taken a look at her amazing success so far.
Take a look at Chaka Khan's incredible career so far:
1960s: Career beginnings
Yvette Marie Stevens, who later became Chaka Khan, was born on 23rd March 1953 in Chicago, Illinois.
She came from a musical family - her sister Yvonne became a successful musician under the name Taka Boom, whilst her brother Mark formed funk group Jamaica Boys.
At just 11-years-old, Chaka formed her very first group called The Crystalettes alongside her sister Yvonne. They went on to become involved in the Afro-Arts Theatre before starting their own group called Shades of Black.
1967-1970: Civil rights and Lyfe
In the late 1960s, Chaka Khan attended several civil rights rallies and joined the Black Panther Party after becoming friends with fellow member and activist Fred Hampton in 1967. It was at this time she took on her new name, Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi.
In 1969, Chaka let the Black Panthers and dropped out of high school.
1973: Early days of Rufus
Whilst performing with local bands around the Chicago area, Chaka Khan was spotted by two members of a funk group called Rufus and became the group's lead vocalist.
In 1973, the band signed a record deal and released their self-titled debut album. A year later, Rufus collaborated with soul legend Stevie Wonder on their track 'Tell Me Something Good' from their follow-up album 'Rags to Rufus'. The single became their breakthrough hit and later earned the group their first Grammy Award.
1974-1979: Rufus albums and solo contract
Chaka Khan was undoubtedly a talented performer and her powerful vocals wowed audiences everywhere.
Rufus enjoyed great success with albums including 'Rufus featuring Chaka Khan', 'Ask Rufus' and 'Street Player'. They had hits with 'Tell Me Something Good', 'Sweet Thing', 'Do You Love What You Feel' and 'Ain't Nobody'.
1978: Going solo
Whilst she recorded with Rufus until the early 1980s, Chaka Khan debuted as a solo artist in 1978 after signing a deal with Warner Bros Records. Her first album 'Chaka' featured the hit single and what became Chaka's signature song, 'I'm Every Woman'.
The track was later covered by Whitney Houston in 1992 featuring on The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Chaka's follow up album 'Naughty' released in 1980 offered popular singles 'Clouds' and 'Papillon (aka Hot Butterfly)'. In 1983, she won two Grammy Awards as a solo artist as well as one with Rufus.
1984: 'I Feel For You'
In 1984, Chaka Khan released album 'I Feel For You', the title track being a cover of a song initially recorded by Prince in 1979. 'I Feel For You' became a smash hit, topping the charts in the US and the UK.
The infectious track incorporates elements of different genres including rap, R&B and electronic dance music. 'I Feel For You' earned Chaka Khan her seventh Grammy Award.
1990s: More hits and film soundtracks
During the 1990s, Chaka Khan continued to have success with hits like 'What Cha' Gonna Do for Me', 'It's My Party', 'Love You All My Lifetime' and 'You Can Make the Story Right'.
She took home another Grammy for her collaboration with legendary musician Ray Charles on 'I'll Be Good To You'. She also contributed to a number of film soundtracks including Clockers and Waiting To Exhale, which featured Whitney Houston.
2000s: Autobiography, Broadway and Grammy Award
Chaka bagged her eighth Grammy Award in 2002 for her cover of Marvin Gaye classic 'What's Going On' with the Funk Brothers.
In 2003, she released her autobiography called Chaka! Through the Fire. She shared her life story with her fans, detailing her incredible career alongside her personal life, which included years of substance abuse.
In 2008, she made her Broadway debut, appearing as Sofia in the musical The Colour Purple.
TV show appearances
In 2015, Chaka appeared on the 21st series of Dancing with the Stars, although she was the first to be eliminated.
In 2020, Chaka competed in the third series of The Masked Singer as Miss Monster and was unmasked in the third episode.
2016-2023: New music
Chaka returned to music in 2016 with her single 'I Love Myself', raising money for a domestic abuse charity. She released her album 'Hello Happiness' in 2019. In 2022, Chaka released the single 'Woman Like Me'. Then, in 2023, Chaka lent her vocals to Bombay Bicycle Club's sixth album, featuring on the track 'Tekken 2'.
2023: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In November 2023, Chaka was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Brooklyn, New York. Bringing Rufus guitarist Tony Maiden on stage at the ceremony, Chaka stated that he had played a key role in her success. She said: "I used to be called Rufus. I brought Rufus with me tonight. Without (Tony) and the band Rufus, I would not be where I am today, and that's a fact. We've been through a whole lot of good and crazy stuff together.
"He is a great musician, writer and guitar player, and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Tony Maiden. Thank you so much."
2023: Workshop for upcoming Chaka Khan musical
An industry workshop presentation for the upcoming musical, I'm Every Woman - A Chaka Khan Story took place in November 2023. The musical is set to premiere in Autumn 2024, with dates yet to be announced.
2024: Marking 50 years in music
Chaka is set to mark an incredible 50 years in the music industry by performing a concert at Blenheim Palace, as part of the Nocturne Live concert series. She will perform on 13th June alongside Sister Sledge and The Fatback Band.
2024: Love Supreme Festival
Chaka has also been announced as a headliner for the 2024 Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex. She was the first artist to be announced for the festival, having previously performed at the event back in 2015. The festival takes place in July 2024, with Chaka performing on the main stage on Sunday night.
Read more:
''Queen of Funk' Chaka Khan’s biggest hits through the years
Everything you need to know about Chaka Khan
Whitney Houston: From pop icon to movie star