Chaka Khan is the latest woman to be inducted into the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. She is a global music star that has served as an inspiration for generations of singers, songwriters, recording artists, storytellers, and musicians.
Aside from being a singer, she is a distinguished songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actress, humanitarian, activist, and mother.
While her birth certificate may say Yvette Marie Stevens, in many ways, Chaka Khan is one of a kind.
She is a trendsetter, a fighter, and a survivor. She redefined pop, soul, jazz, and funk, and has helped mold the contemporary music landscape into what it is today.
Although Chaka has affectionately been referred to as the “Queen of Funk” and is also known as the “Empress of Funk, Rock, and Soul,” she prefers to ditch the genre-limiting monikers. After all, she has the rare ability to sing in eight different music genres, these include R&B/soul, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music, dance, and classical music.
Chaka has developed a vast and loyal international fan base, and she has performed on six continents.
Humble beginnings
She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and she was the eldest of four siblings. In her teenage years, Chaka and her sister, Bonnie, formed a vocal group, The Crystalettes, with two school friends.
Chaka subsequently sang with several local bands before she became the lead singer for the band Ask Rufus, which would become Rufus, a group that would churn out hit after hit.
She learned to trust her heart and instincts and follow her dreams from an early age. She caught the attention of Stevie Wonder, who wrote Rufus’ debut single “Tell Me Something Good.”
This song earned Chaka and Rufus their first Grammy Award in the “Best R&B Vocal Performance by A Duo, Group or Chorus” category; moreover, it became a Top 5 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and the Billboard R&B Songs charts.
Rufus entertained audiences with sold-out concerts, and their smash hits include the ubiquitous “Ain’t Nobody,” “Once You Get Started,” “Sweet Thing,” “Do You Love What You Feel,” and “You Got the Love,” which was co-penned by Chaka and Ray Parker Jr.
A Landmark Year
2023 is a landmark year for Chaka. She celebrates her 50th anniversary in the music business, as well as her 70th birthday.
In early May of 2023, Chaka was announced as the latest inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where she will be bestowed the “Musical Excellence Award” at the upcoming ceremony on Friday, November 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The prestigious “Musical Excellence Award” recognizes artists, musicians, songwriters, and producers whose originality and influence in creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.
“The Musical Excellence Award means a lot to me,” she said. “This meant even more to me than getting in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially just to have the words ‘musical excellence’ attached to my name.”
Earlier this spring, on March 29, 2023, Chaka made a special appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as part of “Women’s History Month,” where she celebrated her golden anniversary in the music industry and her 70th birthday. Five of her outfits from her music career are displayed in the “Legends of Rock” exhibit.
For over five decades, Chaka has remained relevant as one of the mightiest and most influential voices in modern music. Her artistic work has stood the test of time, and it continues to inspire fellow recording artists, musicians, and fans alike.
Chaka possesses a voice of seductive fire and sweet smoke. At the age of 18, she came to prominence with the innovative multiracial funk and rock group Rufus. Back in the 1970s, Chaka was the group’s secret weapon, and she was both fearless and feminine.
Rufus is credited for being “funky, sexy and soul,” and they subsequently “made an indelible mark on a generation of music.”
‘I’m Every Woman’ and other solo hits
“I’m Every Woman” was her debut single from her solo album “Chaka,” which she released in 1978. It was Khan’s first hit outside of her recordings with the group Rufus. Her signature song “I’m Every Woman” is more than just a hit single and Grammy-nominated tune, it’s a lifestyle filled with positivity.
As a solo recording artist, her other hits include “Clouds,” “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me,” “Through the Fire” and “I Feel For You,” all of which have become pop, R&B/soul, and adult contemporary classics in their own right.
Speaking of “I Feel For You,” which was written by Prince, it was her rendition that catapulted her to the stratosphere. It was one of the most popular songs of the ‘80s, and it made history by becoming the first R&B tune to feature a rap vocal (performed by Grandmaster Melle Mel).
She also lent her powerhouse vocals on two of the biggest Grammy-winning songs of 1986: Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” and Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.”
Chaka: The frequent collaborator
Aside from being one of the world’s most distinctive artists, she is known as a perennial musical explorer and song stylist. She has collaborated with such diverse artists as Prince, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, and Ariana Grande to George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Miles Davis.
Her collaborative spirit has birthed so many musical gems. One that has become a musical trivia topic is that in 1999 Chaka’s voice became the voice for the theme song of the children’s television show “Reading Rainbow.”
Chaka has also collaborated on countless film soundtracks over the years including “Love Me Still” from Spike Lee’s film, Clockers, “My Funny Valentine” on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, “Missing You,” from the Set It Off soundtrack, and her Grammy Award-winning performance of the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Goin’ On,” from the documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
Chaka: The stage and theater performer
In 1995, Chaka made her theater debut on London’s iconic West End, where she starred in “Mama I Want to Sing.”
Seven years later, in 2002, she headlined “Signed, Sealed Delivered,” the musical based on the music and lyrics of Stevie Wonder. Then, in 2008, she made her way to Broadway, where she stepped into the leading role of Sophia in Oprah Winfrey’s Tony-nominated musical “The Color Purple.”
10-time Grammy Winner
With music and streaming sales in excess of 100 million units, Chaka’s mantel holds 10 Grammy Awards (and she has been nominated 22 times, three of which were as a band member of Rufus), and she is consistently listed as a musical influence for generations of young artists, especially women.
“It is lovely to be recognized by your peers, where they think you are doing a good enough job that you deserve a Grammy. It would be nice, however, if that would affect my pay grade,” Chaka said with a sweet laugh.
Influences
One of her biggest musical influences, the late but great Aretha Franklin proclaimed Chaka as a “premier vocalist.” Another one of her greatest musical inspirations, Miles Davis, paid her what she considers to be a huge compliment when he acknowledged that “she sings like my horn.”
Chaka was also inspired by the legendary Sarah Vaughan, as well as folk rock star Joni Mitchell and R&B/soul pioneer Stevie Wonder.
Modern artists such as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Lizzo, and Sam Smith have all cited Chaka as a musical influence.
An eclectic discography
In her respected and prolific career, Chaka has released 22 studio albums, 10 of which were certified gold and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 10 of her singles have catapulted to the top spot on the Billboard charts.
Her recorded music has produced well over 2,000 catalog song placements.
Her latest single “Woman Like Me” was released in July of 2022, and it raises awareness of self-respect for all women and encourages them to live in their own truths.
“Life inspires my music. Love, breakups, and almost everything in life,” she said about her music and songwriting inspirations.
The entrepreneur
Aside from being an entertainer, she is also an entrepreneur. She is known for “Chakalates,” her gourmet chocolates, which she launched in 2004. She launches her new fragrance, Chaka by Chaka Khan for the holidays 2023.
The Chaka Khan Foundation
In 1999, she founded the Chaka Khan Foundation, whose mission is to educate, inspire, and empower women and children to reach their full potential.
It featured a variety of educational programs and initiatives to help women and children at risk, especially children with difficult backgrounds and autism.
She is now relaunching her foundation and focusing initiatives on mental health and wellbeing.
With this foundation, she is able to make a huge difference and help people, especially children, on a higher scale. She is a firm believer that “the arts, music, and mental health are all very important, especially for our youth.”
In return, Chaka feels that “giving is better than receiving,” so she is happiest when she is doing something for somebody else.
Chaka: The bestselling author
Chaka’s life story and her music career were profiled in her autobiography “Through the Fire,” which was published in 2003 via Rodale Books.
Her memoir “Through the Fire” is a candid account of the trials and tribulations she went through in her life and music career. She is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable and opens up about her substance abuse, where she offers optimism and encouragement to her fans and readers. She refers to “walking through life” as a metaphor for “walking through the fire” accordingly.
Dr. Chaka Khan: Honorary Doctorate Recipient
In December 2004, Chaka was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music from the Berklee College of Music in Boston for her services and accomplishments in contemporary music and for her philanthropy.
“A lot of kids get sidetracked and feel like they should put on some booty shorts, and do the song, and that’s sad. That’s one of the things that bothers me and makes me sad about this business. I always also remind kids to go to college because they are always hiring at the post office, and somebody has to work the computers,” she told young and aspiring artists.
Chaka’s Awards and Accolades
Chaka has been the recipient of countless well-deserved accolades and awards. These include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, the Soul Train Legend Award, the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and Triumph Award, the World Music Lifetime Achievement Award, the United Negro College Fund’s “An Evening of Stars” Tribute, and a Grammy Honors Award from the NARAS Chicago Chapter.
Her Chicago hometown also honored her with “Chaka Khan Way,” a street in her name, and Sunday, July 28, 2013, was officially declared “Chaka Khan Day.”
Personal life
Chaka has lived for a time in both London and Germany, as well as New York. She now resides in California. She is the mother of two children, daughter Indira Milini and son Damien Holland. A grandmother of four, Raeven, Daija, Josh, and Jett; and two great-grandchildren, MacKenzie and Caiiya.
Chaka is a true Renaissance woman who can use her music and her book as a vessel to help spread her radio energy and indomitable spirit with the rest of the globe.
“Thank you for hanging in there with me for all these years. I hope I brought somebody some joy, some truth, and some love,” she told her dedicated fans.
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CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: ABC Singles: “Slip ‘n Slide” / “Whoever’s Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)” / “Feel Good” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s first 1973 studio recording as the Rufus frontwoman replacing singer Paulette McWilliams.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: ABC Singles: “Tell Me Something Good” / “You Got The Love” History/Trivia Facts: CK won her first of 10 Grammys in 1975 for “Tell Me Something Good”, written by Stevie Wonder.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. She also sings co-lead vocals on the song ‘Stop On By’ with Tony Maiden
Record Label: ABC Singles: “Once You Get Started” / “Stop On By” / “Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me Of A Friend Of Mine” History/Trivia Facts: CK co-wrote the instrumental track “Somebody’s Watching You”.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: ABC Singles: “Sweet Thing” / “Dance Wit Me” / “Jive Talkin” History/Trivia Facts: A 1975 fold-out wall-size photo poster for fans was included inside the ‘Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan’ vinyl album jacket.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: ABC Singles: “At Midnight (My Love With Lift You Up)” / “Hollywood” / “Everlasting Love” History/Trivia Facts: The platinum-selling album was #1 on the Billboard R&B chart for three consecutive weeks, peaking at #14 on the Pop chart. A second wall-size fold-out photo poster of the group for fans was included inside the vinyl album’s gatefold cover.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. She also sings co-backing vocals on the song ‘Street Player’
Record Label: ABC Singles: “Stay” / “Blue Love” History/Trivia Facts: This version of “Street Player” (co-written by Rufus member David ‘Hawk’ Wolinski) was recorded and released a year earlier than the 1979 song by Chicago featuring Peter Cetera. Dance music samples are also heard in popular club remixes by The Buckheads (1995), Pit Bull (2009), and Tradelove (2013).
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “I’m Every Woman” / “Life Is A Dance” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s Grammy-nominated signature tune “I’m Every Woman” appeared first on this album which was her solo debut recording. It has been re-released, remixed and covered numerous times over the past three decades, most notably by Whitney Houston for the ‘The Bodyguard’ movie soundtrack.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. Tony Maiden sings lead vocals on ‘Dancing For Your Love’ (CK sings backing vocals)
Record Label: MCA Singles: “Do You Love What You Feel” / “Any Love” / “I’m Dancing For Your Love” History/Trivia Facts: This was a platinum-selling LP and the fourth #1 R&B chart-topping album for Rufus & Chaka, peaking at #14 on the Pop chart.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Clouds” / “Papillion (aka Hot Butterfly)” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s daughter Indira Khan (Milini) posed for the back cover of her 1980 ‘Naughty’ album at age 12.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me” (B-Side “Lover’s Touch”) / “We Can Work It Out” / “I Know You I Live You” / “Any Old Sunday” History/Trivia Facts: CK wrote unprecedented lyrics for this cover version and performed them with guest jazz trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie. The new composition features a ‘sample’ of the original 1943 Charlie Parker four-bar alto break.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: MCA Producer(s): Rufus Singles: “Sharing The Love ” / “Better Together” History/Trivia Facts: This was the last in-studio recording between Rufus and Chaka Khan.
CK sings lead jazz vocals.
Record Label: Elecktra-Musician History/Trivia Facts: CK received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Jazz Performance.
Records Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Tearin It Up” / “Best In The West” History/Trivia Facts: CK won two Grammys for the songs “Got To Be There” (Best R&B Performance) and ‘Be Bop Medley’ (Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices).
CK sings live lead vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Ain’t Nobody” / “One Million Kisses” History/Trivia Facts: Chaka and Rufus won a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best R&B Performance By Duo Or Group With Vocal. It was their last album together.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “I Feel For You” / “This Is My Night” / “Through The Fire” / “Eye To Eye” History/Trivia Facts: CK won the Female Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy Award for this infectious post-disco, high-tech funk, soul, and rap cover song originally written and recorded by Prince. Her groundbreaking music video with hip-hop dancers helped propel the album to platinum status (over a million copies sold).
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “The Other Side Of The World” / “Love Of A Lifetime” / “Love Of A Lifetime 12″ Remix” / “Tight Fit” / “Earth To Mickey” History/Trivia Facts: This was an album more geared towards rock and pop than previous Chaka Khan solo recordings. It included Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “It’s My Party” / “Baby Me” (B-Side “Everybody Needs Some Love” / “Soul Talkin” History/Trivia Facts: CK arranged all her vocals on this album. She also revealed her illustration talent showcasing an original drawing on the inside vinyl cover sleeve entitled, ‘It’s My Party’.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Ain’t Nobody (7″ Remix Edit)” / “I’m Every Woman (7″ Remix)” / “I Feel For You (7″ Remix)” History/Trivia Facts: This album reached #14 on the UK Album Chart, making it the best-selling Chaka Khan album in Great Britain since “I Feel For You”. All four single releases went to the top spot of the American Dance Play Chart.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Love You All My Lifetime” / “You Can Make The Story Right” / “Give Me All – The Woman I Am” / “I Want” / “Don’t Look At Me That Way History/Trivia Facts: CK won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female in 1993. This album marked her debut as executive producer in charge of production.
Performs the role of Sister Carrie in Mama I Want To Sing on the West End in London
From the “Mama, I Want To Sing” soundtrack and stageplay. I starred in the London production of this play in 1995 and won the Capitol Radio Listeners award (British equivalent of a Tony award) for my role as Sister Carrie.
Record Label: Warner Bros, Reprise Records (re-releases) Re-Releases: September 14, 1999 (re-release), March 15, 2005 (re-release) Singles: “Never Miss The Water” History/Trivia Facts: This 16-song compilation CD included six tracks that were originally recorded for “Dare You To Love Me”, an unreleased CK album that Warner Bros Records previously chose to shelve: “Never Miss The Water”, “Everywhere”, “Something Deep”, “Every Little Thing”, “Your Love Is All I Know” and “It Ain’t Easy Lovin’ Me” (a bonus track only on the Japanese edition).
Record Label: NPG Records Singles: “Spoon”/ “Don’t Talk To Strangers” History/Trivia Facts: This CD marked the first time that CK co-produced, composed or co-wrote the majority of the songs on one of her albums.
CK sings lead vocals on a combination of swing standards, Broadway show tunes, film favorites, pop culture, country western, and jazz.
Record Labels: Sanctuary Urban (U.K.), Earth Song-AgU MusicGroup (U.S.), JVC Victor (Japan) History/Trivia Facts: Recorded at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, the album features guest appearances by Joe Sample and Sheila E.
Song/Album: Everyday (Family Reunion) (Track) Performers: Chaka. Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
CK sings lead vocals on all 13 tracks which feature duets with Mary J. Blige and Michael McDonald. Her former Rufus bandmate Tony Maiden was also a guest artist on guitar.
Record Label: Burgundy Singles: “Disrespectful”, “Angel”, “You Belong To Me”, “One For All Time” History/Trivia Facts: CK won two Grammy Awards for this project which included four bonus tracks available exclusively on Circuit City/Napster, iTunes, and Walmart: “Let Go”, “Angel” (Mr. Mig Radio Remix”, “Once You Get Started” (featuring Tony Maiden) and “Shining Star”.
Record Label: Diary Island Singles: “Like Sugar”, “Hello Happiness” History/Trivia Facts: “Like Sugar” was used in television advertisements for U.S. retailer chains including Target.
CK performs her favorite career songs including a tribute to Aretha Franklin in a live concert taped for PBS public television fundraising.
Record Label: BMG Rights Mgmt History/Trivia Facts: This performance was recorded live at the Harris Theatre in Chicago.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: ABC Singles: “Slip ‘n Slide” / “Whoever’s Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)” / “Feel Good” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s first 1973 studio recording as the Rufus frontwoman replacing singer Paulette McWilliams.
Song/Album: Tell Me Something Good (Track) Performers: Rufus Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: ABC Singles: “Tell Me Something Good” / “You Got The Love” History/Trivia Facts: CK won her first of 10 Grammys in 1975 for “Tell Me Something Good”, written by Stevie Wonder.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. She also sings co-lead vocals on the song ‘Stop On By’ with Tony Maiden Record Label: ABC Singles: “Once You Get Started” / “Stop On By” / “Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me Of A Friend Of Mine” History/Trivia Facts: CK co-wrote the instrumental track “Somebody’s Watching You”.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: ABC Singles: “Sweet Thing” / “Dance Wit Me” / “Jive Talkin” History/Trivia Facts: A 1975 fold-out wall-size photo poster for fans was included inside the ‘Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan’ vinyl album jacket.
Song/Album: Ask Rufus (Album) Performers: Rufus Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: ABC Singles: “At Midnight (My Love With Lift You Up)” / “Hollywood” / “Everlasting Love” History/Trivia Facts: The platinum-selling album was #1 on the Billboard R&B chart for three consecutive weeks, peaking at #14 on the Pop chart. A second wall-size fold-out photo poster of the group for fans was included inside the vinyl album’s gatefold cover.
Song/Album: I’m Every Woman (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. She also sings co-backing vocals on the song ‘Street Player’ Record Label: ABC Singles: “Stay” / “Blue Love” History/Trivia Facts: This version of “Street Player” (co-written by Rufus member David ‘Hawk’ Wolinski) was recorded and released a year earlier than the 1979 song by Chicago featuring Peter Cetera. Dance music samples are also heard in popular club remixes by The Buckheads (1995), Pit Bull (2009), and Tradelove (2013).
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “I’m Every Woman” / “Life Is A Dance” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s Grammy-nominated signature tune “I’m Every Woman” appeared first on this album which was her solo debut recording. It has been re-released, remixed and covered numerous times over the past three decades, most notably by Whitney Houston for the ‘The Bodyguard’ movie soundtrack.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus. Tony Maiden sings lead vocals on ‘Dancing For Your Love’ (CK sings backing vocals) Record Label: MCA Singles: “Do You Love What You Feel” / “Any Love” / “I’m Dancing For Your Love” History/Trivia Facts: This was a platinum-selling LP and the fourth #1 R&B chart-topping album for Rufus & Chaka, peaking at #14 on the Pop chart.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Clouds” / “Papillion (aka Hot Butterfly)” History/Trivia Facts: CK’s daughter Indira Khan (Milini) posed for the back cover of her 1980 ‘Naughty’ album at age 12.
Song/Album: What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me” (B-Side “Lover’s Touch”) / “We Can Work It Out” / “I Know You I Live You” / “Any Old Sunday” History/Trivia Facts: CK wrote unprecedented lyrics for this cover version and performed them with guest jazz trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie. The new composition features a ‘sample’ of the original 1943 Charlie Parker four-bar alto break.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: MCA Producer(s): Rufus Singles: “Sharing The Love ” / “Better Together” History/Trivia Facts: This was the last in-studio recording between Rufus and Chaka Khan.
Song/Album: Echoes Of An Era (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female
CK sings lead jazz vocals. Record Label: Elecktra-Musician History/Trivia Facts: CK received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Jazz Performance.
Records Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Tearin It Up” / “Best In The West” History/Trivia Facts: CK won two Grammys for the songs “Got To Be There” (Best R&B Performance) and ‘Be Bop Medley’ (Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices).
Song/Album: Be Bop Medley (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Arrangement For Voices
Song/Album: Ain’t Nobody (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan & Rufus Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Song/Album: Chaka Khan (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
CK sings live lead vocals with her band Rufus Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Ain’t Nobody” / “One Million Kisses” History/Trivia Facts: Chaka and Rufus won a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best R&B Performance By Duo Or Group With Vocal. It was their last album together.
Song/Album: I Feel For You (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “I Feel For You” / “This Is My Night” / “Through The Fire” / “Eye To Eye” History/Trivia Facts: CK won the Female Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy Award for this infectious post-disco, high-tech funk, soul, and rap cover song originally written and recorded by Prince. Her groundbreaking music video with hip-hop dancers helped propel the album to platinum status (over a million copies sold).
Song/Album: I Feel For You (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Song/Album: Destiny (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “The Other Side Of The World” / “Love Of A Lifetime” / “Love Of A Lifetime 12″ Remix” / “Tight Fit” / “Earth To Mickey” History/Trivia Facts: This was an album more geared towards rock and pop than previous Chaka Khan solo recordings. It included Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “It’s My Party” / “Baby Me” (B-Side “Everybody Needs Some Love” / “Soul Talkin” History/Trivia Facts: CK arranged all her vocals on this album. She also revealed her illustration talent showcasing an original drawing on the inside vinyl cover sleeve entitled, ‘It’s My Party’.
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Ain’t Nobody (7″ Remix Edit)” / “I’m Every Woman (7″ Remix)” / “I Feel For You (7″ Remix)” History/Trivia Facts: This album reached #14 on the UK Album Chart, making it the best-selling Chaka Khan album in Great Britain since “I Feel For You”. All four single releases went to the top spot of the American Dance Play Chart.
Song/Album: I’ll Be Good To You (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan & Ray Charles Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Song/Album: The Woman I Am (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Record Label: Warner Bros Singles: “Love You All My Lifetime” / “You Can Make The Story Right” / “Give Me All – The Woman I Am” / “I Want” / “Don’t Look At Me That Way History/Trivia Facts: CK won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female in 1993. This album marked her debut as executive producer in charge of production.
Song/Album: Love Me Still (From Clockers) (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan & Bruce Hornsby Category: Best Song Written For Visual Media
Performs the role of Sister Carrie in Mama I Want To Sing on the West End in London From the “Mama, I Want To Sing” soundtrack and stageplay. I starred in the London production of this play in 1995 and won the Capitol Radio Listeners award (British equivalent of a Tony award) for my role as Sister Carrie.
Song/Album: Never Miss The Water (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan & Meshell Ndegeocello Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Song/Album: Stomp (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Ray Charles, and Brandy Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Song/Album: Missing You (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan, Brandy, Gladys Knight & Tamia Category: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
Record Label: Warner Bros, Reprise Records (re-releases) Re-Releases: September 14, 1999 (re-release), March 15, 2005 (re-release) Singles: “Never Miss The Water” History/Trivia Facts: This 16-song compilation CD included six tracks that were originally recorded for “Dare You To Love Me”, an unreleased CK album that Warner Bros Records previously chose to shelve: “Never Miss The Water”, “Everywhere”, “Something Deep”, “Every Little Thing”, “Your Love Is All I Know” and “It Ain’t Easy Lovin’ Me” (a bonus track only on the Japanese edition).
Song/Album: Summertime (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Record Label: NPG Records Singles: “Spoon”/ “Don’t Talk To Strangers” History/Trivia Facts: This CD marked the first time that CK co-produced, composed or co-wrote the majority of the songs on one of her albums.
Launches the Chaka Khan Foundation to assist at-risk women and children
Song/Album: What’s Goin’ On (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
Chaka! Through The Fire was published on Rodale Books
Honorary Doctorate Berklee College of Music
CK sings lead vocals on a combination of swing standards, Broadway show tunes, film favorites, pop culture, country western, and jazz. Record Labels: Sanctuary Urban (U.K.), Earth Song-AgU MusicGroup (U.S.), JVC Victor (Japan) History/Trivia Facts: Recorded at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, the album features guest appearances by Joe Sample and Sheila E.
Launched Chakalates Gourmet Chocolates in 20 Neiman Marcus Stores nationwide
Song/Album: Everyday (Family Reunion) (Track) Performers: Chaka. Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Song/Album: Funk This (Album) Performers: Chaka Khan Category: Best R&B Album
Song/Album: Disrespectful (Track) Performers: Chaka Khan|Mary J. Blige Category: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Performs the role of Sofia in The Color Purple on Broadway
CK sings lead vocals on all 13 tracks which feature duets with Mary J. Blige and Michael McDonald. Her former Rufus bandmate Tony Maiden was also a guest artist on guitar. Record Label: Burgundy Singles: “Disrespectful”, “Angel”, “You Belong To Me”, “One For All Time” History/Trivia Facts: CK won two Grammy Awards for this project which included four bonus tracks available exclusively on Circuit City/Napster, iTunes, and Walmart: “Let Go”, “Angel” (Mr. Mig Radio Remix”, “Once You Get Started” (featuring Tony Maiden) and “Shining Star”.
Chaka gets her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Chaka is inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame
Chaka received BET Honors Award
Chaka is inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame
Street Dedication of “Chaka Khan Way”
Record Label: Diary Island Singles: “Like Sugar”, “Hello Happiness” History/Trivia Facts: “Like Sugar” was used in television advertisements for U.S. retailer chains including Target.
CK performs her favorite career songs including a tribute to Aretha Franklin in a live concert taped for PBS public television fundraising. Record Label: BMG Rights Mgmt History/Trivia Facts: This performance was recorded live at the Harris Theatre in Chicago.
Record Label: SRG-ILS Group Sony Recording Group
