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Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
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 7.
CK sings uncredited co-backing vocals for James Brown with Rev. James Cleveland Choir on the song ‘The Old Landmark’
Record Label: Atlantic
Producer(s): Bob Tischeler
History/Trivia Facts: CK performs the song on screen in the choir scene of the ‘Blues Brothers’ Hollywood movie.
CK sings co-lead vocals on the song ‘Better Now We’re Friends’ with singer-songwriter Henry Gross. Album Artist: Henry Gross
Record Label: Capitol
Producer(s): Bobby Colomby, Ed Marshal, Tony Battaglia
History/Trivia Facts: Henry Gross was the former lead singer of the group Sha Na Na.
CK sings co-lead vocals with George Benson on “We Got The Love”.
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
Album Artist: George Benson
Chaka sings co-lead vocals with George Benson on “We Got The Love”.
History/Trivia Facts: This song was first featured on CK’s 1978 groundbreaking solo debut studio album. “Chaka”.
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
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 backing vocals on three songs, “War Games’, Julia’ and ‘Robot Man’. Album Artist Rick Wakeman
Record Label: Charisma
Producer(s): Rick Wakeman
History/Trivia Facts: Rick Wakefield was a former member of the group Yes.
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 and background vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: MCA
Producer(s): Rufus, Bob Manaco, Quincy Jones, Roy Haley
History/Trivia Facts: This compilation does not include any songs from the first Rufus self-titled debut LP.
CK sings lead jazz vocals.
Record Label: Elecktra-Musician
Producer(s): Lenny White, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Lennie White and Freddie Hubbard
History/Trivia Facts: CK received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Jazz Performance.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus on live version of the song “Everlasting Love’
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Rufus
History/Trivia Facts: This version of “Everlasting Love” was previously unreleased.
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
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).
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Giorgio Moroder
History/Trivia Facts: Side A of the album featured only the film score. It included a comedic cue that corresponded with Richard Pryor’s open slapstick comedy sequence.
CK sings live lead vocals with her band Rufus
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Russ Titleman
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.
CK sings background on the song ‘Love Will Come Again’; Album Artist: George Benson
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Kashif
History/Trivia Facts: CK’s first studio collaboration with George Benson was singing a duet on the song “We Got The Love’ from her solo debut album ‘Chaka’ in 1978.
Record Label: Wea International
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
History/Trivia Facts: “Perfect Fit” is a Japanese-only import CD single release that has long extended dance remix versions of five songs: “Love Of A Lifetime”, “Tight Fit”, “Coltrane Dreams”, “I Feel For You”, and “This Is My Night”.
CK sings lead vocals on the songs ‘Freedom’ and ‘Starting Over Again’
Record Label: RCA
Producer(s): Chaka Khan, David McHugh
History/Trivia Facts: This film (starring Robin Williams) was the second major Hollywood motion picture to feature a song by Chaka Khan.
CK sings lead and background vocals with her band Rufus on ‘Ain’t Nobody’
Record Label: Polydor
Producer(s): Russ Titleman
History/Trivia Facts: This Grammy-winning song was played during the movie starring former Soul Train dancer/choreographer Shabba Doo Quinones.
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Robbie Buchanan, John Robie, Russ Titelman, David “Hawk” Wolinski, James Newton, David Foster, Humberto Gatica, Joe Mardin
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. 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).
CK sings backing vocals on two songs, ‘Rock Yo World’ and ‘Love On The Side’; Album Artist: Taka Boom
Record Label: Mirage-Atco
Producer(s): Billy Rush
History/Trivia Facts: This was Taka Boom’s sophomore solo album.
CK sings “I Feel For You”. Album Artist: Various
Record Label: WEA Musik GmbH
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
History/Trivia Facts: “Hot And New 85” is a German-only import compilation CD single release that features songs by Kim Wilde, ZZ Top, Jermaine Jackson/Pia Zadora, Prince, The Cars, and others.
CK sings rap and co-backing vocals with Mark Stevens, Eric Dickins and Diva Gray on the song ‘There’s Nothing Out There’; Album Artist: Peabo Bryson
Record Label: Elektra
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Tommy LiPluma
History/Trivia Facts: CK is the older sister of Mark Stevens.
CK sings lead vocals with Patti Austin, Luther Vandross, Jocelyn Brown, and Lani Groves on the song ‘Big Bad World’; Album Artist: Patti Austin
Record Label: Qwest
Producer(s): Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Monte Moir, Tommy LiPuma, Russ Titleman
History/Trivia Facts: CK and Patti Austin would later perform on stage together in 2008 at the 75th Quincy Jones birthday celebration live in Montreaux, Switzerland
CK sings lead vocals on “Krush Groove (Can’t Stop The Street)”
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Russ Titleman, Rick Rubin, Prince, Kurtis Blow, Russ Titelman, Sheila E, Lonnie Simmons, Russell Simmons, John Benitez, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Singles: “Krush Groove (Can’t Stop The Street)
History/Trivia Facts: CK appeared with The Fat Boys in a comedy music video for the song.
CK sings lead vocals on “Own The Night”
Record Label: MCA
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Joe Mardin
Singles: “Own The Night”
History/Trivia Facts: This was the first of six album concepts to promote the ‘Miami Vice’ television show starring Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas.
CK is credited in the album liner notes for providing vocal arrangements on the song ‘Addicted To Love’; Album Artist: Robert Palmer
Record Label: Island
Producer(s): Bernard Edwards
History/Trivia Facts: This song was originally recorded as a duet, however, CK’s lead vocals were removed due to contractual issues between her record label, Warner Bros, and Island Records. Her background vocals are still audible.
CK sings lead vocals on the song ‘The Other Side Of The World’
Record Label: Atlantic
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Robbie Buchanan
History/Trivia Facts: The ‘White Nights’ film starred ballet superstar Mikhail Baryshnikov and tap dance king Gregory Hines.
CK sings lead vocals on the song ‘My Destiny’
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Phillips Saisse, Chaka Khan
History/Trivia Facts: CK wrote, co-produced, and sang this theme song from the biographical comedy-drama film starring Richard Pryor who was also a co-screenplay writer, director, and producer.
CK sings co-backing vocals with David Bowie, Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston on the song, ‘Underground’
Record Label: EMI
Producer(s): David Bowie
History/Trivia Facts: Both Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston were album background session singers on future solo Chaka Khan recordings.
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, David Gamson, Joe Mardin, Robbie Buchanan, Chaka Khan, Philippe Saisse, Beau Hill, Reggie Griffin, Russ Titleman, Cengiz Yaltkaya
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.
CK sings co-lead and backing vocals on the song ‘Higher Love’. Album Artist: Steve Winwood
Record Label: Island
Producer(s): Russ Titleman, Steve Winwood
History/Trivia Facts: CK appeared in the “Higher Love” music video with Steve Winwood. The song won the 1986 ‘Record of The Year’ Grammy Award and spent four weeks at the top of the U.S. Album Rock Tracks chart. It was also a #1 song in Canada.
CK sings co-backing vocals with Mark Stevens on the song ‘Spread Love’. Album Artist: Juicy
Record Label: CBS
Producer(s): Eumir Deodato
History/Trivia Facts: CK is the older sister of Mark Stevens.
CK sings backing vocals. Album Artist: The Jamaica Boys
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Marcus Miller, Ray Bardani, Lenny White
History/Trivia Facts: This album and song were recorded by The Jamaica Boys
Record Label: Live USA
Producer(s): CK sings live vocals on 8 songs in concert
History/Trivia Facts: This CK performance includes a 13:08 minute medley of favorites from her early career with Rufus
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Russ Titleman, David Frank, Chaka Khan, Prince, Chris Jasper
Single(s): “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’.
CK sings backing vocals on the song ‘Spirit Of Love’. Album Artist: Average White Band
Record Label: Track
Producer(s): John Robie
History/Trivia Facts: The Ohio Players also sang background vocals and chorus.
Chaka sings lead vocals on “Through The Fire”.
Record Label: JCI Associated Labels
Producer(s): David Foster
Album Artist: Various
Chaka sings lead vocals on “Through The Fire”.
History/Trivia Facts: This was one of the few CK songs to cross over to the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
CK Song Covered: “Sweet Thing”
Record Label: Atlantic
Producer(s): Hurby Luv Bug and The Invincibles
CK Song Covered: “Sweet Thing”
History/Trivia Facts: The original 1975 version of this song (co-written with Rufus) peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
CK sings vocal solo on the song, ‘Schlangenhaut’; Album Artist: André Heller
Record Label: Polygram Osterreich
Producer(s): André Heller
History/Trivia Facts: CK recorded this song in 1978 at Kendun Records in Los Angeles accompanied by percussionist Airto Moreira and tenor saxman Joe Henderson. The German word Schlangenhaut translates to snakeskin.
CK Sings the Ashford & Simpson penned song, “Clouds”.
Record Label: Columbia
Producer(s): Arif Mardin
History/Trivia Facts: The original version of this song is on the 1981 Chaka Khan album, “Naughty”. Additional production and remix by Robert Clivilles and David Cole
CK sings the (Club Edit) version of “It’s My Party”. Album Artist: Various
Record Label: WEA Musik GmbH New Medien und Elektronikvertrich
Producer(s): Russ Titelman
History/Trivia Facts: The Latino-flavored cover of Womack & Womack’s “It’s my party” reached number 5 on Billboard R&B singles chart. “SoulBeat5” is a German-only import compilation CD single release that features remixed songs by Morris Day, Bobby Brown, ICE-T, Karyn White, and others.
CK sings lead vocals on the song “Fever”. Album Artist: Various
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Richard Perry
History/Trivia Facts: Peggy Lee became identified most with this Grammy-nominated song in 1958 after she created a new arrangement and added additional lyrics to the original version recorded by Little Willie John.
Record Label: Warner Bros
Producer(s): Arif Mardin, Russ Titleman with additional production by David Morales, Tony Humphries, Marley Marl, Paul Simpson, Hank Shocklee, Eric Sadler, Winston Jones, David Shaw, Dancin Danny D, Frankie Knuckles, Robert Clivilles, David Cole
Single(s): “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”.
CK sings backing vocals on the songs ‘Pretending’ and ‘No Alibis’; Album Artist: Eric Clapton
Record Label: Duck-Reprise
Producer(s): Russ Titleman
History/Trivia Facts: “Pretending” was #1 on the Billboard Album Rock Chart for five weeks.
CK sings lead vocals on the songs ‘I’ll Be Good To You’ and ‘The Places You Find Love’; Album Artist: Quincy Jones
Record Label: Warner Bros/QWest
Producer(s): Quincy Jones
History/Trivia Facts: This song was a #1 smash on both Billboard’s R&B and Dance music charts, peaking at #18 on the Pop chart. It was the first #1 R&B hit for Ray Charles in twenty-four years.
