Everything you need to know about the 'Queen of Funk' Chaka Khan

Ain't nobody does it better!

Author: William MarriottPublished 20th Mar 2024

Chaka Khan is the iconic American singer/songwriter, whose music has sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide. Known as the Queen of Funk, her music has spanned across nearly five decades, winning her 10 Grammy Awards and a legion of fans.

You'll most likely agree, there's still nothing better to do than dance around to 'Ain't Nobody' at a family gathering, or boogie along to 'I'm Every Woman' on a night out. Are we right or are we right? We've decided to look back at Chaka Khan's glistening life, career and her biggest hits.

Who is Chaka Khan?

Chaka Khan is an American singer and songwriter, whose career started in the 1970s as the lead singer of the Funk band Rufus. Known by fans as the 'Queen of Funk', Billboard magazine ranked her as the 65th most successful dance artist of all time after it was revealed she sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide. The star's net worth is also reportedly $30 million.

How old is Chaka Khan?

Chaka Khan was born on 23rd March 1953 making her 70-years-old at the time of writing.

Chaka still performs at huge festivals, including Cross The Tracks at Brockwell Park in 2019, which saw fans from all over the world flock the the UK to see the star in all her glory.

In 2024, Chaka is set to perform at Blenheim Palace, in addition to being a headliner at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival.

Where is she from?

Chaka Khan is from Chicago, Illinois in the US.

What is Chaka Khan’s real name?

Chaka Khan's real name is Yvette Marie Stevens.

How did she become famous?

Chaka Khan became famous after she joined the band Rufus, an American funk band from Chicago, Illinois. Her fame later skyrocketed after Stevie Wonder specifically wrote 'Tell Me Something Good' for Chaka Khan and Rufus in 1973, which landed the band a Grammy Award.

Over the years, Chaka Khan become the band's unique selling point, with the dance artist grabbing the attention of fans and the media alike. This led to her signing a record deal with Warner Bros, releasing her solo debut album in 1978 and partially leaving the band to concentrate on her solo career.

Which band was Chaka Khan in?

Chaka Khan was initially in a band called Baby Huey & the Babysitters in 1971. However, the band split in 1972, which led to Chaka being spotted by two band members from Rufus who asked her to join.

Rufus then signed with ABC Records in 1973, which catapulted Chaka Khan to stardom. The band released tracks like 'You Got the Love', 'Once You Get Started' and 'Sweet Thing.' While the band still performed over the years, with Chaka Khan joining them when she could, they split in 1983.

Does she have children?

Yes, she has a daughter Indira Milini and a son Damien Holland. Her daughter has also pursued a career in singing.

Who wrote Chaka Khan’s songs?

Chaka Khan has written many of her songs herself but also co-writes with many other famous songwriters, including Bruce Hornsby on 'Love Me Still', Moon Calhoun on 'Stay' and Tony Maiden on 'Sweet Thing.'

Which awards has Chaka Khan won?

Chaka Khan has won a crazy amount of awards, a testament to her amazing work. She has won 10 Grammy Awards, including her first in 1978 for 'Tell Me Something Good' with Rufus under the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group Or Chorus category. She then went on to win another in 1985 for 'I Feel for You' under the Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female category.

Chaka Khan was also the recipient in 1998 for the Soul Train Lena Horne Award (Career Achievement) and the Soul Train 2009 Legends Award.

Her 2019 single 'Like Sugar' also picked up two UK Music Video Awards for Best Colour Grading in a Video and Best Editing despite the lack of chart success.

Chaka even made the shortlist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, before going on to be inducted in November 2023 in a ceremony in New York.

You can hear some of Chaka Khan's biggest hits on the Greatest Hits Radio playlist!

Check out Chaka's incredible career highlights:

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.

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