Chaka Khan | American Singer - Britannica

Solo success

While still a member of Rufus, Chaka Khan released her debut solo album, Chaka, in 1978. The album featured the hit single “I’m Every Woman,” which blends rock and disco; it was penned by the songwriting duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. In addition, Khan was featured on other artists’ songs, and she notably sang lead vocals with Ashford and Simpson on the Quincy Jones single “Stuff Like That” (1978). Jones then produced the 1979 Rufus album Masterjam, and its standout songs include “Do You Love What You Feel.” By the end of the 1970s, the band had released six gold- or platinum-selling albums.

Khan subsequently focused on her solo career, though she did record Camouflage (1981) with Rufus. In 1983 she reunited with the band for Stompin’ at the Savoy (Live). The double album features live performances as well as studio recordings, which include the Grammy-winning hit single “Ain’t Nobody.” Rufus disbanded later in 1983.

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During this time, Khan recorded several solo albums, including Chaka Khan (1982), which features the jazz-infused “Be Bop Medley” and “Got to Be There.” Both songs and the album received Grammy Awards. Khan’s major breakthrough to a mainstream audience came in 1984 with the release of her fifth solo album, I Feel for You. The eponymous title track was written by Prince, who reportedly was a major fan of Khan, and it became an international hit. Khan’s version features Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five—whose rap section includes the memorable line “Chaka, Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khan”—and Stevie Wonder plays the harmonica on the track. The song earned both Prince and Chaka Khan Grammy Awards. The album also features “Through the Fire,” a popular ballad.

In 1989 Khan had another hit single, with the Jones-produced “I’ll Be Good to You,” sharing lead vocals with Ray Charles. For the song, Khan won her sixth Grammy Award. Her 1992 studio album, The Woman I Am, won a Grammy for best R&B vocal performance for a female performer. Khan’s career subsequently stalled, though she continued to produce solo material while also collaborating with other artists. She notably recorded the Grammy-winning single “What’s Going On” (2002) with the Funk Brothers.

In 2007 Khan had a major comeback with the release of Funk This, which reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. It received the Grammy for best R&B album, and “Disrespectful,” a collaboration with Mary J. Blige, won the award for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals. Khan did not release another recording until the 2019 album Hello Happiness. Three years later her single “Woman Like Me” appeared. In 2023 Khan was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.