Chaka Khan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chaka Khan
Khan in 2012
Background information
Birth name	Yvette Marie Stevens
Also known as	Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi Khan
Born	(1953-03-23) March 23, 1953 (age 72) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul funk pop disco jazz gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	1970–present
Labels	ABC Warner Bros. Reprise MCA NPG Burgundy

Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), known as Chaka Khan, is an American singer. She is often called the "Queen of Funk." Her music career has lasted over fifty years!

Chaka Khan started in the early 1970s. She was the lead singer of the funk band Rufus. With Rufus, she sang on famous songs like "Tell Me Something Good" and "Ain't Nobody."

Later, Chaka Khan began a solo career. Her first solo song, "I'm Every Woman," was a huge hit. She also had a big song called "I Feel for You," which was a cover of a Prince song. This song was special because it was one of the first pop hits to feature a rapper.

Chaka Khan has won ten Grammy Awards. She has sold millions of records, both with Rufus and as a solo artist. She has also worked with many other famous musicians. These include Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Mary J. Blige. In 2023, she was chosen to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Yvette Marie Stevens was born on March 23, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a creative family. Her younger sister, Yvonne, also became a musician known as Taka Boom. Her brother, Mark, was also a successful musician.

Chaka loved music from a young age. Her grandmother introduced her to jazz music. When she was eleven, Chaka formed her first girl group called the Crystalettes. Her sister Taka was also in the group.

In the late 1960s, Chaka became involved in civil rights efforts. She joined the Black Panther Party for a short time. At age 13, she received her name, Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi, from a Yoruba spiritual leader. In 1969, she left high school to focus on music. She started performing with local bands in Chicago.

In 1972, Chaka Khan was discovered by members of a new band called Rufus. She joined the group as their lead singer. The band soon got the attention of musician Ike Turner. He wanted Chaka to join his group, The Ikettes, but she decided to stay with Rufus.

Music Career Highlights

Starting with Rufus (1973–1978)

In 1973, Rufus signed with ABC Records. Their first album didn't do very well. But then, Stevie Wonder wrote a song for Chaka Khan called "Tell Me Something Good." This song became a huge hit in 1974. It helped Rufus win their first Grammy Award.

After that, Rufus released many successful albums. These included Rags to Rufus and Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan. They had more hits like "You Got the Love" and "Sweet Thing."

Rufus became known for their exciting live shows. Chaka Khan was the main star. She was famous for her powerful voice and unique stage outfits. She also played drums and bass guitar. Even though Chaka was very popular, she sometimes had disagreements with other band members. In 1978, she signed a solo record deal.

Solo Success and Rufus's Final Years (1978–1983)

In 1978, Chaka Khan released her first solo album. It featured the hit song "I'm Every Woman." This song was written by the famous duo Ashford & Simpson. The album sold over a million copies!

Chaka also sang on Quincy Jones's hit song "Stuff Like That" in 1978. In 1979, she reunited with Rufus for the album Masterjam. This album included the hit "Do You Love What You Feel." Even with some band disagreements, Chaka and guitarist Tony Maiden remained good friends.

In 1980, Chaka released her second solo album, Naughty. It had the popular songs "Clouds" and "Papillon." She also made a small appearance in the movie The Blues Brothers.

Chaka released more albums in the early 1980s. Her 1981 album, What Cha' Gonna Do for Me, went gold. In 1982, her album Chaka Khan won her a Grammy Award for the song "Be Bop Medley."

In 1983, Rufus released their last studio album. Chaka then joined them for a live album called Stompin' at the Savoy - Live. This album featured their final big hit, "Ain't Nobody." After this, Rufus officially broke up.

Becoming a Superstar (1984–1996)

In 1984, Chaka Khan released her album I Feel for You. The main song, "I Feel for You," was originally by Prince. Chaka's version was a huge hit! It included a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder and a rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel.

"I Feel for You" sold millions of copies in the U.S. and the U.K. It topped the R&B and dance charts. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for the song was very popular on TV. This song helped make Chaka Khan a huge star.

Other hits from the I Feel For You album included "This is My Night" and the ballad "Through the Fire." In 1986, Chaka sang on Steve Winwood's number-one hit, "Higher Love."

Chaka continued to release successful albums like Destiny (1986) and CK (1988). Her remix album, Life Is a Dance: The Remix Project, was very popular in the U.K.

In 1990, she had another big hit with Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. They covered "I'll Be Good to You," which won them a Grammy. Chaka's 1992 album, The Woman I Am, was also successful. She also sang on movie soundtracks. In 1996, Chaka left her record label, Warner Bros.

Chaka Khan in 1997

Later Career (1998–Present)

In 1998, Chaka Khan signed with Prince's record label, NPG Records. She released the album Come 2 My House. She then went on tour with Prince.

In 2003, Chaka released her autobiography called Chaka! Through The Fire. In 2004, she released a jazz album, ClassiKhan. In 2007, her album Funk This was released. It featured the hit "Angel" and a duet with Mary J. Blige called "Disrespectful." "Disrespectful" went to No. 1 on the U.S. dance charts and won a Grammy. Funk This also won a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

In 2008, Chaka Khan performed in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. In 2011, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stevie Wonder was there to celebrate with her.

In 2019, Chaka Khan released her album Hello Happiness. It was her first album in twelve years. She also sang with Ariana Grande on the song "Nobody" for the Charlie's Angels movie.

In 2020, Chaka Khan appeared on the TV show The Masked Singer as "Miss Monster." She also sang the National Anthem at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. In 2021, she performed on the American Idol finale. In 2022, she released a new song called "Woman Like Me." In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked her as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Chaka Khan performing in 2006

Personal Life

Chaka Khan has two children, a daughter named Indira Milini and a son named Damien Holland. She has been married twice.

Chaka Khan is a vegan. She adopted this diet to help her health.

In 2020, Chaka Khan became an honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She is also a cousin of the singer Lou Rawls.

Awards and Nominations

Chaka Khan has won many awards for her music.

Grammy Awards

She has won 10 Grammy Awards, including two with Rufus. She has been nominated 22 times.

Other Awards

• Lena Horne Award (Career Achievement) (1998)
• Legends Award (Career Achievement) (2009)
• UNCF Award of Excellence (2011)
• Inducted into the SoulMusic Hall of Fame (2012)
• "Like Sugar" won Best Color Grading and Best Editing at the UK Music Video Awards (2018)
• International Collaboration Special Award at the Billboard Japan Music Awards (2010)
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for Musical Excellence (2023)

Discography

Chaka Khan has released many studio albums:

Film and TV Appearances

• The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story (documentary)
• Choir Soloist in The Blues Brothers (1980)
• Guest Judge on RuPaul's Drag U (2010)
• Herself (voice) in Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You! (2011)
• Guest Judge on RuPaul's Drag Race (2020)
• Henrietta (voice) in The One and Only Ivan (2020)
• Miss Monster on The Masked Singer (2020)
• Guest performer on American Idol Finale (2021)
• Gina Vee in Hunter (TV series, 1986)
• Herodias in Revival! (film)
• Herself in Women Who Rock (MGM+ Original Series, 2022)
• Herself in the drama series “Empire” (2019)

See also

In Spanish: Chaka Khan para niños

• Rufus discography