Chaka Khan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chaka Khan
Khan in 2025
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" because of her powerful voice and long career. Her music journey started in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the funk band Rufus.

With Rufus, she sang on famous songs like "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Do You Love What You Feel," and the very popular "Ain't Nobody." When she started her solo career, her first album included the hit "I'm Every Woman." Later, she had another big hit with "I Feel for You," which was a cover of a Prince song and featured a rapper. This was a new and exciting mix of music styles. Chaka Khan also had hits like "Through the Fire" and "Higher Love" with Steve Winwood.

Chaka Khan has won ten Grammy Awards for her amazing music. She has also worked with many other famous artists like Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Mary J. Blige. In 2023, she was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her musical excellence.

Chaka Khan's Early Life

Yvette Marie Stevens was born on March 23, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a creative family. Her father was an artist, and her mother was very talented. She was the oldest of five children. Her younger sister, Yvonne, also became a successful musician known as Taka Boom. Her brother, Mark, formed a funk group called Jamaica Boys.

Chaka Khan loved music from a young age, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to jazz. When she was 11, she formed a girl group called the Crystalettes with her sister. In the late 1960s, she joined a civil rights group called the Black Panther Party for a short time. At 13, she received her spiritual name, Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi, from a Yoruba spiritual leader. In 1969, she left high school and started performing with small music groups in Chicago.

In 1972, Chaka Khan was discovered by members of a new band called Rufus. The band's lead singer was leaving and suggested Chaka join. The group soon got the attention of musician Ike Turner, who wanted Chaka to join his group, The Ikettes. But Chaka decided to stay with Rufus because she was happy there.

Chaka Khan's Music Career

Starting with Rufus (1973–1978)

In 1973, Rufus signed with ABC Records and released their first album. Their music became very popular when Stevie Wonder wrote the song "Tell Me Something Good" for Chaka Khan to sing. This song became a huge hit in 1974 and won the band their first Grammy Award. Their second album, Rags to Rufus, sold over a million copies.

From 1974 to 1979, Rufus released many successful albums that sold millions of copies. They had hits like "Once You Get Started", "Sweet Thing", and "Do You Love What You Feel". Chaka Khan became the star of the band with her powerful voice and exciting stage presence. She also played drums and bass for the band. Even though there were some disagreements within the band, Chaka Khan and guitarist Tony Maiden remained good friends. In 1978, Chaka Khan signed a solo record deal while still being part of Rufus.

Solo Career Begins (1978–1983)

In 1978, Chaka Khan released her first solo album, which included the huge disco hit "I'm Every Woman". This song was written by the famous songwriters Ashford & Simpson. The album sold over a million copies. Chaka Khan also sang on Quincy Jones's hit song "Stuff Like That" in the same year.

In 1979, Chaka Khan rejoined Rufus for the album Masterjam, which featured their hit "Do You Love What You Feel". She also sang with Ry Cooder on his album Bop Till You Drop. In 1980, she released her second solo album, Naughty. She also made a small appearance in the movie The Blues Brothers.

In 1981, Chaka Khan released her solo album What Cha' Gonna Do for Me, which was very successful. In 1982, she released two more solo albums: the jazz-focused Echoes of an Era and the funk/pop album Chaka Khan. A song from the latter album, "Be Bop Medley," won her a Grammy Award.

In 1983, Rufus released their last studio album. Chaka Khan then reunited with the band for a live album, Stompin' at the Savoy - Live, which included their final hit song, "Ain't Nobody." After this, Rufus officially broke up.

Big Solo Success (1984–1996)

In 1984, Chaka Khan released her very successful album I Feel for You. The main song, "I Feel for You," was originally by Prince. Chaka Khan's version featured Stevie Wonder playing harmonica and a rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel. This song became a massive hit in the U.S. and the U.K., helping to restart her career. It topped the R&B and dance charts and was a big pop hit. The music video for "I Feel for You" was also very popular, showing Chaka Khan with breakdancers.

Other popular songs from the I Feel For You album included "This is My Night" and the ballad "Through the Fire". In 1986, Chaka Khan was featured on Steve Winwood's number-one hit song, "Higher Love". She continued to release albums like Destiny (1986) and CK (1988). A remix album, Life Is a Dance: The Remix Project, was also very popular in the U.K.

In 1990, she collaborated with Ray Charles and Quincy Jones on a cover of "I'll Be Good to You," which won them a Grammy Award. Chaka Khan released her album The Woman I Am in 1992, which had hits like "Love You All My Lifetime". She also sang with Peter Cetera on "Feels Like Heaven." In 1995, she had a hit in the U.K. with rapper Guru called "Watch What You Say." She also sang "My Funny Valentine" for the Waiting to Exhale movie soundtrack. After releasing her greatest hits album in 1996, Chaka Khan left Warner Bros. Records.

Khan in 1997

Later Career (1998–Present)

In 1998, Chaka Khan signed with Prince's record label, NPG Records, and released Come 2 My House. She then went on tour with Prince. In 2003, she released her autobiography, Chaka! Through The Fire. In 2004, she released ClassiKhan, an album of jazz covers.

In 2007, Chaka Khan released the album Funk This, which was very well-received. It featured the song "Angel" and a duet with Mary J. Blige called "Disrespectful," which won a Grammy Award. 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, Chaka Khan received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Stevie Wonder, who wrote her hit "Tell Me Something Good," was there to celebrate with her. In 2013, her hometown of Chicago honored her by renaming a street "Chaka Khan Way" and declared July 28th as "Chaka Khan Day."

In 2015, Chaka Khan competed on Dancing with the Stars. In 2019, she released her album Hello Happiness, her first album in twelve years. She also served as the Grand Marshal for the 2019 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. In October 2019, she was honored at Variety's "Power of Women" event for her support of Little Kids Rock, a music education charity.

In November 2019, Chaka Khan collaborated with Ariana Grande on the song "Nobody" for the Charlie's Angels movie soundtrack. In 2020, she 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, Chaka Khan performed on the American Idol finale and collaborated with Todrick Hall on his album Femuline. She also participated in a "Verzuz" battle with singer Stephanie Mills, where they performed their hit songs. In July 2022, she announced her new single "Woman Like Me."

In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Chaka Khan among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. In the same year, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Musical Excellence Award. She performed "I'm Every Woman" with Sia at the ceremony. In 2024, Chaka Khan collaborated with her sister, Taka Boom, and brother, Mark Stevens, on a new version of "Misti Blu" called "Misti Blu Two."

Khan performing in 2006

Khan in 2012

Chaka Khan's Personal Life

Chaka Khan is the oldest of five children. Her sister is singer Taka Boom, and her brother is Mark Stevens. Chaka Khan has two children, a daughter named Indira Milini and a son named Damien Holland. She was married twice. Her first marriage was to Hassan Khan in 1970. She later married Richard Holland in 1976.

After her second marriage ended, Chaka Khan moved to Europe, living in London and later in Germany. She has shared that she became vegan to help with her health.

In 2000, Chaka Khan sang at both the Democratic and Republican political conventions. In 2020, she became an honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Chaka Khan is also a cousin of the singer Lou Rawls.

Awards and Honors

Chaka Khan has received many awards throughout her career, including 10 Grammy Awards.

Grammy Awards

Chaka Khan has won 10 Grammy Awards and has been nominated 22 times.

Other Awards

• Soul Train Music Awards: Lena Horne Award (1998), Legends Award (2009)
• UNCF Award of Excellence (2011)
• SoulMusic Hall of Fame: Inducted as Female Artist (2012)
• UK Music Video Awards: "Like Sugar" won Best Color Grading and Best Editing (2018)
• Billboard Japan Music Awards: International Collaboration Special Award (2010)
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Musical Excellence Award (2023)

Discography

Studio albums

Film and TV Appearances

• The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story (documentary)
• Choir Soloist in The Blues Brothers (1980 film)
• Guest Judge on RuPaul's Drag U, Season 1 Episode 8
• Herself (voice) in Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!
• Guest Judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 12 Episode 8
• Henrietta (voice) in The One and Only Ivan
• Miss Monster on The Masked Singer (Season 3)
• Guest performer on American Idol Finale
• Gina Vee in Hunter (Season 3 Episode 10)
• Herodias in Revival!
• Women Who Rock (MGM+ Original Series 2022)
• Guest as herself in the drama series “Empire” season 5 episode 16 (2019)

See also

In Spanish: Chaka Khan para niños

• Rufus discography