What is Chaka Khan's birth name and date of birth?

Chaka Khan's birth name is Yvette Marie Stevens, and she was born on March 23, 1953.

What is Chaka Khan widely known as in the music industry?

Chaka Khan is widely known as the "Queen of Funk."

When did Chaka Khan's music career begin, and with which band?

Chaka Khan's career began in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus.

What were some of the notable hits Chaka Khan recorded with the band Rufus?

With Rufus, Chaka Khan recorded notable hits such as "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Do You Love What You Feel," and the platinum-certified "Ain't Nobody."

What was the title of Chaka Khan's debut solo album, and what was its number-one hit?

Chaka Khan's debut solo album featured the number-one R&B hit "I'm Every Woman," which later became a pop hit for Whitney Houston.

What song marked Chaka Khan as the first R&B artist to have a crossover hit featuring a rapper?

Her 1984 cover of Prince's "I Feel for You" was the first R&B song to feature a rapper and achieve crossover success.

Besides "I'm Every Woman" and "I Feel for You," what other hits are mentioned in Chaka Khan's early solo career?

Other hits mentioned include "What Cha' Gonna Do for Me" and "Through the Fire," as well as her collaboration with Steve Winwood on "Higher Love."

How many Grammy Awards has Chaka Khan won in total?

Chaka Khan has won a total of ten Grammy Awards.

What were the sales certifications achieved by Rufus with Chaka Khan?

With Rufus, she achieved three gold singles, one platinum single, four gold albums, and two platinum albums.

What were Chaka Khan's solo album and single sales certifications mentioned in the text?

In her solo career, Khan achieved three gold singles, three gold albums, and one platinum album for *I Feel for You*.

Name some of the prominent artists Chaka Khan has collaborated with throughout her career.

Chaka Khan has collaborated with artists such as Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande, and Sia, among others.

How did Billboard magazine rank Chaka Khan in December 2016?

In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as the 65th most successful dance club artist of all time.

What recognition did Chaka Khan receive from VH1 regarding great women in rock and roll?

VH1 ranked her at No. 17 on their original list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll.

How many times has Chaka Khan been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and when was she inducted?

Chaka Khan has been nominated three times as a solo artist and four times as a member of Rufus. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 in the Musical Excellence category.

Where was Yvette Marie Stevens born, and in what type of neighborhood was she raised?

Yvette Marie Stevens was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in the Hyde Park area of Chicago's South Side, within public housing projects.

Who were Chaka Khan's parents, and what was her father's background?

Her parents were Charles Stevens and Sandra Coleman. She described her father as a beatnik who struggled with heroin addiction.

Who are Chaka Khan's notable siblings in the music industry?

Her sister Yvonne is a singer known as Taka Boom, and her brother Mark formed the funk group Jamaica Boys and was a member of Aurra.

What Yoruba name was given to Chaka Khan, and what does it mean?

At age 13, she was given the Yoruba name Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi by a Babalawo priest, with "Chaka" meaning "woman of fire."

What political movements was Chaka Khan involved with in her youth?

In her youth, she attended civil rights rallies and joined the Black Panther Party after befriending activist Fred Hampton.

What was the name of Rufus's debut album, and what led to their breakthrough success?

Rufus's debut album was self-titled and released in 1973. Their breakthrough came with Stevie Wonder's song "Tell Me Something Good," which earned them their first Grammy Award.

What contributed to Rufus's reputation as a live performing act, with Khan as the star attraction?

Khan's powerful vocals and distinctive stage attire, which sometimes included Native American garb and showed her midriff, made her the star attraction, contributing to the band's live reputation.

When did Chaka Khan sign a solo contract, and what happened with Rufus afterward?

Khan signed a solo contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1978. Rufus released three albums without her participation after she signed the solo deal, before separating for good following the 1983 live album *Stompin' at the Savoy - Live*.

What made the album *I Feel for You* a significant success for Chaka Khan in 1984?

The album went platinum, driven by the title track "I Feel for You," which featured Stevie Wonder and Grandmaster Melle Mel, and became a major hit, relaunching her career. Other singles like "This is My Night" and "Through the Fire" also contributed to its success.

Which number-one hit did Chaka Khan contribute to for Steve Winwood in 1986?

Chaka Khan was featured on Steve Winwood's 1986 number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, "Higher Love."

What Grammy-winning collaboration did Chaka Khan have with Ray Charles and Quincy Jones in 1990?

In 1990, she collaborated with Ray Charles and Quincy Jones on a new jack swing cover of The Brothers Johnson's "I'll Be Good to You," which won them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group.

What was the title of the album Chaka Khan intended to release after *The Woman I Am*, which was ultimately shelved?

The album she titled *Dare You to Love Me* was eventually shelved.

Which record label did Chaka Khan sign with in 1998, and when did she release her autobiography?

In 1998, Khan signed with Prince's NPG Records label. She released her autobiography, *Chaka! Through The Fire*, in 2003.

What was notable about Chaka Khan's 2007 album *Funk This*?

*Funk This*, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis & Big Jim Wright, was considered a comeback album and won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. It also featured a Grammy-winning duet with Mary J. Blige called "Disrespectful."

What role did Chaka Khan play in the Broadway adaptation of *The Color Purple*?

In 2008, Chaka Khan played Ms. Sofia in the Broadway adaptation of *The Color Purple*.

What academic honor did Chaka Khan receive in December 2004?

In December 2004, Chaka Khan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.

What were Chaka Khan's thoughts on the changing recording industry in 2008, particularly regarding her past recordings?

In 2008, Khan expressed optimism about artists gaining more control due to industry shifts like music downloading, mentioning that her former label, Warner Bros., had unreleased recordings in their vaults, including Robert Palmer's original recording of "Addicted to Love" with her vocals removed.

When and where was Chaka Khan honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star?

On May 19, 2011, Chaka Khan received her 2,440th Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

What tribute song did Chaka Khan participate in following the death of Trayvon Martin?

She rerecorded her song "Super Life" as "Super Life: Fear Kills, Love Heals" with other artists in tribute to Trayvon Martin.

For which organization did Chaka Khan perform at a benefit in December 2012, and how much was raised?

On December 6, 2012, Khan performed at a benefit for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), raising $14 million.

How did Chicago honor Chaka Khan in July 2013?

In July 2013, Chicago honored Chaka Khan by ceremonially renaming a street as "Chaka Khan Way" and declaring July 28th as "Chaka Khan Day."

In which season of *Dancing with the Stars* did Chaka Khan compete, and how far did she get?

Chaka Khan competed in season 21 of *Dancing with the Stars* but was the first couple eliminated.

In what year did Chaka Khan enter rehab, and for what reason?

In July 2016, she canceled concert performances and entered rehab for dependency on prescription medication.

What is the title of Chaka Khan's first album in twelve years, and when was it released?

Her first album in twelve years, titled *Hello Happiness*, was released on February 15, 2019.

What honor did Chaka Khan receive at Variety's "Power of Women" luncheon in October 2019?

In October 2019, Chaka Khan was an honoree at Variety's "Power of Women" luncheon for her support of Little Kids Rock.

What character did Chaka Khan portray on *The Masked Singer* in 2020?

In 2020, Chaka Khan competed on *The Masked Singer* season three as "Miss Monster."

What performance by Chaka Khan in 2020 drew criticism on Twitter?

Her rendition of the National Anthem at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game was heavily criticized on Twitter.

Who did Chaka Khan participate in a Verzuz battle with in November 2021?

In November 2021, Chaka Khan participated in a Verzuz battle with singer Stephanie Mills.

Where did *Rolling Stone* rank Chaka Khan on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023?

In 2023, *Rolling Stone* ranked Chaka Khan at No. 29 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

What specific award did Chaka Khan receive upon her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023?

In 2023, Chaka Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the Musical Excellence Award.

How many times has Chaka Khan been married, and to whom?

Chaka Khan has been married twice, first to Hassan Khan in 1970 and later to Richard Holland in 1976.

How many children does Chaka Khan have, and what are their names?

Chaka Khan has two children: daughter Indira Milini and son Damien Holland.

How did Ike Turner influence Chaka Khan during a difficult period in her life?

After her split from Richard Holland, Khan spent time in the studio with Ike Turner, whom she described as a "real inspiration and a catalyst emotionally and in other ways as well."

How does Chaka Khan define her spirituality, and what are her views on her Catholic upbringing?

Chaka Khan defines herself as spiritual but does not belong to any religious organization. She has heavily criticized her Catholic upbringing, calling it "terrible" and a "negative" religion.

What dietary choice has Chaka Khan adopted, and why?

Chaka Khan is vegan, adopting the diet to lose weight and combat high blood pressure and Type-2 diabetes.

What struggles has Chaka Khan faced regarding substance abuse, and when did she declare herself sober?

Chaka Khan has struggled with drug abuse and alcoholism, including cocaine, heroin, prescription medication, and alcohol. Her drug use ended in 1999, and she declared herself sober from alcoholism in 2005.

What legal issues did Chaka Khan's son, Damien Holland, face in 2006?

In 2006, her son Damien Holland was accused of murder, though he claimed the shooting was an accident. He was acquitted in the criminal trial but found liable in the civil suit.

Chaka Khan Wiki: Chaka Khan: The Queen of Funk's Rhythmic Reign

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The Icon: Yvette Marie Stevens

Birth and Early Life

Born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, Chaka Khan began her musical journey early. Raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood, her grandmother introduced her to jazz, fostering a deep love for music. By age 11, she had formed her first girl group, the Crystalettes, setting the stage for a career that would define genres.

The Queen of Funk

Affectionately known as the "Queen of Funk," Khan's powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and genre-blending style have captivated audiences for over five decades. Her career launched in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist for the influential funk band Rufus.

Stage Name and Identity

In her youth, Khan embraced activism and spirituality. At 13, she was given the Yoruba name Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi, meaning "woman of fire," a name that perfectly encapsulates her passionate and vibrant persona.

Musical Journey: Rufus to Solo Stardom

With Rufus (1973-1978)

Khan joined Rufus in 1973, leading the band to significant success. Collaborations with Stevie Wonder yielded hits like "Tell Me Something Good," which earned a Grammy Award. The band's albums, including the platinum-selling Rags to Rufus, cemented their status with hits like "Sweet Thing" and "Ain't Nobody." Khan's powerful vocals and captivating stage presence became the band's focal point.

Early Solo Career (1978-1983)

Khan signed a solo contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1978. Her debut solo album featured the iconic crossover hit "I'm Every Woman," written by Ashford & Simpson, which became a platinum success. She also collaborated with Quincy Jones on "Stuff Like That" and continued to release successful solo material while Rufus experienced internal changes.

Peak Solo Success (1984-1996)

The mid-1980s marked a career resurgence with the release of I Feel for You (1984). The title track, featuring Stevie Wonder and a rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel, became a global smash, earning Khan a Grammy. Subsequent hits like "Higher Love" (with Steve Winwood) and albums like Destiny and CK further solidified her solo stardom.

First R&B artist to feature a rapper ("I Feel for You").
Collaborations with music legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones.
Continued success in the UK and maintained a strong international fanbase.
Received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2011.

Accolades and Recognition

Grammy Awards

Chaka Khan is a multiple Grammy Award winner, having received 10 awards out of 22 nominations. Her wins span categories such as Best R&B Vocal Performance, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Album, recognizing her versatility across genres.

Major Honors

Beyond Grammys, Khan has been honored with the Lena Horne Award and the Legends Award at the Soul Train Awards. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category in 2023, acknowledging her significant impact on music history.

Year	Work	Category	Result
1975	"Tell Me Something Good" (Rufus)	Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group Or Chorus	Won
1983	Chaka Khan	Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female	Won
1984	"Ain't Nobody" (Rufus)	Best R&B Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocal	Won
1984	"Be Bop Medley"	Best Vocal Arrangement For Two Or More Voices	Won
1985	"I'm Every Woman"	Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female	Won
1991	"I'll Be Good to You" (with Ray Charles)	Best R&B Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocals	Won
1993	The Woman I Am	Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female	Won
2003	"What's Going On" (with The Funk Brothers)	Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance	Won
2008	"Disrespectful" (with Mary J. Blige)	Best R&B Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocals	Won
2008	Funk This	Best R&B Album	Won

Discography Highlights

Studio Albums

Chaka Khan has released a rich catalog of studio albums, showcasing her evolution across funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and pop.

Chaka (1978)
Naughty (1980)
What Cha' Gonna Do for Me (1981)
Chaka Khan (1982)
Echoes of an Era (1982)
I Feel for You (1984)
Destiny (1986)
CK (1988)
The Woman I Am (1992)
Come 2 My House (1998)
ClassiKhan (2004)
Funk This (2007)
Hello Happiness (2019)

Personal Life and Resilience

Family and Relationships

Chaka Khan has two children, Indira Milini and Damien Holland. She has navigated personal challenges, including two marriages and periods of substance abuse, emerging with resilience and a commitment to her well-being. She has spoken openly about her struggles and recovery, emphasizing her spiritual journey.

Lifestyle and Advocacy

Khan identifies as vegan, adopting the diet to manage health conditions like high blood pressure and Type-2 diabetes. She has also been involved in various advocacy efforts, demonstrating a commitment beyond her musical career.

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Chaka Khan: Rhythm & Reign

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Icon: Yvette Marie Stevens 🎤

🌟 Birth and Early Life

👑 The Queen of Funk

✨ Stage Name and Identity

Musical Journey: Rufus to Solo Stardom 🎶

🎸 With Rufus (1973-1978)

🎤 Early Solo Career (1978-1983)

🔥 Peak Solo Success (1984-1996)

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

🎵 Grammy Awards

⭐ Major Honors

Discography Highlights 💿

🎶 Studio Albums

Personal Life and Resilience ❤️

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Relationships

🌱 Lifestyle and Advocacy

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Icon: Yvette Marie Stevens

Birth and Early Life

The Queen of Funk

Stage Name and Identity

Musical Journey: Rufus to Solo Stardom

With Rufus (1973-1978)

Early Solo Career (1978-1983)

Peak Solo Success (1984-1996)

Accolades and Recognition

Grammy Awards

Major Honors

Discography Highlights

Studio Albums

Personal Life and Resilience

Family and Relationships

Lifestyle and Advocacy

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice