Chaka Khan

R&B Singer

Yvette Marie Stevens, better known by her stage name Chaka Khan, is an American singer. Her career has spanned more than five decades, beginning in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus.

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Mar 23, 1953

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United States

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About

Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953, is an American singer-songwriter who has achieved international fame and recognition as a leader in the funk and soul music genres. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Charles Stevens and Sandra Coleman, Chaka was raised by her mother and her maternal grandmother, Sarah Coleman. She showed an interest in singing at an early age and was part of a gospel choir called the Northern California State Youth Choir at the age of 11.

In 1970, Chaka formed her first R&B group called The Babysitters. The group released several singles which received moderate success. In 1972 she joined another R&B band called Rufus and eventually became one of the lead singers for the group. With Rufus, Chaka released numerous hit singles such as “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody” which have become some of the most iconic songs in music history.

During her time with Rufus, Chaka also began a successful solo career releasing critically acclaimed albums such as “Chaka” (1978) and “Masterjam” (1979). She has won nine Grammy awards throughout her musical career including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “I Feel For You” (1985), Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for “I Feel For You” (1985), Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for “Love Me Still” (2007), among other awards.

Today, Chaka continues to tour around the world performing both her solo music as well as classic hits from her time with Rufus. She is considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time with a powerful five-octave range that has influenced countless singers over generations.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1953</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Chaka Khan is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On March 23, 1953, Chaka Khan was born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, Illinois.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1971</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Forms Rufus Band</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Forms the band Rufus with keyboard player Kevin Murphy and saxophonist Al Ciner.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1973</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases Debut Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases their debut album Rags to Rufus featuring their hit single “Tell Me Something Good”.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female for her song “I’m Every Woman”.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for her collaboration with Stevie Wonder on the song “I Feel For You”.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2006</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of Rufus, thanking her father for instilling a love of music in her from an early age.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2020</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Honored at Variety's Power of Women Luncheon</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Honored at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon for her philanthropic work with the Los Angeles Mayor's Fund for Homelessness.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> She's an Iconic Singer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chaka Khan is an iconic singer of the R&B genre and has influenced many generations with her soulful voice. She has recorded countless hits that have been loved by many, including "I'm Every Woman", "Ain't Nobody" and "Through the Fire".</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> She's a Versatile Artist</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chaka Khan is a versatile artist who can sing in various genres like jazz, gospel, funk and pop music. Her voice is powerful and mesmerizing, captivating audiences everywhere she goes. </p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> She's an Activist</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chaka Khan is an activist for social justice and civil rights. She uses her platform as a musician to promote awareness of social issues and to encourage people to fight for what they believe in. </p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Grammy Winner</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chaka Khan is a ten-time Grammy Award winner and has been nominated for a total of 22 Grammys during her career.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In March 2020, Chaka Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the first female R&B artist to be inducted solo.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Became a Member of Rufus at Age 15</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chaka Khan became a member of the band Rufus at age 15 and made her singing debut on their debut album in 1973.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Collaborated with Prince</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chaka Khan collaborated with Prince on several songs, including the hit single “I Feel For You” which won her a Grammy in 1985.</p></div>