She Got Soul: Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan to perform at Soul Train Awards 2013

I’m Every Woman — Chaka Khan  - Recorded in 1978, for example, Chaka Khan's single "I'm Every Woman" served as her first breakout solo project. This was a different route for Khan, as she was only recording with the band Rufus prior to this single. Years later, it was covered by Whitney Houston, and the newer generation's liking towards it proved how timeless the hit truly was. (Photo: Echoes/Redferns)

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Sweet Thing - Born March 23rd, 1953 as Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, Illinois, Chaka Khan was born to sing. In the late ‘60s, Khan formed a vocal group with sister Yvonne called Shades of Black.

Photo By Photo by Echoes/Redferns

"Night In Tunisia" - Chaka celebrated her jazz roots in the rebirth of this legendary Dizzy Gillepsie single. Khan penned the lyrics, which paid homage to the original instrumental version. Featured on her third, Gold certified solo album What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me. Gillepsie also played trumpet parts on the track. (Photo: Ron Wolfson /Landov)

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The Movement - After forming Shades of Black, the duo joined the Black Panther Party—after becoming friends with Panther member Fred Hampton. She also adopted the name Chaka.

Chaka Khan

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Humble Beginnings - In 1969, she dropped out of high school and began to focus on her singing career by performing with small groups around Chicago such as Lyfe and The Babysitters. 

Class Acts: Chaka Khan - In 1971, Chicago native Chaka Khan is recruited to be the vocal lead for Ask Rufus, a local band. Because of her extraordinary singing, Ask Rufus is offered a record deal with ABC/Dunhill Records. Upon signing with the label, the group shortens its name to Rufus. Now 21 years later Chaka is set to grace the stage at the 2012 UNCF: An Evening of Stars celebration. (Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)

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The Rise - At the age of 18, Khan packed up her Chicago life to make it big in Los Angeles—where she would join the funk group Rufus and experience skyrocketing stardom from a string of musical hits.

Mama, I Made It! - On the heels of her new success with Rufus, Khan would receive her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group Or Chorus from their hit “Tell Me Something Good.” 

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Mama, I Made It! - On the heels of her new success with Rufus, Khan would receive her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group Or Chorus from their hit “Tell Me Something Good.” 

Photo By Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage

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The New World of Chaka - Signing to Warner Bros. Records as a solo artist, Chaka releases her debut solo LP, Ckaka, in 1978. The album goes gold with the help of the Ashford & Simpson-written classic "I'm Every Woman." That same year, Chaka is also a featured performer on the Quincy Jones hit "Stuff Like That." (Photo: Warner Bros Music)

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Shining Bright - Khan’s first solo debut album Chaka was released in 1978 under the Warner Bros. Records label imprint and it featured her hit ‘I’m Every Woman,’ which was penned by soul group Ashford & Simpson. Chaka sold over one million copies, earning it platinum status with the RIAA. 

Chaka Hits Broadway - After starring in the musicals Mama, I Want to Sing and Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Chaka Khan makes her Broadway debut in the production of The Color Purple at the Broadway Theatre in 2008.  (Photo: Jemal Countess/WireImage)

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Fine Tuned - 1980 would usher in the second era of Chaka Khan, with her follow-up release “Naughty,” which included the assisting vocal talents of Cissy and Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross.

I Feel For You - Khan continued her solo success, releasing her sixth album I Feel For You in 1984. The album’s title track, which was written by Prince and featured a harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder, would become a smash hit—helping launch her career to sights unknown.

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I Feel For You - Khan continued her solo success, releasing her sixth album I Feel For You in 1984. The album’s title track, which was written by Prince and featured a harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder, would become a smash hit—helping launch her career to sights unknown.

Photo By Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for BET

Woman of the Hour - Chaka Khan performs at the GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Komische Oper in Berlin, Germany.(Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images for GQ)

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Lending A Hand - Between her tremendous late ‘80s success and the mid ‘90s, Khan would lend her talents to various projects such as a cover of “My Funny Valentine” for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. 

Rewarding Success - At the 1998 Soul Train Awards, she received the Lena Horne Award for her outstanding career achievements.

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Rewarding Success - At the 1998 Soul Train Awards, she received the Lena Horne Award for her outstanding career achievements.

Photo By Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images For BET

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A New Type of Beat - 2004 marked new beginnings for Khan as she revisited her jazz interests and released a jazz cover album ClassiKhan, serving as her tenth studio release.

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A New Type of Beat - 2004 marked new beginnings for Khan as she revisited her jazz interests and released a jazz cover album ClassiKhan, serving as her tenth studio release.

Bridging The Gap - In 2008, Khan received her ninth and tenth Grammy Award wins, one for “Disrespectful”-- a duet track with Mary J. Blige—and her eleventh studio album Funk This. 

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Bridging The Gap - In 2008, Khan received her ninth and tenth Grammy Award wins, one for “Disrespectful”-- a duet track with Mary J. Blige—and her eleventh studio album Funk This. 

A Star Is Confirmed - In 2011, Khan is honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star plaque on a section of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.  (Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

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Walk Of Fame - With such a successful career, it’s only fitting that the multi-hyphenate diva would receive a star plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the 2,440th recipient. Shortly after, she also received a joint nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with her former band Rufus. 

iKhan the Icon - Khan is still celebrating her forty years of success.  From the signing of her first recording contract to her multiple Grammy wins and honors, she shows no signs of stopping. Chaka is currently recording her twelfth studio album iKhan and aided in the renaming of the Soul Train Awards ‘Best R&B/Soul Female’ artist category to ‘The Chaka Khan Award for Best R&B/Soul Female’.

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iKhan the Icon - Khan is still celebrating her forty years of success.  From the signing of her first recording contract to her multiple Grammy wins and honors, she shows no signs of stopping. Chaka is currently recording her twelfth studio album iKhan and aided in the renaming of the Soul Train Awards ‘Best R&B/Soul Female’ artist category to ‘The Chaka Khan Award for Best R&B/Soul Female’.