Chaka Khan

Grammy Award-winning singer Chaka Khan, formerly with the band Rufus, is renowned for an array of hit songs like "I'm Every Woman," "Ain't Nobody," and "Through the Fire." Khan has left an indelible mark on various music genres including Pop, R&B, Rock, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, influencing many artists and audiences worldwide.

Khan first burst onto the music scene in the 1970s. She formed her first group, the Crystalettes, with her sister Yvonne when she was only 11 years old. Later, she joined the Black Panther Party and became involved with their community programs. This period marked a significant transformation as she adopted the name Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi. During the early 1970s, after performing with several groups, Khan joined Rufus, achieving commercial success with hits penned by Stevie Wonder and others. Her solo career, initiated in the late 1970s, further propelled her to stardom with the release of albums like "Chaka" and hits such as "I Feel for You," a cover that featured a memorable harmonica performance by Stevie Wonder.

After an illustrious period with Rufus and a thriving solo career, Khan ventured into other creative territories. She acted in the London West End production of "Mama, I Want to Sing," and later established the Chaka Khan Foundation to support women and children at risk. In the early 2000s, Khan celebrated another career highlight with her cover of "What's Going On," winning her eighth Grammy. Her autobiography, "Chaka! Through the Fire," released in 2003, offers a candid look at her personal and professional life, including her battles with substance abuse.

Khan has continuously evolved as an artist, evident from her diverse musical endeavors such as the album "ClassiKhan" in 2004, which featured the London Symphony Orchestra and covered classics like "Stormy Weather" and "Goldfinger." She also took a significant step in her business career by founding Earth Song Entertainment and preparing the debut release of “CLASSIKHAN” on the Earthsong Record label. Additionally, Khan has contributed to soundtracks for films like "Waiting to Exhale" and "Clockers," and her song "Through the Fire" gained renewed attention when sampled in Kanye West's "Through The Wire."

Despite facing personal challenges, including her battle with type 2 diabetes and entering rehab in 2016, Khan's resilience and dedication to her craft remain evident. She continues to perform live and engages in philanthropic efforts through her foundation, significantly impacting the music industry and beyond.