
2023
Jazmine Sullivan
Chaka Khan, the ”Queen of Funk,” reshaped the landscape of soul and R&B. With a distinctively powerful voice, capable of fire, emotional nuance and breathtaking drama, she left an indelible impression on listeners, repeatedly crossing over to the pop charts and leaving concertgoers stunned. Her synthesis of jazz, funk and dance grooves – both synthetic and organic – combined with outspoken individuality, set the stage for many a diva to follow.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Funk-Driven Fire, Graceful Soul
Chaka Khan’s sound evolved from gritty, early ‘70s funk grooves with Rufus, to lush late ‘70s disco majesty with “I’m Every Woman,” to jazz and chart-topping pop in the ‘80s. Her astonishing vocal power expanded into sophisticated phrasing and delicate intimacy, all while retaining her authentic, instantly recognizable soulfulness.
Stevie Wonder wrote this classic specifically for Khan. Rising to No. 3 on the Hot 100, it introduced the general public to a bold new voice.
That voice is as raw as it is sweet, as sensual as it is soulful; it has guided us through good times, through desire and despair.
Jazmine Sullivan
From the Museum
Chaka in Purple
Chaka Khan’s smash “I Feel for You,” a cover of Prince’s 1979 track, featured a video directed by Jane Simpson. A time capsule of 1984 fashion and trends, the video includes a DJ and break dancers,
while Khan sings her hit wearing this shoulder-padded coat (in Prince’s favorite color) and bright yellow blouse, accessorized with a beret sparkling with rhinestones.

From the Museum
Chaka in Purple

Chaka Khan’s smash “I Feel for You,” a cover of Prince’s 1979 track, featured a video directed by Jane Simpson. A time capsule of 1984 fashion and trends, the video includes a DJ and break dancers,
while Khan sings her hit wearing this shoulder-padded coat (in Prince’s favorite color) and bright yellow blouse, accessorized with a beret sparkling with rhinestones.

2024 Hall of Fame Essay
"Khan is not only, as one of her most famous songs tells us, ‘every woman,’ but a unique and irrepressible force."
– Elysa Gardner
Influence
Ella Fitzgerald

Chaka Khan
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