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chaka
khan

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

Career Spotlight Film - featured during their induction ceremony in 2023.

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.

Tell Me Something Good

Rufus: Rags to Rufus (1974)

I’m Every Woman

Chaka (1978)

Ain’t Nobody

Rufus & Chaka Khan: Stompin’ at the Savoy (1983)

I Feel for You

I Feel For You (1984)

Through the Fire

I Feel For You (1984)

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

Chaka Khan

Beyoncé

Jennifer Hudson

Mariah Carey

Jill Scott

Alicia Keys

Kelly Rowland

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