Chaka Khan, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee

Singer Chaka Khan, who started as part of the funk group Rufus, built her legacy on a string of monster hits, including "Tell Me Something Good," "I'm Every Woman," "I Feel for You," and "Ain't Nobody." Now 70, the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about her friendship with Prince, her past struggles with addiction, and how her music is being discovered and celebrated by new generations.
@chakakhan @prince @steviewonder
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[@zackwilliams9912]

She should receive the Kennedy center honors as well. She’s done it all. Funk, R&B, Soul, Gospel, Disco, Jazz and Pop. She’s the first artist to collaborate with a hip hop artist which rare back in the day. Her influence on American culture cannot be underestimated.

[@michaelspilman5220]

dear Zack I have a similar view about Neil sedaka . unlike Chaka thougth he's not been inducted in to the rock and roll hall of fame yet . not even nominated ever . and that's despicable beyond words . From Michael from Yorkshire and proud of it .

[@Jacob-seek-Jesus-123]

I ain’t gonna lie when I hear that song, sha Shaka kon & that song I’m every woman, you gonna dance lol. The best one that I like is that old school vibe, tell me something good, there’s something about that sing that makes me just want to sit down & eat a good super with friends anyway have a blessed day. 😊

[@cd6243]

I agree 💯..I'm a huge fan...❤

[@drpersuasion]

100% agree! I get goosebumps hearing her music and hearing her speak. Thankful that I saw her perform in Tokyo.

[@corneliuswhite5139]

I'm sure the Kennedy Honor is just around the corner.

[@pokerface8242]

I could play Ain't Nobody on a constant loop for 24 hours straight and never tire of it. Chaka deserved this honor long before this year.

[@kishiagoins2541]

Me too. I love it. It’s an absolute classic that never gets old.

[@venusbaptiste8210]

Its a perfect song

[@pfv1247]

Chaka Khan looks amazing and she can still Sing! How is it she's 70?

[@bambimelson4945]

Looks and sounds like perfection... Ta dis DAY!😂

[@cedricspratley932]

I helped Chaka Khan package some flowers at the grocery store I worked at in 2008. My friend and I couldn't believe we were witnessing an icon browse the aisles of our store in little ol Williamsburg va. She tipped me and gave me a hug afterwards 🤗 What a moment

[@pammcmonigle6061]

Chaka Khan is Fire!!

[@mayadachi]

Fantastic interview! I am SO PROUD that she stood on her life lessons, experiences, and legacy and didn't crater to the pretentious BS the goody two shoe hypocrites convey as "the way you're supposed to be"/"role model" nonsense. She was a member of one of the greatest movements that stood up for oppressed black people in the 60s & 70s: Black Panther movement was correct, honest, and told the truth!! She confirmed her drug use also, and 100% owned up to it as PART OF HER LIFE EXPERIENCES WHEN SHE GOT HIGH AND ENJOYED IT!!! ABSOLUTE GREATNESS!! ZERO REGRETS! What a LEGEND! CHICAGO'S VERY OWN! We Love You FOREVER, CHAKA!❤

[@Blessed-tn1wd]

Beautifully said!! 🌸🌸🌸 That’s why I can listen to her for hours 😊

[@sarahbaartmansrevenge]

absolutely right! 😊

[@ianbauer4703]

Chaka Khan deserves all the good stuff.

[@jayt4835]

I feel like she’s about a decade past due for all the accolades/ flowers. The recognition she’s getting now should have been given starting in the mid 00s.

[@Bailey2006a]

Thank God those accolades did not wait until having to be awarded posthumously… one of the greatest singers of her or any generation .

[@SoniT]

I love Chaka Khan especially her early albums with the band Rufus.

[@mimic6408]

Yes, Ask Rufus ❤❤❤

[@johnfulton4061]

That in my opinion was her best work I love her but her solo albums were a hit or miss her albums with Rufus were always great my favorite solo album by her is Echoes of an Era a jazz masterpiece Chaka is.a stone cold jazz singer

[@johnfulton4061]

You can see Chaka singing I love you Porgy live at the Blue Note in NYC on you tube FABULOUS!!!

[@johnfulton4061]

​@mimic6408 I love ASK Rufus it has a mystical aura about it but my favorite is Rufusized it's very edgy and has a rock influence hey they're both masterpieces

[@robertahoffmann8820]

She is still beautiful and will SLWAYS be one of my all time favorite singers! Her music was magical😇

[@skurland]

Wow does Chaka deserve this one…she should be in every music-related hall of fame, as far as I’m concerned. Her versatility and technique are still seriously influential. Her work both in Rufus & on her own shows the dexterity with which she can handle so many disparate styles/genres, and what always stands out is that instantly recognizable, one of a kind voice. I’m very happy for her.

[@msl5253]

@Skurland Very succinctly said!

[@earlrodgers8124]

I love her since i was a baby and now im not and i still love Chaka Khan at 53 lol

[@B-Will-]

It's simply ridiculous that Chaka Khan is Just getting in the Hall. The system is flawed..

[@user-yc2zb8ot5c]

​@@earlrodgers8124😂😂me too fam I love love our Queen when we were in highschool my friends and cousins trying to dress like her and Jody whately I miss those good ole days

[@earlrodgers8124]

My Queen of funk! Its bout time!

[@johnmorris4347]

70? And still can sing!

[@lt3074]

She looks great at 70. 🙏🏾❤

[@josearriola3087]

Prince is the most underrated artist songwriter and composure one of the best musicians out there

[@Jhud72]

Whoever did that piece did Chaka some justice, it was a very good story.

[@IamPreacherMan]

✊🏼 go girl. Walk in power.

[@angc1456]

PRINCE The GOAT :) Chaka Khan is an another Legend 🥰🥰🥰

[@PDogB]

I enjoyed her music throughout my young teen days. Love that she, like me, sees it as a waste of time to regret any part of her life. Blessings to her!!

[@r8chlletters]

Wow 70…I remember my first album of hers and being blown away by her sharp talent. She sounds ready to retire after a long life of hard work.

[@Lildrummerboy50]

She is an icon!! And she looks absolutely beautiful

[@chiefxx8259]

Hell, she could have and should have been inducted 10yrs ago ! All the old soul classics, pop with Prince, Stevie Wonder, her jazz collaborations, and her other stuff .👍 🎼🎵💃🌷👍 "Everlasting Love"🎵

[@RaymondHng]

She outlasted Prince and Whitney.

[@maxtheknife]

She outlasted most of the people who came after her, credited her as their major influence and who were placed above her.

[@krisj827]

😢😢😢

[@margo3367]

She oozed sexuality back in the day. Good tunes. She deserves to be in the RRHOF. ✌️❤️

[@GoldenGraham25]

Heck, she still does❤😘

[@maxtheknife]

One of our few living legends. ❤

[@poppopw5305]

One word: legendary. Congratulations Chaka! ❤🎉

[@hotdogwaterperfume343]

She hardly ages, my god what a FABULOUS woman! One of the earthiest and soulful chicks to grace the music scene, she puts all the young gals to shame. ARIES QUEEN ♈️🍄🌱✨

[@erictheisen3203]

Let's rock and roll with a legendary Chaka Kahn!

[@allthingsnu4673]

I feel like those of us who grew up during the late 70's and 80's music era had the best music of any generation. Rufus, Chaka Khan and so many others contributed an overwhelming amount to the music industry and to our lives. Thank you Chaka Khan and all of you!

[@DSmith-xv4vv]

Agreed 👍

[@missparsley3202]

She looks amazing at 70! 🤩💯🌟A true icon.💞 Fan since the 80's.👋💫🎉 Congratulations Chaka Khan, you're in the Hall of Fame and you deserve it!🙏💐🍀💯👍 Lots of love from Belgium 🇧🇪 God bless. 🙏🍀💖

[@irishmermaid4]

Her rendition of 'What's Goin' On' with the Funk Brothers is legendary.🌟🌟🌟

[@MrBg76]

She's an icon and beautiful !!! Love you, Chaka !!!

[@romstar]

Chaka is so pretty 🤩😍 and that singing voice!! So blessed 🙏 she is

[@moniquemonique7543]

Such a legendary icon❤

[@thames308]

Thank you Chaka Khan. Take the time you need to be with your family.

[@artie]

Well deserved!!! And about time!!! Vocals that stand the test of time!

[@DangerousParent]

I've never understood why her "Roll Me Through the Rushes" wasn't played in heavy rotation on Gospel Radio Stations, it's an incredible, POWERFUL song which should still be being played🤔

[@GoddessFactor007]

Yep. Her 'wild child' image in those years never worked for gospel though ❤

[@yvonneplant9434]

​@@GoddessFactor007Sure. No " wild" or powerful people singing gospel. 😅

[@christophertracy2807]

Show me any record from Whitney, Mariah, or Beyonce that has the power of Chaka's Rushes

[@ronaldw548]

​@@christophertracy2807 None of them can or could match the vocal strength of CHAKA.

[@DangerousParent]

It's a shame, but your right😏@@yvonneplant9434

[@jefffarmer5785]

Their is some female vocalist that have this very confident aura when it comes to performing music... Chaka; also is unusually witty with a very high musical sense, and intelect-!!! She was (and, still is) one of 'The Greats' in Pop Music-!!!!!!! She is the kind of vocalist that can give you 'Goosebumps' when she sings... 1 in a MILLION-!!!!!!! 😊😁😆👍✌

[@sherrygrant317]

Chaka said it herself she feels scared of being on the stage srugs helped her get through it

[@Afrocentricpoet]

When we talk about black female soul singers she is sometimes over looked. She is a queen an one of one.

[@darrylmilling2747]

By the public but not by the music industry gold and platinum singles and albums 10 Grammy Awards a Star on the walk of Fame countless industry awards and honors

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

​​@@darrylmilling2747Absolutely! I think that mainstream audiences, specially in America, slept on Chaka due to the fact she never had another #1 hit like "I Feel For You" though she had a very consistent and productive career long afterwards. Plus, her struggle with drugs and alchool didn't help much either for some time...

[@darrylmilling2747]

@@SmartRobot-wc2fb I always thought that was Chaka goal was not to be a household name.I did a internship with Earthsong Entertainment Chaka Khan Record Label.I called her a reluctant star she hated doing any industry event honestly could careless about winning a Grammy Yet she was very humble and thankful for her success and had no regrets at all about her choices and decisions good or bad in her personal and professional life

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@darrylmilling2747 True. In the music business you always had the stars/celebrities/entertainers and the musicians/trendsetters...I would include Chaka in the 2nd group of artists...they usually hate all that fanfare associated with the industry/mainstream...she's been strugling with that pretty much all her life/career...but like many others from her generation, she would inevitably become a household name due to her innovative body of work/back catalog...

[@erolynbarnes6654]

I find that strange to me the holy trio would be Chaka Aretha and Tina. I think it’s a generational thing. Nobody can do what Chaka can nobody. Even better live

[@AndreMSmith1]

Congrats Chaka Khan it about time she very underrated. ❤❤❤❤her

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

AND WHAT A LEGACY !!!!! Thank you Chaka for the music. Now go see a movie. You definitely deserve it .

[@MojoMojo5768]

I still spin her records(vinyl) when I dj. I love me some Chaka

[@larrysouthern5098]

Good for Chaka!!! I am a jazz lover and to me the power in her voice reminds me of a trumpet or saxophone.. She has a stong sound and probably wouldn't need a microphone in a concert hall.. "Everlasting Love" is one of my favorites..she starts out in a low register but by the end she's up in the stratospher..that is vocal power... ( I would love to hear a horn version done like she does it..) Thank you Chaka!! For being an inspiration to us all.. Young and old alike... We ❤ You!!!....

[@Smackwater587]

Yes!!!! 🔥 CHAKA! ❤

[@phyllisasinyanbi1995]

Miles Davis made a similar comment about Chaka using her voice like a horn.

[@christophernixon9862]

Love your honesty, Chaka Khan !! Hello Happiness

[@nenaaa1444]

What a beautiful great singer one and only Chaka Khan.

[@TheSouthernMensch]

Congratulations Chaka

[@JustinCase780]

Summer of '84 was beyond fantastic in part to this Goddess! And, she did sooo much more!! And, I'm a rock & roll dude 😂

[@DETROIT1948]

She opened for the Stones in Ft. Collins Colorado. She got loaded on the bus ride, the show started 2 hrs late. She and The Stones were Priceless. Congratulations. 🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@rantoolio]

Grew up in Chicago and would see her with Rufus. Love at first hearing her.

[@chanelhopeful5336]

Well Deserved, She’s Absolutely Fabulous!!!!❤❤❤

[@ericjones7769]

Simply A Legend In Every Word Chaka Khan 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@rosariodeleon541]

Congratulations Chakha🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤on your induction to the Rock ‘ n Roll Hall of Fame, it’s about time. Love your music

[@L.E.O.6141]

Legend,Queen,Icon,Trailblazer.There will never be another.❤

[@ahlfar1901]

Her music is timeless and will be listened to for many more generations. I saw her live a few years ago, and she is Legendary. True Queen of funk!

[@mefirstplease3676]

Love Chaka, I’m so glad one of the many aspects of her voice is being recognized. ❤❤❤

[@tammiedunbar6166]

I was blown away when I was blessed to see CHAKA singing with an Orchestra live with a children' choir with Sir. Quincy Jones directing the Orchestra and CHAKA singing the lead vocals accompanied with SIMPLY RED in French the classic "Everything Must Change" Absolutely Breath Taking". CHAKA have a personal tribute to her long time producer "Arif Martin " RIP for opening up all the doors to her creative possibilities. During moments in my daily life I shuffle between her catalog of music with her fabulous band mates, "RUFUS" and her solo gems such as those beautiful ballads. " Your Love Is All I Know". "Don't Look at me that way". "Telephone" "Destiny ". Stranger to Love". And the icing on the cake for me is when she surrounds her lead vocals accompanied with her own "WALL of CHAKAS" background vocals absolutely genius!!! CHAKA" your tangible artisty is soul power to my soul. I'm blessed to be living in this space and time upon this planet to be alive in these fleeting moments of the days of our lives yet your music is eternal. May our Creator and our "Righteous Ancestors " keep your being safe and well &thriving and in a state of inner peace and grace. " BLESSED ARE THE TIES THAT BIND"

[@rogerwinters9856]

CHAKA KHAN is my girl, I am so happy from my heart she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and yes next the Kennedy Center Honors, she deserved all of it, give my girl her flowers A true talent. .........................................

[@mimic6408]

I love her. I’ve seen her in concert 4 times, she even brought Stevie Wonder out at the Greek Theater 🤩! I am so grateful to have experienced her amazing talent in person, and to have her music as the soundtrack to all of the major events in my life. Thank you Chaka Khan, and congratulations. So happy for you 🥳🎉👏🏽🥰🌹🦋✌🏽💗

[@karenbrown2135]

Yay Chaka!!! You go girl! Big fan here since Rufus days in the 70’s.❤

[@Richards_colorcutdesign]

Amazing !

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

You deserve to watch some movies with the grandkids ❤❤❤❤ LOVE YOUR MUSIC QUEEN!!!

[@kiddid7363]

So no one in the comments isn’t picking up on the fact that this women is burnt out and just wants to relax some where with her fam. From her performance, to responses.

[@DougRawady]

Sensational talent!

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

“Through The Fire” will always be a personal favorite from childhood & my teens as a millennial out of many other incredible hits & tunes from the amazingly multitalented fabulous legendary Chaka Khan.💜🤘🏾💜 Her music is still my go to for escapism and getting through “certain days” along with moments when needed.🍁🎧🍂 She certainly deserves, all of her flowers, accolades, & to enjoy the R&R time with her grandchildren. Planting flowers in her garden, watching multiple good movies,or whatever else.🌺💜🌺 #Icon

[@shelleyswartz1673]

Love her!!!

[@TCSTL378]

I luv Chaka Khan❤....My mom introduced her music to me as a child in the 70's and until this day she is still one of my favorite artists ❤

[@JeffmChicago]

What an honor. Beautifully done CBS News. Congratulations Chaka Khan!

[@afrose71]

Love Chaka! Please induct the Pointer Sisters.

[@shannonblanchard8195]

I love her so much!!! We have the same hair!!! An idol and an icon!!💜

[@jeanneanderson3367]

She is an incredible singer & deserves this honor. Love her music & still listen to it. Congratulations! 👏🏻🎤

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Yasss!!!!🤘🏾🎤👏🏽

[@garydavies8307]

Alas her voice has gone now.

[@Lotus1111]

Phenomenal! Well deserved Chaka Khan! I saw her in concert at Constitution Hall in D.C. in the 90’s - unforgettable night✨

[@MichaelJohnson-wk8tk]

I saw Chaka perform at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival earlier this year. All I can say is wow!!!!!!!! She has been one of my favorite performers since the 70's. This honor is well deserved!

[@JCesar-xf2bk]

I love Chaka! She's an amazing vocalist and seems to be a very grounded person. In Boy George's 1995 autobiography, he tells a conversation that he had with her. She said she kept her awards in the bathroom (if I'm not mistaken). She couldn't care less about them. According to her, who's to say who's better than anyone? So true! By the way, I LOVE ''No See No Cry''. It was a hit in Brazil, although it's been forgotten by the fans and by herself! It was the theme to a Superman movie. I find it so catchy and I remember hearing on the radio. Keep on rocking, Chaka!

[@dakotac180]

She's such an unbothered queen, we are lucky to still have her.

[@chrisforte9894]

100% Class Act. We are fortunate to for her sharing

[@Sunny-il1xm]

About time! One of the best voices ever!!!

[@kl.8992]

So well deserved

[@LS-kg6my]

Some people are just born with cool! Chaka is just one of those.

[@gfunk63901]

She was amazing in the blues brothers

[@lisamac2764]

Thanks for the good vibes, good memories through mine & my childrens lives. ❤

[@michaelwilliams4787]

70 years old and a grandma all i can say is WOW. I'm a 70s brotha and grew up on her music when she was with Rufus

[@winnmiller6012]

Just LOVE Chaka...❤❤❤!!!

[@erehistruth2356]

Congratulations Chaka. You have always been the one. Legendary. One of the best voices I have ever heard.

[@jeremylittle7568]

Long live queen Khan 🎙️✨✨✨🗣️

[@evonza4858]

How dare they NOT induct her Band Rufus 🤨they helped her climb the charts😘❤️🖤💚✊🏾❤️🖤💚 Bless you Rufus wherever you are 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😘

[@Celluloidkid]

my mom was a HUGE FAN!!

[@adelaferreira4575]

Great singer,amazing career Chaka Khan !

[@Tippy150]

Yes❣️ I just love her music. 🎶

[@corneliuswhite5139]

I'm so proud of her. ❤

[@tur74d56]

She is always bitey in interviews

[@neilifill4819]

Chaka Khan is an icon! I saw her in concert and she held the mike close to her stomach while she was singing.. her voice is so big, if it was up to her mouth, she would have blown us away!

[@demitriaturner2515]

I'm from Chicago! From the same neighborhood she is from by watching this or learn a lot. Did not know that Prince wrote the song and ever since I was a kid I always wonder who did the rap part of our film for you. Never in a million years. Would I ever think it was melly Mel now I wonder why he wasn't in the music video? And I never seen any video of him performing it with her?

[@ronaldw548]

He performed it with her at the 1985 or 1986 Grammys.

[@nwguy9816]

I saw her in concert once, at a casino, years ago. She was incredible; when she spoke in between songs she was honest about her struggles, but she is a survivor and those challenges made her a stronger, healthier person.

[@DSmith-xv4vv]

The most diverse female singer of them all !!!! Mutha Voice, diva deluxxe 😎💜🩵❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💋💋💋🔥🔥🔥

[@KevinLong-jr1zv]

About time! Long overdue. She was my favorite even with Rufus during my childhood ❤

[@mmoye8640]

She was definitely feeling right at the RnR celebration! I ain't mad at her. She's a legend!

[@hopedash5372]

Still gorgeous..

[@RemyRAD]

And when I got hired for NBC's, Flagship, FM Station, WKYS, in Washington DC. In 1981. I really enjoyed when I played Chaka Khan. Who didn't? What fun! She exemplified fun music. She was a wonderful performer and still is. And she survived. And flourished. Because she became an adult. And loves her life and children. We've all had a lot of happy joy, because of her. She's one of the Best! She's, Every Woman. RemyRAD

[@mililaniman]

I love the music of Shaka Khan. Her songs will always resonate and energize me..

[@ssays.1998]

Chaka is a REAL ONE and a true G. God bless her.