Chaka Khan Tells Her Life Story (Full Interview)

In this VladTV Flashback from 2020, music icon Chaka Khan sat down with Luenell to tell her life story. Chaka Khan went through her early days growing up, becoming politically active, and getting married at the age of 17 to sign a record contract. She recounted joining the Chicago funk band Rufus, which served as a launching pad for her music career, and how that eventually led to her solo career. Chaka also discussed recording classics such as "Through the Wire" and what her gripe with Kanye was over sampling the track.

[@JessicaLanear]

Vlad get Lunell to interview Stephanie Mills. That would be a 🔥🔥 interview

[@storiking650]

🙌🏾💯YES MA'AM💯🙌🏾‼️

[@thekaerichtexas]

Stephanie does her interviews with Charlemagne....I'd highly doubt she'd could on the vlad show

[@gc4479]

Diana Ross, and Patti Labelle!

[@tamikadavison]

That would be great

[@charjcrochet]

@@thekaerichtexas true given her stance on how she feels about others with our media and music

[@sweetpidi]

We need a Chaka biopic

[@lolabunny1157]

Right

[@spank2424]

Who do you think could play her?...just asking

[@dwightlove3704]

@@spank2424 Good question fun fact she used to attend Black Panther meeting and carry a gun for protection in her teens.

[@sweetpidi]

@@spank2424 great question I'm not sure

[@spank2424]

@@sweetpidi I know that is a hard one that’s just like saying who can duplicate or mimic Beyoncé.

[@MaylayAllDay]

She just ain’t aging. Love her music

[@lindahines9380]

every one ages but she's keeping it together

[@jeanine945]

She’s so fabulous. Almost 70 looking like that ❤️❤️❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@lolabunny1157]

Right she’s beautiful I hope to look as good as her once I get up there

[@atstafford10]

I could have missed something, but this has to be the best interview I have seen Chaka do - she and Luenell mesh perfectly! It takes a lot of mutual respect with the interviewer and interviewee to pull this off. So natural together, like being at home chillin out. Profoundly real!!!

[@gigiarmany4332]

Yes.. absolutely 🔥💥❤️🖤

[@user-bm5un3zb1v]

Absolutely 💯 ❤

[@agorham4674]

you are correct!

[@anthonymason3854]

Oh my goodness, The Legend, The Diva, The Beauty. Love love her voice, songs, and her presence. Glad for this powerhouse interview.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Love me some Chaka ever since I was about 15 and that was in the 70's!! Love You Long Time Chaka!!

[@zandraj1570]

Thats exactly when I discovered her (and Rufus) also. The R&B of that era brings back vivid memories whenever I hear it today.

[@RicardoCray]

Everlasting love is my fav song by Chaka ❤️

[@marvinbennett8384]

Hard for me to pick one but it's up there

[@storiking650]

🎯💯🎯💯🎯💯🎯‼️

[@Desperado23]

Yeah that one has very special place indeed... obviously you have class and great taste in music 😎

[@jfinner86]

Yes.... Epic

[@missmyasia]

This woman is so iconic! She was so revolutionary musically and visually. She changed the game…. One of the most successful female singers of all time.

[@raynellfinn4078]

I ❤️ her & ALL her music ALL these yrs 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@lilypoi6731]

She finally looks 50! Ages like wine😎🙏🏾 Love her💞💞

[@lindahines9380]

she just turned 68

[@christhomas5761]

@@lindahines9380 , 68 and looks 50

[@NpgSymboL]

I know y’all tryna be nice and Chaka defied aging for a long time but she looks a lot older than 50 here.

[@TyStephens]

Does anyone ever speak on Chaka's smile?! The sun comes out when she smiles!! "I love you all my lifetime. Lost to you eternally"!

[@MO-dg4wr]

This is the most relaxed I've seen Chaka, and she's a riot...and good soul, ha ha my type of woman..

[@bombwhippie]

I had a mad crush on Chaka Khan when I was a kid back in the 70’s. When my dad would play the albums I’d listen by the speaker and hold the album cover. And just stare at her. She’s still amazingly beautiful! Her eyes have magic in them.

[@georgiapeach8189]

Luenell does great interviews I love her 😍 I've seen this twice get her to do more interviews Vlad. Chaka Khan looks beautiful and love how honest and open she is.

[@sheskates6551]

It’s amazing that her parents were artists Chaka is the epitome of a great artist just infectious music

[@gigiarmany4332]

What a LEGENDARY Interview..Luenell is an amazing Interviewer, NEVER have I seen Chaka Khan so relaxed & open..BEST INTERVIEW EVER of this LEGENDARY Lady👏🏾💥🎉🔥🖤🖤❤️ greetings from Germany 🇩🇪🖤

[@MGTHEONEANDONLY]

I can’t stress enough I’m so thankful Lunell interviewed Ms Chaka Vlad could not have gotten all of this out of Chaka beautiful interview simply beautiful Kudos Lunell and Ms Chaka you can’t get any beautiful I love and have so much respect for you

[@louislark4506]

Chaka Khan is still fine as vintage wine!

[@raymarshall4809]

So glad to have been blessed early on in my life with her work, thank you Mom.

[@darkskinss]

An icon of rythym and soul as well as funk.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Chaka can sanggg'uh duh hell outta some jazz!! Wow!!

[@aishawells1782]

Miles Blowing is one of my favorite jazz songs by her!

[@ronalddavidson9265]

I loved this interview. I'm from Chicago. Her age group. She still has that Chicago accent. Sounds like my cousin Tina. Love you always ❤

[@MODERN-GAMING-IS-TRASH]

A true legend

[@terecabraz6430]

Agrre

[@MGTHEONEANDONLY]

Lunell should be the new host of Vlad Tv please I love listening to her voice and she not acting like she knows everything or cramming her opinion down our throats Lunnell is the TRUTH

[@osiris9190]

If I close my eyes and just listen, I'd swear Chaka Khan was my mother, my sister, just about any woman in my family.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Chaka's swagg tho!!

[@timmyggztv]

Chaka Khan one of the greatest of all time this lady is a legend for real

[@BlackDNA1492]

Chaka Khan saved my life. I fall in love with my people every time I hear her sing a few notes. Love yourself more Chaka, you deserve it! ❤ Respect is insufficient for you. Love yourself. You are enough.

[@RoseBasket]

Fantastic conversation! Chaka vs Miles Davis’s horn would be the only appropriate versus. There’s no equal or comparison to her talent!

[@warrenbradley7950]

She did work with Miles Davis on the album C.K. That we recorded at the Sandbox in Connecticut Entitled "Sticky Wicket ". Kit 😉👍✌️

[@gawaniwhitecrow2731]

True legend, I feel for you.

[@Lovebug_1022]

Wonderful interview really enjoyed it. 😊

[@borenreg]

Wonderful interview, I love this iconic, spiritual soul. Chaka Khan will live in our hearts. Let’s continue to remember our legends spiritually and May they be protected. My prayer is a prayer of protection over their mind, body and soul.

[@Thehairboss]

I love me some Chaka Khan❤❤❤❤🙌 QUEEN LEGEND ICON🙌❤🙏

[@diwa4274]

Great interview. Love Chaka, always have. I love this interviewer. Great questions and funny as all get out.

[@Passingclouds497]

Best interview I ever seen with a Star. Wow! Great questions and conversation. Thanks !

[@sheenaperez1882]

Love her personality 💕

[@skiddlybop8]

Chaka's songwriting is literature to me. Her box set could be all songs she wrote or co-wrote. It would play through really great and would be inspirational to new generations of female singers and writers.

[@GeeZane]

Great interview! It was like listening to two sisters reminiscing ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thekaerichtexas]

I've ALWAYS thought chaka was fine and still is, this lady is 67 years old and looks damn good baby, I can't believe she has body dysmorphic disorder. She freaking gorgoues

[@papaslim5805]

"I had alot of boyfriends" "O'yeah, I was very Catholic" 😂 She is a Legend!

[@m.antoniosims342]

I love this interview! Both ladies had great chemistry! Both were open and real! I want to know how I can get Chaka’s song, Free Yourself!! The lady put it up, down & all around with that track!!! ❤️

[@jenniferjackson5208]

This was so inspiring!!!! I admire you so much Queen of Funk!!!!❤

[@bernardhorton3023]

What can I say other than Chaka I love you, your music and you're realness! One more thing you still possess the physical Beauty that I've always loved. Thank God for letting me live in an era of time that you're also in.

[@themechanicman3865]

I remember a kid in the 80s listening to what you going to do for me and Chaka Khan let me rock it with you man I tell you Chaka Khan has a very blessed woman I don't really care for VladTV too much but it is what it is I'm sure she got a hefty check to come on his show much love here in Michigan to Chaka Khan in her family such a beautiful woman beautiful singing

[@unairussell7186]

I ain’t doing no song with no heifer!😂😂 A legend in deed! The queen! I love me some Chaka Khan.😁🥰🥰🥰

[@MsKP-dz5fn]

Loved this

[@lolabunny1157]

What Chaka said about body image is a very serious and common thing amongst women! Tami Roman just came out telling her struggles.

[@agorham4674]

Luenell, is on point with the questions/style of bringing out the conversation, and Chaka being Chaka, absolutely beautiful interview....

[@raycarter8070]

Love this lady. i cant wait to watch this!

[@sheilacoady9486]

Her smile is beautiful as she👑🔥🔥👏👏🏆🏆❤️🙏🏾I always loved me CHAKA.😇what a beautiful interview

[@indyiaxoxo4223]

I love Chaka ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vaquero1117]

Great interview. Proud to see my fellow school mate hanging in there. Looking good for 68 yrs old. One day Yvette will acknowledge her old school mates.

[@bkhan9090]

How was Chaka in high school. There are so many different stories about her upbrining.

[@ariellenicholas604]

this was an amazing interview

[@lindabeamon8105]

There is NOBODY like Chaka Khan Nobody and she can do all genre's of music one of my favorites "Smoking Room" and her duet with George Benson...."We got the love" and of course "Tell me something good" and the "Earth Song"....so many more....love to see a movie about her BUT she would have to sing her own vocals, no one can touch her sound.

[@ladyt5700]

Hey Nell. Great Interview. Hey My Sista Friend Chaka K. ;) God Bless Seeing You Again! Out There On Recent Interviews Blessed, Healthy & Happy Chaka. Years Ago, We "First" Met @ A Store In Beautiful Cali (LA) "My 2nd Home" New York Is HOME Base. I Handed You My "Handkerchief," Remember? You Said..I'll Be Good For You. We Shared The Same Pastor. I Visit You Up The Mountain, You Water Hosed My Smoking Car Engine. Man!! I Was Soooo EMBARRASSED!! Lol! You Gave My Lil'l Son (At The Time) A Bag Of Chips. I "Waited" Years!! To Be Honored In Your Presence. And "Still" Waiting 21 Yrs Later For That Visit You Promised. Lol! Oh Well..You Are Definitely "Worth The Wait". Carry On My Queen. God Bless You & Your Love Ones. Always, Lady T*

[@summerbreeze495]

Chaka Khan ALL day Every-day. Much ❤!

[@Theflowoflove]

I would describe Your voice as guiding light of inspiration. You are all the archetypes Chaka Khan. So much love respect & gratitude to you.

[@ChuckyRobinson]

Hands down the best interview she has ever done

[@karenfisher9161]

Love & Respect Chaka even more (if that was possible) after watching this. 1969 & 70's Great times on Rush St., Mothers & Beavers!

[@ForgeWashington]

Got nervous for a min seeing a flashback

[@escolol]

yeah Glad is bogus

[@Awillii]

Based on her Verzuz with Stephanie Mills

[@agnessandy9479]

Your the very best in soul music your music will live on for ever Blessings every time. What lady xx❤

[@stephaniebrooks8044]

Ms. Chaka! That smile is everything!😊❤

[@357CLOUDY]

Good times the 70's. Her smile!

[@ronalddavidson9265]

Love you Chaka.❤ 😘

[@margaretwhite8163]

I love this woman Chaka Khan. She stays in her Lane she's know what she's called to do and she's fulfilling it well. She's been through the fire and she didn't let it break her, in fact it helped her to be the woman that she is. Love you Chaka

[@mrbrownroyyal]

I wish the part about Ike Turner was brought back up again. He wanted her to be an Ikette allegedly.

[@novakafele4031]

Chaka would’ve beat his ass!

[@terecabraz6430]

She still loke the same loking werry good 😍

[@ccruiz8245]

Chaka is cracking me up 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lolabunny1157]

Chaka Khan and Tina Turner remind me of each other. Different voices.

[@tamikadavison]

Both my favs

[@kokobean240]

Chaka looks like she could be Nikki Minaj Momma

[@joycejones4820]

Hello Chaka You're Are ❤️❤️❤️. I loved the Interview. Hope to meet you.Own your Planet girl!! God has it For Your Space Amen.

[@NalaAmari]

Chaka Khan “The Queen of Funk” and one of the best singers of all time and my personal favorite! Love Her!💜❤️

[@monetmonroe4644]

Chicago’s very own ❤️

[@AmericanBully4]

Chaka I'm happily married 45 years but have to admit I've always LOVED you. You took me to HOLLYWOOD🙂

[@Thegoldenchild415]

Anytime I see random Vlad flashbacks. I Google their names. Because I know something must've of happened with them.

[@fbmassage123]

1 of my first crushes. Listening to your songs bring back good memories.

[@gieslerbrad]

Luenell and Chaka?! ❤️❤️❤️

[@briansterling451]

Well this was a nice surprise, love Shaka

[@timmyggztv]

Chaka Khan still looking so beautiful like sweet 16

[@fnsilly8983]

I wish chaka was my relative. She seem so nice.

[@user-qv9ig1iq6r]

Love how genuine chaka is that's the aries in her we say what we feel God bless you queen.

[@kobregon6802]

Love her!!!!!

[@cammac2753]

It's ridiculous how fine she is.. 😍

[@TjgottaCtoon]

Chaka Khan, the best! Love her! I'm glad she got her star... waiting for Teena Marie's star ❤

[@SuperJimmielee]

Lovvvveeeee this woman.

[@Offthbadan]

Kinda disappointed they didn’t mention Ray Charles. That was a legendary collaboration too.

[@spank2424]

Chaka will always be beautiful to me this was my Beyoncé in my day!

[@novakafele4031]

She on Beyoncé still. 🧘🏾‍♀️

[@spank2424]

@@novakafele4031 I don’t get what ur saying?

[@neferaisha7544]

Wait this can't be the "full" interview! I didn't hear the part when they discussed Aretha wanting Halle Berry to play her in a movie and Chaka says "Aretha always was delusional" 🤣🤣😂😂😭😭 That shade was the best part of the interview

[@jeanettesdaughter]

Hey Yvette. I grew up in Hyde Park, too! You went to Kenwood with my brother and befriended the neighborhood Poet, Gavin Christopher. Then like a shooting star - Chaka Khan! Woo 🎉We love you❤

[@tessagodsAsset3N21]

I'm So Sorry it took me This long to watch this interview... LOVE Chaka's musicality! She "touched" on her Gifts coming from GOD. But folks don't realize that with Powerful gifts come Much negative energy... There Is Power in The Tongue. I'm sure much of what Chaka battled was spiritual. I pray GOD continues to Bless her & her entire family. "Thanks Luenell & VLAD".

[@victoriadrinks3074]

I love Chaka Khan. Her singing voice is wonderful and soulful. Especially when she sings in a low voice.

[@RahShanProductionsMTU]

She’s at least top 5 greatest female singer of all time. Crazy how low they had her on that rolling stone list

[@geminirhythmspirit2573]

This womans smile it just melts me, always has, ❤

[@davidmaddox4635]

Legendary!

[@ejkboxing]

Man, Lunell ruined this interview. Everytime Chaka started talking about something interesting Lunell changed the damn subject. I love this woman Chaka Khan. Nobody 50 & under can hang with Chaka on the mic. All of the women who could battle her are dead.

[@michmex220]

Yes !! I thought the same thing , I was getting anxiety’s I wanted to hear what Chaka was going to say, and then luenell would start on the next question interrupting chaka!

[@eggshell99]

Yes I just came upon this video and that was so annoying! She doesn’t know how to interview that well.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

Is the re-upload due to the verzuz that Chaka Khan had?

[@skip031890]

I love that she made it a point to say Ariana Grande was not at the studio when she went to record her parts for the song they did together and that she didn't like that. Straight blunt and to the point which is just the way I am.

[@michaelsaunders1509]

Loved her version of GOLD FINGER. she killed it.

[@royale9998]

She a baddie i aint goin lie

[@357CLOUDY]

Yeah... Love it, my generation.

[@jasonmc7967]

I started listening to this at bedtime thinking her voice would lull me to sleep, it's 1h20min and can't stop listening. Saw her at NBA All Star Show at Temple Liacouras in Philly. She had whole stadium in palm of her hand. I never felt that way at any show before or since.

[@gabriellestorey5325]

She is great!! And is living her best life!!

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

It doesn't take long to love her. Right out of the gate, she's real and cuts to the chase. Her unique perspectives great.