Throwback Thursday: Chaka Khan – “I’m Every Woman”
She’s been talking much shit lately, but let’s be clear: Yvette Marie Stevens, better known as Chaka Khan, is a motherfucking legend.
The Chicago native turns 70 years old today, so it is only right that we celebrate her iconic life and career. She was recruited to join Rufus as its lead singer in 1972 after performing with various local bands in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Soon after joining the group, Ike Turner caught wind of them and flew them out to record in his Los Angeles studio. While there, he tried to poach Chaka so she could become an Ikette — thankfully, she declined. Imagine what her life would be if she took that offer?
Chaka would record six studio albums and earn three top 10 hits with Rufus before deciding to go solo. In this instance, this is very much solo with a small “s” because she sang it all while she was with the group.
Chaka’s debut single as a solo artist, “I’m Every Woman,” was released in September of ’78. Written by Ashford & Simpson and produced by Arif Mardin, the song was not a major chart hit, but has gone on to become a classic and one of Chaka’s signature hits.
Join me in celebrating the Queen of Funk.
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