Gulp.
That powerhouse of talent, the incredible Miss Chaka Khan is 70 years old today!
Facts:
- She was born Yvette Marie Stevens, but claims she was given her name "Chaka" when she was 13 by a West African mystic of her bohemian parents' acquaintance.
- Not to be left out, her sister re-christened herself Taka Boom.
- Her father's second wife joined the notorious Black Panthers.
- In a career spanning seven decades, Miss Khan (either solo or with her band Rufus) has sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide.
- She got her big break thanks to Tina Turner, who wanted Chaka to join her "Ikettes"; she turned down the offer, but the attention got her and Rufus noticed.
- The Robert Palmer smash Addicted to Love was originally a duet with Miss Khan, but the producers removed her vocals.
How very dare they - when her vocals are as brilliant as this..?!
Many happy returns, Chaka Khan!
Love the lady. She may be a bit unpredictable and unreliable from time to time... but, hell... she's earned the right. With a voice like that... we should be so lucky that she spits in our direction.
ReplyDeleteWhen the Great Lady spits, she spits!! Jx
DeleteI wonder if there's still a recording of Addicted to Love with her vocals intact?
ReplyDeleteMaybe Palmer didn't like the competition?!
Sx
I need to do a bit of a search to see if I can find it... Jx
DeleteWhat a line-up with those four. Whoo-hoo
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing array of vocal talent! Jx
DeleteChaka, Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khan
ReplyDeleteLove her voice.
How could / Dare anyone removed her vocals.
That might be too many Chakas but you could never have too much of Chaka Khan
There's only one thing better than more, and that's more. more, more! Jx
Delete