Ain't nobody does it better

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..?!

Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody

Chaka Khan - I'm Every Woman

Chaka Khan - I Feel For You

Chaka Khan - Like Sugar

Etta, Chaka and Gladys - Ain't Nobody's Business

Many happy returns, Chaka Khan!

"If I should take a notion to jump into the ocean, ain't nobody's business if I do"

Here's to what is predicted to be a glorious sunny weekend; and I am going to see Marc Almond in Ten Plagues on Sunday and a BFI members' screening of Cabaret on Monday. It's supposed to climb to 21C (almost 70F) tomorrow, and I look forward to a day in the sunshine!

Here's a sumptuous combination of powerful soul voices to kick off the weekend in style - Miss Gladys Knight, Miss Chaka Khan and Miss Etta James in a rare appearance on stage together... Happy Friday!

Etta, Chaka and Gladys - Ain't Nobody Business