Arts & Entertainment

Chaka Khan Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony

TELLING YOU SOMETHING GOOD

LEGENDARY CHAKA KHAN TO BE HONORED WITH

STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

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WHO:       Chaka Khan

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                  Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler

                 

WHAT:     2,440th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording

 

WHERE:   6623 Hollywood Boulevard in front of My Studio Nightclub

 

Ten time Grammy® winner Chaka Khan was born March 23, in Chicago, Illinois.

From the moment she burst onto the music scene as the lead singer of the band Rufus in the early 70s, Chaka Khan’s all-powerful voice, show-stopping stage presence and style created a standard that set her apart from any other singer. Nearly 40 years later, Chaka is a legendary music icon whose influence has impacted whole generations of hit-making contemporary artists.

Early on, she caught the attention of another musical icon, Stevie Wonder, who penned her first hit with Rufus, the Grammy® Award-winning “Tell Me Something Good.”  From that point on, the group dominated the airwaves with hit after hit such as “Once You Get Started,”  “Sweet Thing,”  “Everlasting Love,” “Do You Love What You Feel?” and “Ain’t Nobody.”  With Chaka as the group’s dynamic center, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan became one of the most popular acts around, selling out shows throughout the country.

It was inevitable that a singer of Chaka’s caliber would eventually strike out on her own.  When that time came, all doubts about Chaka being able to succeed as a solo artist were quickly dismissed with the release of the smash hit “I’m Every Woman” written by Ashford & Simpson.    Her catalog grew even more impressive with hits such as “Clouds,” “Papillon,” “What’Cha Gonna Do For Me?” and the song that made Chaka Khan a household name the world over, “I Feel For You” written by long-time admirer and friend, Prince.

Though many know Chaka Khan as one of the best soul music singers/songwriters around, she has the rare ability to delve into any genre of music from funk, R&B, pop, rock, jazz, gospel, hip-hop and classical and be authentic in her delivery. The diverse and immense list of artists with whom she has collaborated is a testament to her musical versatility; from Prince and Stevie Wonder to Steve Winwood, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and countless others. In 1992, Chaka took on a more proactive role as Executive Producer for “The Woman I Am” adding a new dimension to her illustrious career and another Grammy® for her efforts.  Chaka’s emotive vocals can be heard on a number of soundtracks including “Clockers,” "Set It Off," "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," "Miami Vice," "White Knights," "Moscow on the Hudson," "Disappearing Acts,” "Waiting to Exhale," “27 Dresses,” “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” “Roll Bounce,” “40 Year Old Virgin,” “The Cookout,” “Hollywood Homicide,” “Deliver Us from Eva,” “Love & Basketball,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown,” and the recent Tyler Perry hits “Madea’s Family Reunion" and “Meet The Browns.”

Chaka Khan is not slowing down.  Her new album, Funk This, won a Grammy® for Best R&B Album and her duet, “Disrespectful,” featuring Mary J. Blige won a Grammy® for Best R&B performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.   She had a glorious Broadway debut as Sofia in “The Color Purple” and had back-to-back Top 10 Billboard hits with the singles “Angel” and “One For All Time” from Funk This

Renowned for the timeless quality to her music, Chaka Khan has earned ten Grammy® Awards.

In 1999, Chaka Khan established the Chaka Khan Foundation, it’s most recent initiative involves a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School district mentoring middle school students who are college-bound. Of her work with the Foundation and her other philanthropic endeavors Chaka simply says, "It’s time to build up and time to give back."  Her commitment to women and children at risk is seen through her countless hours of dedication to the Chaka Khan Foundation. 

Like any superstar of her magnitude, Chaka has had her share of ups and downs.  Her inspiring autobiography, Through The Fire, was acclaimed for its soul-baring candor and honesty.  While many celebrities would avoid putting some of their most painful experiences out there for the whole world to see, Chaka bravely revealed her demons as means to help others


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