Chaka Khan

The Profile

Born March 23, 1953 as Yvette Marie Stevens in the Chicago area, Chaka Khan rose to prominence with the group Rufus (credited from 1972) and released her solo debut Chaka in 1978. Renowned for a wide vocal range and a career spanning soul, funk and R&B.

Birth name Yvette Marie Stevens; born March 23, 1953. Rose to fame with Rufus (Rufus & Chaka Khan) from the early 1970s. Solo debut album Chaka released in 1978. Frequently cited as having an extensive vocal range (reviews mention five octaves). Worked with producer Arif Mardin. Publicly reported past struggles with substance abuse and later involvement in charitable work for mothers and autistic children (mentioned in reviews).

DeBaser reviews praise Chaka Khan's five-octave voice, her 1978 solo album Chaka and the 1981 What Cha' Gonna Do For Me. Reviewers highlight her vocal technique, funk/soul arrangements, and career resilience.