Full Name
Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi Khan
Date of Birth
March 23, 1953
Place of Birth
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Date of Death
Still Living
Place of Death
N/A
Education
- Calumet High School, (Did not graduate)
- Kenwood Academy High School, (Did not graduate)
Spouses Names
- Hassan Khan (m. 1970-1971)
- Richard Holland (m. 1976-1980)
- Doug Rasheed (m. 2001)
Children Names
Parents Names
Siblings’ Names
- Yvonne Stevens (Taka Boom)
- Mark Stevens
- Zaheva Stevens
- Tammy McCrary
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
Personal Life
Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953, in Great Lakes, Illinois, grew up in Chicago, Illinois, as the eldest of five siblings. During her teenage years, she and her sister Bonnie formed a singing group, The Crystalettes, with two friends from school. Khan’s early exposure to music and the arts was further enriched by her involvement with the Afro-Arts Theater and another musical group she formed called the Shades of Black. In 1969, Khan became active in the Black power movement, joining the Black Panther Party and working with the organization’s free breakfast program for children. It was during this time that she adopted the name Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi. Khan dropped out of high school to pursue her musical career. She has been married twice and has two children, daughter Indira Milini and son Damien Holland. Her first marriage was to Hassan Khan in 1970, which ended shortly after. Milini’s birth was the result of a relationship between Khan and Rahsaan Morris. Khan’s second marriage was to Richard Holland in 1976, which ended in divorce in 1980[3][2].
Career
Chaka Khan’s music career began in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus. With Rufus, she recorded notable hits such as “Tell Me Something Good,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Khan embarked on a solo career in the late 1970s, achieving success with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me.” Her cover of Prince’s “I Feel for You” in 1984 was a significant crossover hit. Khan has won ten Grammy Awards and has been nominated 22 times. Her work spans across eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical, and dance music. Khan has released 22 albums and collaborated with numerous artists, including Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Mary J. Blige[1][14][13].
Achievements
Chaka Khan has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She has won 10 Grammy Awards and has been nominated 22 times. Khan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. She has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from both BET and the World Music Awards, as well as the prestigious UNCF Award of Excellence. Khan’s influence in music and entertainment has been acknowledged with a street named “Chaka Khan Way;” a BET Honors Award; induction into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and many more[14][7].
Controversies, Myths, Misconceptions
Chaka Khan has been involved in a few controversies, including a public feud with Kanye West, which she later resolved, dropping any grudge against the rapper. Additionally, Khan faced personal challenges when her son Damien was arrested and charged with murder, though he was found not guilty in 2006. Khan has openly discussed her struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, entering rehab in 2016 alongside her sister Yvonne (Taka Boom) following the death of Prince[17][3].
Bibliography
- ”Chaka! Through the Fire” (with Tonya Bolden), published by Rodale Books in 2003, chronicles Khan’s life and career. The book is currently being updated for re-release and adapted into a screenplay[3][2].