Chaka Khan Biography: Yvette Marie Stevens, born on March 23, 1953, and professionally known as Chaka Khan is a legendary American singer often celebrated as the “Queen of Funk.” Her career, which began in the early 1970s, has spanned over five decades. Khan first rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus, recording a string of hits including “Tell Me Something Good,” “Sweet Thing,” “Do You Love What You Feel,” and the platinum-certified anthem “Ain’t Nobody.”
Chaka Khan Biography
Chaka Khan was born on March 23, 1953, in Great Lakes, Illinois, USA. She is an acclaimed music artist and actress, recognized for her contributions to films such as The Blues Brothers (1980), Mission: Impossible III (2006), and Hollywood Homicide (2003). Khan has been married to Doug Rasheed since 2001.
Chaka Khan Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Yvette Marie Stevens |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi Khan |
| Born | March 23, 1953 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres |
|
| Occupations |
|
| Works | Chaka Khan discography |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Labels |
|
| Formerly of | Rufus |
| Category | Singers Bio |
See More:
About Chaka Khan
Yvette Marie Stevens, better known by her stage name Chaka Khan, is an American singer. Known as the “Queen of Funk”, her career has spanned more than five decades beginning in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus.
Chaka Khan Achievements
Launching her solo career, she found immediate success with the number-one R&B hit “I’m Every Woman,” later famously covered by Whitney Houston. She followed that with chart-toppers like “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me” and her 1984 rendition of Prince’s “I Feel for You,” which became the first major crossover R&B hit to feature a rapper.
Chaka Khan Personal Life
She was previously married to Hassan Khan and Richard Holland. During the recording of Robert Palmer’s hit “Addicted to Love,” she originally duetted with Palmer on the track. Although both artists were pleased with the collaboration, her vocals were ultimately removed from the final version due to a conflict of interest—Khan had two singles out at the time. Despite her voice being absent from the official release, she received credit for vocal arrangement when the song topped the U.S. charts in May 1986.
Chaka Khan Wiki
- Born: 23 March 1953 (age 72 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Music group: Rufus (1972 – 1983)
- Spouse: Richard Holland (m. 1976–1980), Hassan Khan (m. 1970–1971)
- Children: Milini Khan, Damien Holland
- Parents: Sandra Coleman, Charles Stevens
Early Life
Yvette Marie Stevens, better known as Chaka Khan, was born on March 23, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, into a creative and bohemian household. She was the oldest of five children born to Charles Stevens, whom she described as a beatnik, and Sandra Coleman, whom she called “able to do anything.” Khan grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood, which she described as “an island in the middle of the madness,” surrounded by the challenges of Chicago’s South Side housing projects. Her parents divorced when she was 10, and both eventually remarried.
Her family was musically inclined—her sister Yvonne later found success as a performer under the stage name Taka Boom, while her brother Mark became a member of the funk band Jamaica Boys and previously performed with the soul group Aurra. She also has two half-sisters, Zaheva Knowles and Tammy McCrary. Raised in the Catholic faith, Khan attended St. Thomas the Apostle School in Hyde Park. She credited her grandmother with sparking her early love of music by introducing her to jazz.
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yvette Marie Stevens |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | Two – Damien Holland and Indira Khan |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million |
| Major Honors | 10 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2023) |
Family Background
Yvette Marie Stevens grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the oldest of five siblings. Her mother, Sandra Coleman, worked for the National Opinion Research Center, and her father, Charles Stevens, was a freelance photographer. Raised in a culturally vibrant environment, Khan was drawn to music from a young age. While attending Kenwood Academy, she became active in music and theater, which set the stage for her future in entertainment.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Khan formed her first girl group, the Crystalettes, at just 11 years old, performing with her sister and local friends. By her mid-teens, she had joined the African American Drama Theater and led her high school’s Black Student Union. In 1969, she joined a local band that would later become known as Babysitters, gaining traction with their soulful, dance-driven style.
Her big break came in the early 1970s when she joined the funk band Rufus as lead vocalist. With Khan fronting the group, Rufus produced several major hits, and her unique sound helped define the era’s funk and soul genres. Khan launched her solo career with the release of her debut album Chaka, which featured the iconic anthem “I’m Every Woman.” Her solo success continued into the 1980s with genre-defying tracks like “I Feel for You” (which featured rapper Melle Mel) and ballads like “Through the Fire.”
Signature Songs and Career Highlights
- Tell Me Something Good” (1974): A Grammy-winning hit with Rufus that put Khan on the map.
- Sweet Thing” (1975): A soulful love song that remains a fan favorite.
- I’m Every Woman” (1978): A female empowerment anthem, later famously covered by Whitney Houston.
- I Feel for You” (1984): A trailblazing crossover hit featuring rap—one of the first of its kind in R&B.
- Through the Fire” (1984): A passionate ballad showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth.
- Higher Love” (1986): Her collaboration with Steve Winwood that topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Awards and Legacy
Chaka Khan’s influence spans generations and genres. She has won 10 Grammy Awards across solo and group categories, including a Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2008. In 2023, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a cultural and musical icon. From funk frontwoman to R&B legend, Chaka Khan has continued to evolve as an artist and remains one of the most powerful and influential voices in modern music.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Chaka Khan was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the Musical Excellence category—an accolade that underscores her lasting influence and trailblazing career in the music industry. More recently, Khan has remained active outside of music through her involvement in philanthropy. She supports various causes, including mentoring programs for women in New Orleans and advocating for a vegan lifestyle, reflecting her commitment to wellness and social change.
Personal Life and Relationships
Chaka Khan has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Hassan Khan, a bassist and producer, from 1970 to 1976. She later married Richard Holland in 1977, though they divorced in 1980. In the 1990s, she was married to Paul Ramsey, but that marriage also ended in separation. Despite her divorces, Khan has remained close with her children and maintains a cordial relationship with her former spouses. She is the mother of two children: Damien Holland and Indira Khan. While her relationship with her son Damien has faced challenges—most notably a legal issue in 2008—Khan has remained supportive. Her daughter Indira, who also pursued a career in the entertainment industry, has often been cited by Khan as a personal source of strength and inspiration.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Khan has long been a style icon, known for her bold, trend-setting fashion and dynamic stage outfits.
- After a major health transformation, she lost over 60 pounds, adopting a vegan diet and a healthier lifestyle.
- Her hit song “I Feel for You” was originally written by Prince, a close friend. The track became a massive success in 1984 and is considered one of her signature songs.
- Khan was a grandmother by age 39, when her daughter Millini gave birth to Raeven in 1992.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Throughout her career, Khan has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy and social justice. She has supported initiatives for underprivileged youth, women’s rights, and music education. Notable collaborations include work with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and the United Negro College Fund. Her legacy transcends music. She is revered not only as a musical icon but also as an advocate for positive change, using her platform to raise awareness and drive action on critical social issues.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Chaka Khan remains an active force in the entertainment industry. As of 2023, she continues to record new music, perform live, and mentor emerging artists. Her influence on contemporary music is evident in the work of artists like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Hudson, who cite her as a major inspiration. Khan’s unmatched vocal ability, artistic versatility, and dedication to social impact have solidified her status as a cultural icon and legend in the world of music.
Chaka Khan Net Worth 2025
As of recent estimates, Chaka Khan’s net worth ranges $30 million, earned through decades of successful performances, music sales, tours, business ventures, and acting roles. She owns multiple luxury properties in the U.S. and abroad and is known for her appreciation of fine living. Khan is also a car enthusiast, having owned several high-end vehicles. Alongside her musical career, she has made strides in music production, running her own label and collaborating on various projects across genres.
FAQs
How much does Chaka Khan make per show?
An example fee to book Chaka Khan is in the starting range of $150,000-$299,000. However, any recent popularity change would cause a price fluctuation well beyond this example. Also, their speaking fee might be different than the fee shown for the cost to perform or to just appear.
What is Chaka Khan’s biggest hit?
Undeniably, ‘Ain’t Nobody’ is one of Chaka Khan’s most recognisable songs. Released back in 1983, ‘Ain’t Nobody’ quickly rose its way to the top of the charts, reaching Number 1 on the US Billboard R&B chart and Number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Why did Chaka Khan change her name?
She joined the Black Panther Party in 1967 upon befriending party Chairman Fred Hampton. After an encounter with an African shaman, Stevens changed her name to Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi (she would become Khan after a marriage to Hassan Khan).
Is Chaka Khan still performing?
Chaka Khan is not due to play near your location currently – but they are scheduled to play 11 concerts across 2 countries in 2025-2026. View all concerts.
How long is a Chaka Khan concert?
As expected, Chaka torn it up and I couldn’t get enough even though she sang for over an hour and a half. I loved every minute of it.” “Very relaxing show!