Chaka Khan, Hollywood Bowl headliner, on missing Prince, rehab in your 60s, and dumb men in music
As someone who has lived through decades of music and experiences, I can truly say that Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone hold a special place in my heart. Their unique sounds and talents have left an indelible mark on the industry and on me personally. I wish Sly could have joined us on this stage; “Frisky” is one of my all-time favorite albums. Our connection runs deep, even if we don’t get to catch up as often as I’d like. But life moves quickly, and both of them have never stayed in one place for too long.
An opportune moment arises to draw inspiration from Chaka Khan’s timeless influence. With the release of albums like Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” infused with disco and house elements, and Sabrina Carpenter’s upbeat “Espresso,” the impact of the 71-year-old music legend is evident. Khan’s illustrious career spans genres including funk as the lead singer of Rufus in the ’70s and a diverse solo journey through rock, R&B, soul, and jazz. Her latest Tiny Desk performance left audiences elated.
Khan has two upcoming performances in Los Angeles: First, she’ll headline on Friday at the Hollywood Bowl accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Secondly, she’s slated for a prime spot at the Fool In Love festival of soul and R&B music on August 31. We discuss the absurdities of the music industry, her friendships with the late Prince and Whitney Houston, and the challenges faced by Black women in music when seeking assistance.
× The Tiny Desk concert received immense affection from the audience. It’s heartening to observe how the younger generation connects with this music and cherishes it deeply.
I’ve been around for quite some time now, and I’ve seen and experienced a lot. One unforgettable moment was when I was suddenly awakened to join in a singing session. It was an enjoyable experience, filled with laughter and good vibes. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of many young people’s lives, born and raised on my melodies. And here I am, still going strong, a staple in their musical journeys.
Last year, you became a member of the esteemed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’d like to extend my late congratulations for this significant achievement. Do you recall hearing about Jann Wenner from Rolling Stone and the Rock Hall making rather controversial statements regarding women in rock not meeting the required intellectual level?
I did not. Did he really say that? Wow.
Did you encounter that sentiment from men throughout your career?
I’ve had the privilege of encountering countless talented women throughout my life, all excelling in various artistic fields, particularly music. Their creativity and dedication have left me in awe, and I firmly believe that women possess exceptional abilities in the arts. I choose to focus on the positive and ignore any baseless claims that seek to diminish their achievements. My personal experience has shown me that it’s more productive to invest time and energy into nurturing my own passions and supporting those around me, rather than getting entangled in negative discourse.
“The classic hit ‘I’m Every Woman’ has become a staple in popular music for decades. Does its meaning shift at times when the cultural perspective towards women becomes disrespectful or misogynistic?”
The song “I’m Every Woman” resonates with different people in various audiences on distinct nights. It’s a song about empowerment, and when I first heard it, I was struck by its power. However, for a while, I felt uncomfortable and misplaced, interpreting it as if I, Chaka Khan, embodied every woman. But the truth is, collectively, we all represent every woman. We’re all humans, possessing both masculine and feminine aspects within us.
Numerous pop artists have been inspired by you. The influence of your music is evident in Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” which was a recent hit and pays homage to the funk style of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Why does this era continue to captivate us?
In the ’90s, I believe the music scene was quite vibrant and appealing to me, [chuckles]. However, it’s essential to note that exceptional music never fades away. The beauty, sincerity, and truthfulness of music remain evergreen. This is the essence of what we’re discussing here. It has minimal connection to the specific music released during different periods. As long as the music maintains its high standard, I am content with the impact it leaves behind.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a long and fruitful career in music, and it’s been an incredible journey. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with the talented Sia on a really fun and exciting new song. Working with her has been such an enriching experience for me, as she brings a unique energy and creativity to every project.
Sia is similar to my goddaughter in terms of shared thoughts and feelings. Her comprehension of me seems instinctive, making me ponder why we weren’t introduced earlier. Every piece she produces resonates deeply with me. When I questioned her about her insights into me, she casually replied, “I’ve grown up influenced by you.”
Have your songwriting processes and vocal style changed in intriguing ways as you’ve grown older?
Sure thing!
You have a Hollywood Bowl show coming up. Do you have any fond memories of playing there?
I’m really fond of this place! The ambiance is fantastic, with excellent acoustics and breathtaking beauty surrounding us. Nature envelopes you here, making it even more captivating. And when we have a full moon during performances at the Hollywood Bowl, the scene becomes absolutely enchanting.
Later this year, you’ll be performing as the Fool in the Love fest alongside some true musical legends. Does it hold significance for you that organizers continue to establish new festivals centered around those genres and time periods?
As a cinema enthusiast, I can relate to your experience with music. Growing up, I was surrounded by it – the tunes that played during family gatherings or the radio stations my parents listened to in the car. But once I gained control over my own musical choices, I gravitated towards genres like rock and roll, jazz, and progressive music. Artists such as Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone left a profound impact on me, shaping my musical journey in a way that remains special to this day.
I deeply miss having “Sly” present at that performance; “Frisky,” his album, holds a special place in my heart. Our communication isn’t as frequent as I’d desire, as he’s constantly on the move. Yet our bond runs deep. Sadly, many others who should have graced that stage didn’t make it.
It’s unfortunate that many influential artists, such as Prince, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse, whom you had a strong connection with, didn’t make it to witness the later stages of your own career. Does the reality of losing so many peers make it challenging for you?
Once upon a time, my grandma shared a thought-provoking notion with me. She predicted that there will come a day when the phone call you receive will be easily identifiable, likely from among a few familiar faces. But as life becomes more extensive and fulfilling, she warned, the sense of loneliness can intensify. My grandmother was surrounded by loved ones yet still had moments of profound longing for her cherished friends. I too share this feeling; I deeply miss Whitney Houston, Prince, and Miles Davis.
In your memoir, you mentioned that your early years with Rufus and your solo career were marked by quite a bit of lively partying.
Everyone did back then!
During the ’70s and ’80s, it goes without saying. And you did go to rehab back in 2016, didn’t you? Making those changes at that point in life must have been quite a challenge.
The real difference maker is you, not the rehab center. I don’t believe they deserve much recognition despite their high fees. Ultimately, it’s your effort and commitment that leads to success or failure, not the expensive rehabilitation program you attended.
White male rock stars frequently check into rehab as if it’s a mark of prestige. But is it more challenging for Black women in the music industry to ask for help in such a way?
In many industries, Black people face significant challenges in achieving equal opportunities and fair treatment. This is a well-known fact. You only need to look around to see evidence of this daily struggle. I understand it’s a tough reality, but I choose not to let it discourage me. It doesn’t diminish my determination to work hard and strive for success.
Are there any deep cuts in your live shows today that you’re surprised young people know?
With young people nowadays, I’m not taken aback by anything. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and in the know. Back in my day, discovering new music required effort and research, but today it’s all easily accessible at your fingertips.
I’m really intrigued by your account of that chilling encounter with the paranormal on Celebrity Ghost Stories! Based on what you shared, it sounds like you had a truly unforgettable and perhaps even life-altering experience. I can only imagine the emotions and thoughts that must have run through your mind during that time.
Based on the given text, it seems that the speaker has had a lot of unpleasant experiences in hotel rooms throughout their life. They have learned to take precautions and protect themselves by bringing items like a crucifix, holy water, and palo santo with them. These actions are part of their routine now to ensure they feel safe and secure in unfamiliar environments. Their resilience and ability to cope with such situations speak volumes about their strength and determination to overcome potential challenges. Despite the past experiences, they have managed to turn it around and no longer face any problems.
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2024-07-26 14:06