This June, NPR’s Tiny Desk is celebrating Black Music Month with a series of performances led by Black women, and one of the standout moments has been the appearance of the legendary Chaka Khan. Known as the “Queen of Funk,” Chaka Khan graced the Tiny Desk stage, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career: 50 years since the release of her band’s breakthrough hit, “Tell Me Something Good.”
Chaka Khan’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. She opened with the iconic “Tell Me Something Good,” a song that has not only defined her career but also left an indelible mark on the music industry. The song’s infectious groove and Khan’s powerful vocals transported the audience back to the era when it first topped the charts.
After the show, NPR’s Juana Summers had the opportunity to sit down with Chaka Khan and delve into her thoughts on reaching this remarkable 50-year milestone. When asked about her longevity in the music industry, Khan’s response was refreshingly candid. She admitted that she had never really thought about how long she would be in the game. “Not once,” she said. “I never thought, will I be doing this 25 years, you know? Will I be, like, doing this 50 years? No – ever – not ever. It just happened one day. I was like – somebody said, girl, you know you’ve been doing this 50 years? I said, you’re kidding. That’s really – that was really my response. I had no idea. I’m not watching the clock.”
Despite not keeping track of time, Chaka Khan has undeniably become one of the elder stateswomen of funk, R&B, and the entire spectrum of Black music. Summers asked her if she ever thought about her place in that spectrum. Khan’s humility shone through as she expressed her honor in being part of the reason some artists are doing what they do today. “I’m honored to have anything to do with somebody’s calling. You know, that’s the biggest honor that there is, I think,” she said.
During the interview, Summers also inquired about the younger generation of artists who inspire Khan. Without hesitation, Khan mentioned Willow Smith, praising her as a genius who seamlessly blends various genres and has no limits. She also expressed admiration for Sia, calling her an amazing artist. Khan’s appreciation for the new wave of talent was evident as she acknowledged the many young artists doing incredible work today. “If I’ve had anything to do with that, I can just go on. I can leave now. I’m good,” she said with a laugh.
Chaka Khan’s Tiny Desk concert was a journey through her extensive catalog of hits. She performed classics like “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me,” “Through The Fire,” and “Ain’t Nobody,” each song a testament to her enduring talent and influence. However, she closed the show with another iconic anthem, “I’m Every Woman.”
Summers took the opportunity to ask Khan about “I’m Every Woman,” a song that has become synonymous with her name. Khan revealed that when she first started performing the song, she took it literally and felt uncomfortable because she didn’t see herself as “every woman.” She explained, “I was younger. I took it as like, I’m not every woman. That’s so stupid, you know? (Laughter) That’s not what it means. That’s what was going on. I was taking it literally. And that’s why I felt uncomfortable. You know, I was also growing into being a solo artist. There were quite a few things happening in my life at that time. You know, I was tripping, so (laughter)…”
Today, Khan views “I’m Every Woman” as a great song and an anthem. She no longer takes it literally but sees it as a message for all women. “I see it as, like – I was speaking for all women. It ain’t all about me, you know?” she said.
Chaka Khan’s Tiny Desk concert is a celebration of her incredible career and the impact she has had on the music industry. Her performance and candid interview serve as a reminder of her enduring talent and the timelessness of her music. As she continues to inspire new generations of artists, Chaka Khan remains a true icon in the world of funk, R&B, and beyond.
Source: NPR
