Chaka Khan Through the Years: Photos of the Singer Since Her Start

By:
March 23, 2022 5:59PM EDT
Chaka Khan
PRPP/Plux/Shutterstock

Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens on Mar. 23, 1953, is the Grammy-winning queen of funk who has been entertaining for over five decades. The vocalist and musician rose to fame as the lead singer of Rufus in the 70s, earning a reputation for putting on an amazing live show. She made history in the 80s as a solo artist after she became the first R&B artist to have a crossover hit featuring a rapper. She teamed up with Grandmaster Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five for her 1984 hit “I Feel for You” and enjoyed hit collaborations with artists like Ry Cooder, Robert Palmer, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Guru, Chicago, De La Soul, and Mary J. Blige. In 2023, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Want to see photos of Chaka Khan from her early days until now? Click through the gallery for more.

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Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2020

Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2020
Chris Chew/UPI/Shutterstock

Here, the beautiful Miss Chaka arrives for the Vanity Fair Oscar party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on Feb. 9, 2020. Her elegant blue dress feature lace, gold accents and a leggy slit.

 

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan in 2020

Chaka Khan in 2020
Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock

She’s still got it! Chaka Khan dons a sparkling dress as she takes the stage at Sound Board Theater, in Detroit, Michigan on Jan. 26, 2020.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 2015

Chaka Khan In 2015
Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP/Shut

Verdine White, Chaka Khan, performs with Ray Parker Jr. at the 13th annual “A Great Night in Harlem,” gala concert, presented by The Jazz Foundation of America on Jan. 9, 2015. The event was held to benefit The Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 2010

Chaka Khan In 2010
Monika Graff/UPI/Shutterstock

Opening act! Chaka Khan performs before Vera Zvonareva of Russia takes on Kim Clijsters of Belgium in the womens’ finals match of the 2010 U.S. Open, held at the National Tennis Center on September 11, 2010 in New York.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 2004

Chaka Khan In 2004
A Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock

Chaka Khan serenades audiences at a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of LA’s Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Her hair was high and her outfit was sparkly for the event, which took place on May. 15, 2004.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 1992

Chaka Khan In 1992
Snap/Shutterstock

Chaka Khan looks radiant in pink silk in a portrait from 1992. The all-star artist has won 10 Grammy and sold over 70 million records worldwide over her celebrated career.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 1990

Chaka Khan In 1990
Eugene Adebari/Shutterstock

Chaka Khan is all smiles while appeared before The Prince’s Trust Concert at Wembley Stadium in London in July of 1990. She looked super cool in her tie-dye top.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan Performs

Chaka Khan Performs
Eugene Adebari/Shutterstock

Talk about stage presence! All eyes are on Chaka as she performs in concert. Her ruby red shawl and leather look were perfect for rocking out.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 1984

Chaka Khan In 1984
Walter Mcbride/Mediapunch/Shutte

Perfectly purple! Chaka Khan wows in a silky purple dress and matching duster in a photo from Aug. 1, 1984. Such a style icon.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM
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Chaka Khan In 1974

Chaka Khan In 1974
Andre Csillag/Shutterstock

A star is born! Chaka Khan is the frontwoman for Rufus, during a concert at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London in 1974.

March 22, 2022, 11:04PM