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

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.