The Queen of Funk returns to London to play six exclusive shows at Ronnie Scott’s, following an epic run at the venue back in 2014.
With 10 Grammys under her belt and a back catalogue that includes smash hits such as Ain't Nobody, Through The Fire and Tell Me Something Good, Chaka Khan has made her 40 years in the music industry count.
She cut her teeth in the 1970s as the lead singer of US funk outfit Rufus, racking up a series of gold and platinum albums with the group before jumping ship and going solo in 1978. Floor fillers, including I’m Every Woman and What 'Cha Gonna Do For Me? (recorded with members of the Average White Band), followed. As did a smattering of jazz covers, including a version of A Night In Tunisia featuring Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet, plus collaborations with cross-over greats like Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Clarke.
But Khan’s international breakthrough didn’t come until 1984 when she released her take on Prince’s I Feel For You, with help from Stevie Wonder and Grandmaster Melle Mel, who laid down the first ever rap on an R&B track.
‘60 but going on 20’ in the words of one critic, she’s still a powerhouse performer with energy and soul to spare and a voice that can fill a venue many times this size. The chance to hear her in such an intimate setting is a major rarity and, though you’ll pay a hefty amount for the privilege, it’s almost bound to be worth it. Chaka may be every woman, but there aren’t many like her.
With 10 Grammys under her belt and a back catalogue that includes smash hits such as Ain't Nobody, Through The Fire and Tell Me Something Good, Chaka Khan has made her 40 years in the music industry count.
She cut her teeth in the 1970s as the lead singer of US funk outfit Rufus, racking up a series of gold and platinum albums with the group before jumping ship and going solo in 1978. Floor fillers, including I’m Every Woman and What 'Cha Gonna Do For Me? (recorded with members of the Average White Band), followed. As did a smattering of jazz covers, including a version of A Night In Tunisia featuring Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet, plus collaborations with cross-over greats like Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Clarke.
But Khan’s international breakthrough didn’t come until 1984 when she released her take on Prince’s I Feel For You, with help from Stevie Wonder and Grandmaster Melle Mel, who laid down the first ever rap on an R&B track.
‘60 but going on 20’ in the words of one critic, she’s still a powerhouse performer with energy and soul to spare and a voice that can fill a venue many times this size. The chance to hear her in such an intimate setting is a major rarity and, though you’ll pay a hefty amount for the privilege, it’s almost bound to be worth it. Chaka may be every woman, but there aren’t many like her.
| What | Chaka Khan, Ronnie Scott’s |
| Where | Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, London, W1D 4HT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Leicester Square (underground) |
| When |
06 Jul 15 – 09 Jul 15, 6, 7 & 9 July 2015, Two Shows per night, on stage 7 30pm and 10 15pm |
| Price | £125.00 – £225.00 |
| Website | Click here to book via the Ronnie Scott’s website |
