25 Best Chaka Khan Songs

A look at the hottest hit songs by the Queen of Funk Soul on her birthday!

Chaka Khan Represents for Every Woman - Chaka Khan was the perfect woman to close out the Whitney Houston tribute. Leading ladies like Beyoncé, Angela Bassette and Elle Varner all sang along to the woman's anthem, "I'm Every Woman." (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET)

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Chaka Khan - You know the name; you know the hair, the smile; but most of all, you know the voice. Chaka Khan is a legend, plain and simple. Through her four-decade career, she's established herself as one of the best to ever do it. Read on for a look at Chaka Khan's 25 best songs.

The New World of Chaka - Signing to Warner Bros. Records as a solo artist, Chaka releases her debut solo LP, Ckaka, in 1978. The album goes gold with the help of the Ashford & Simpson-written classic "I'm Every Woman." That same year, Chaka is also a featured performer on the Quincy Jones hit "Stuff Like That."  (Photo: Warner Bros Music)

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"I'm Every Woman" - Ashford and Simpson penned this iconic woman’s anthem. It was Khan's first solo hit single from her platinum debut solo album, Chaka, and it featured a young Whitney Houston on backing vocals. Houston later recorded a cover version of the song in 1993, and paid homage to the original every woman — Chaka Khan. (Photo: Warner Bros Music)

Chaka Khan Wanna Rock You - Chaka releases her biggest selling (and most pop-sounding) album, I Feel for You, in 1983. The title track is a remake of a Prince tune and features a rap by hip hop pioneer Melle Mell (from the Furious Five). The song is a massive hit and earns Chaka her second Grammy.   (Photo: courtesy Warner Bros)

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"I Feel for You" - Originally recorded by Prince, Chaka’s version of the song featured a rap by Melle Mel, Stevie Wonder on harmonica and a sample of Wonder's hit "Fingertips." This blend of high-tech, funk and hip hop was a number one hit single on Billboard’s R&B chart and earned Chaka a Grammy in 1985 for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female. (Photo: courtesy Warner Bros)

"Ain't Nobody" - Chaka’s final hit single with Rufus was released in 1983. The song was originally featured as a bonus track on the band’s live Stompin’ at the Savoy album and the dance favorite later appeared on her Life Is aDance remix album. “Ain’t Nobody” reached number one on Billboard’s R&B charts.  (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

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"Ain't Nobody" - Chaka’s final hit single with Rufus was released in 1983. The song was originally featured as a bonus track on the band’s live Stompin’ at the Savoy album and the dance favorite later appeared on her Life Is aDance remix album. “Ain’t Nobody” reached number one on Billboard’s R&B charts. (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

"I Know You, I Live You" - Produced by Arif Mardin for the What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me album, this single is a sample of the magic that happens when Chaka’s vocals meet jazz influenced funk soul, a killer horn section and stellar song arrangement. The album was also nominated for a Grammy award.  (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

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"I Know You, I Live You" - Produced by Arif Mardin for the What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me album, this single is a sample of the magic that happens when Chaka’s vocals meet jazz influenced funk soul, a killer horn section and stellar song arrangement. The album was also nominated for a Grammy award. (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

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"Do You Love What You Feel" - Rufus and Chaka Khan released their eighth studio album, Masterjam, which was produced by Quincy Jones,  in 1979. “Do You Love What You Feel” was a No. 1 hit R&B Billboard single. Chaka not only sang all lead and background vocals on the album but also provided the vocal arrangements.  (Photo: MCA)

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"Do You Love What You Feel" - Rufus and Chaka Khan released their eighth studio album, Masterjam, which was produced by Quincy Jones, in 1979. “Do You Love What You Feel” was a No. 1 hit R&B Billboard single. Chaka not only sang all lead and background vocals on the album but also provided the vocal arrangements. (Photo: MCA)

A Wonderful Help - Changing its name to Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, the band releases its second studio album, Rags to Rufus. This time the group's LP gains sales and acclaim because of the smash single "Tell Me Something Good," a song Stevie Wonder wrote solely for Chaka. The song also wins Rufus a Grammy.  (Photo: ABC Records)

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"Tell Me Something Good" - Penned by the iconic Stevie Wonder, “Tell Me Something Good” marked Rufus and Chaka Khan’s first bonafide hit together as a band. It was featured on the gold selling 1974 album Rags to Rufus. The single was also a top five hit single on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. (Photo: ABC Records)

"Clouds" - A mainstay of the dance club scene, legendary songwriters Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson penned and produced this classic single. “Clouds” went on to be a Billboard R&B Top 10 single and was featured on Khan’s second solo album, Naughty.  (Photo: Warner Bros)

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"Clouds" - A mainstay of the dance club scene, legendary songwriters Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson penned and produced this classic single. “Clouds” went on to be a Billboard R&B Top 10 single and was featured on Khan’s second solo album, Naughty. (Photo: Warner Bros)

"Everlasting Love" - Another one of Rufus and Chaka’s romantic, moody and lush ballads, the single is from the group’s 1977 Ask Rufus album. The release was a platinum seller and the single was a top 20 R&B Billboard hit single.  (Photo: ABC Records)

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"Everlasting Love" - Another one of Rufus and Chaka’s romantic, moody and lush ballads, the single is from the group’s 1977 Ask Rufus album. The release was a platinum seller and the single was a top 20 R&B Billboard hit single. (Photo: ABC Records)

"Night In Tunisia" - Chaka celebrated her jazz roots in the rebirth of this legendary Dizzy Gillepsie single. Khan penned the lyrics, which paid homage to the original instrumental version. Featured on her third, Gold certified solo album What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me. Gillepsie also played trumpet parts on the track.  (Photo: Ron Wolfson /Landov)

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"Night In Tunisia" - Chaka celebrated her jazz roots in the rebirth of this legendary Dizzy Gillepsie single. Khan penned the lyrics, which paid homage to the original instrumental version. Featured on her third, Gold certified solo album What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me. Gillepsie also played trumpet parts on the track. (Photo: Ron Wolfson /Landov)

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A Star Is Confirmed - In 2011, Khan is honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star plaque on a section of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.   (Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

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"This Is My Night" - Mic Murphy from the pop soul duo The System produced this single for Khan. The song, a hybrid of the exciting sounds of hip hop, funk and soul, was a number one hit on Billboard’s Dance chart. The track is from Chaka’s fifth studio album, I Feel for You. (Photo: Valerie Macon / Getty Images)

Chaka Khan

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"Through the Fire" - The eighties pop power ballad got a Chaka makeover with this single also from Khan’s No. 1 hit R&B album, I Feel For You. Penned by songwriting king David Foster, the song was also an adult contemporary hit. (Photo: Mike Cameron / Redferns)

Naughty and Nice - In 1980, Chaka releases her second solo disc, Naughty. Once again, Chaka's singing turns songs like "Clouds," "Get Ready, Get Set," and "Papillon" into soul music standards.   (Photo: Warner Brothers Music) 

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"Papillion (AKA Hot Butterfly)" - This popular R&B classic is from Chaka’s album Naughty. The feel-good soul groove featured background vocals from Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston. (Photo: Warner Brothers Music)

The Lady's in Control - Chaka, for the first time, assumes the role of executive producer when she releases her 1992 disc, The Woman I Am. Hit singles from the album, which wins Chaka another Grammy, include "Love You All My Lifetime" and "You Can Make the Story Right."  (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

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"Got to Be There" - Chaka reincarnated a Jackson Five classic on this release. Sung in Khan’s soulful and adult female point of view, it gave the song a renewed perspective. The album went on to be a No. 5 hit on Billboard’s R&B chart. (Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros)

Echoes of the Past - Given Chaka's vocal style being heavily influenced by jazz, she accepts an invitation to be the lead vocalist for the 1981 jazz album Echoes of an Era. Her fourth studio LP, which self-titled, is released the same year. Both win Chaka Grammys.    (Photo: Elektra Records)

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"Them There Eyes" - Harkening back to her strong jazz influences, Chaka paid homage to Billie Holiday with this inspired and lush cover version of the Lady Day classic. The single was featured on Chaka’s Grammy-nominated album Echoes of an Era, which was released in 1983. (Photo: Elektra Records)

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Class Acts: Chaka Khan - In 1971, Chicago native Chaka Khan is recruited to be the vocal lead for Ask Rufus, a local band. Because of her extraordinary singing, Ask Rufus is offered a record deal with ABC/Dunhill Records. Upon signing with the label, the group shortens its name to Rufus. Now 21 years later Chaka is set to grace the stage at the 2012 UNCF: An Evening of Stars celebration.   (Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)

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"Masterjam" - The title track from this Rufus and Chaka Khan release was a flurry of master horn arrangements, killer vocals and danceable funk grooves. The album also marked the second to last studio release that Khan would have with the group. (Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)

"My Destiny" - Not to be confused with the ballad “Destiny,” this single is a funky take on new wave pop. It was featured both on Khan’s solo Destiny album and the soundtrack for the 1986 Richard Pryor feature film JoJo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.  (Photo: Warner Bros)

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"My Destiny" - Not to be confused with the ballad “Destiny,” this single is a funky take on new wave pop. It was featured both on Khan’s solo Destiny album and the soundtrack for the 1986 Richard Pryor feature film JoJo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. (Photo: Warner Bros)

"Destiny" - A romantic slow jam cushioned by a dreamy string section and Khan’s soaring vocals, this single is from Rufus and Chaka Khan’s gold selling, 1978 Street Player album. The song is an unsung classic in Chaka Khan’s ballad repertoire.  (Photo: ABC)

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"Destiny" - A romantic slow jam cushioned by a dreamy string section and Khan’s soaring vocals, this single is from Rufus and Chaka Khan’s gold selling, 1978 Street Player album. The song is an unsung classic in Chaka Khan’s ballad repertoire. (Photo: ABC)

"Be My Eyes" - Before Khan took a recording hiatus to appear on stage in the musical Mama, I Want To Sing in 1995, she recorded 1992's “Be My Eyes.” The single mixed electro pop rhythms with Khan’s signature funk soul stylings.   (Photo: Courtesy of The Cambridge Theatre)

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"Be My Eyes" - Before Khan took a recording hiatus to appear on stage in the musical Mama, I Want To Sing in 1995, she recorded 1992's “Be My Eyes.” The single mixed electro pop rhythms with Khan’s signature funk soul stylings. (Photo: Courtesy of The Cambridge Theatre)

"The End of a Love Affair" - Jazz is Khan’s musical first love and there’s no place more evident than on this gem of a single featured on 1988’s CK album. The Queen of Funk soul proves she's a jazz life force. (Photo: Warner Brothers)

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"The End of a Love Affair" - Jazz is Khan’s musical first love and there’s no place more evident than on this gem of a single featured on 1988’s CK album. The Queen of Funk soul proves she's a jazz life force. (Photo: Warner Brothers)

Photo By Photo: Warner Brothers

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"You Got the Love" - One of the early hits from Rufus and Chaka Khan, this single highlighted the full range and power of the soul diva’s voice. The group’s signature rock, funk and soul fusion, with help from Ray Parker Jr. on lead guitar, was also on full display.  (Photo: MCA Records)

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"You Got the Love" - One of the early hits from Rufus and Chaka Khan, this single highlighted the full range and power of the soul diva’s voice. The group’s signature rock, funk and soul fusion, with help from Ray Parker Jr. on lead guitar, was also on full display. (Photo: MCA Records)

"To Sir With Love" - Showing the diverse musical range that’s made her voice a treasure, Chaka reinterpreted this Lulu classic from the Sidney Poitier film of the same name. It appeared on her ClassiKhan album, which featured the Grammy award-winning singer backed by the London Symphony Orchestra.  (Photo: Sanctuary Records)

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"To Sir With Love" - Showing the diverse musical range that’s made her voice a treasure, Chaka reinterpreted this Lulu classic from the Sidney Poitier film of the same name. It appeared on her ClassiKhan album, which featured the Grammy award-winning singer backed by the London Symphony Orchestra. (Photo: Sanctuary Records)

Chaka's House - After departing from Warner Bros. Records, Chaka signs to Prince's NPG label in 1998 and puts out the album Come 2 My House. Afterward she embarks on a hugely successful tour with his Purple Highness.   (Photo: courtesy NPG Records)

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"Betcha" - This dance favorite and funk-filled track is featured on Khan’s 1998 album, Come 2 My House. The album, her ninth studio release, was produced by Prince and recorded on the purple one’s former record label, NPG Records. (Photo: courtesy NPG Records)

Chaka Khan on why she lost weight: - "My weight loss had to occur because I was diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes and I also had high blood pressure. And I’ve been on medication for that since last year until the beginning of this year. And I ended up going, 'Oh, no, no, no, no, this is enough. I can’t live like this.'"(Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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"We Can Work It Out" - Khan recreates this simple Beatles pop tune like you’ve never experienced it. From her 1981 album What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me, the song is an electrifying, exciting symphony of horns, moog bass and funk all set sail by the funk diva’s powerhouse voice. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Funky Diva - When Chaka put out her 2007 LP, Funk This, critics hail the project as her comeback album. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it features the singles "Angel" and the Grammy-winning Mary J. Blige duet, "Disrespectful." Chaka is also honored at the 2006 BET Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award.   (Photo: Courtesy Burgundy Records)

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"You Belong to Me" - From Chaka’s 2007’s Funk This release, the queen of funk soul proves why nobody covers a song as amazingly as she does. Here, she duets with Michael McDonald to recreate his original single with renewed vocal power and extra rich harmonies. (Photo: Courtesy Burgundy Records)