Chaka Khan, singer: Music is a calling

Chaka Khan, singer: Music is a calling

From The Interview by BBC World Service

May 24, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

Chaka Khan discusses her life, career, and the calling of music with hosts Nick Grimshaw and Annie Macmanus.

“This is a calling. It's bigger than anything in your life as an individual. If you found the thing that you were put on this planet to do, and a lot of people are put on this planet and they don't know, it's such a gift to find it.” Nick Grimshaw and Annie Macmanus speak to global music icon Chaka Khan about her life and career. Born Yvette Marie Stevens in the US city of Chicago in 1953, her big break came at the age of 20 when her band Rufus signed its first record deal. With her powerful vocals and striking stage presence, she quickly caught the public’s attention. The band enjoyed commercial and critical success in the years that followed, before Chaka decided to go it alone around a decade later… a decision which transformed her life and career. Worldwide hits such as I’m Every Woman and I Feel For You followed, as well as collaborations with legends like Whitney Houston and Prince, multiple Grammy Awards, and an induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. As a new musical telling her story begins its run, the 73-year-old has a lot to reflect on. Thank you to the Sidetracked team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people…

People in this episode

Hosts: Nick Grimshaw, Annie Macmanus

Guest: Chaka Khan

Topics covered

  • music
  • career
  • personal calling
  • Grammy Awards
  • collaborations
  • life story

Keywords

  • Chaka Khan
  • music career
  • Rufus
  • Grammy Awards
  • Whitney Houston
  • Prince
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rufus, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

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