Chaka Khan’s new book takes her fans “Through the Fire”
ByRaShawn Chisolm
Senior Writer

Chaka Khan

Legendary singer Chaka Khan has made a huge mark in entertainment with her versatile singing style, and as a songwriter.

As lead singer of Rufus, she helped pump out classics hits like “Tell Me Something Good,” and “Ain’t Nobody,” in addition to having major solo success with “I Feel For You,” “Through The Fire,” “Love Of A Lifetime” and “You Can Make The Story Right.” Even some of today’s R & B divas, including Mary J. Blige, B. Angie B and Whitney Houston, have covered her songs, “Sweet Thing” and “I’m Every Woman,”

Khan is enjoying continued success with the release of her long-awaited autobiography, Through The Fire.

The Kingsman met with the famous wild child at her book signing at Barnes & Nobles where she talked about her career, starting her own record label, “Earth Song,” and recording with the late Robert Palmer.

Kingsman: Happy anniversary. How does it feel to have maintained longevity for over three decades?

Chaka Khan: I don’t know. It doesn’t feel like thirty years. It feels good (She offers me a bottle of Perrier water)

K: Fans are excited about the book. How does it feel to have fans of all races and age groups?

CK: Fantastic. It’s a beautiful thing. It proves that music transcends all races, colors and languages.

K: The book was originally titled “I’m Every Woman.” What inspired you to rename it “Through The Fire?”

CK: We were going between “I’m Every Woman” and “Through The Fire.” They (the book publishers) wanted “I’m Every Woman” (and) I said ‘absolutely not!’ It’s kind of a ridiculous title; I’m not every woman. I am just a woman. It appealed more to my life. I’ve been through the fire … like a phoenix, and made it. In fact, that’s gonna be the title of my new CD.

K: When it will be released?

CK: Well, we’re shooting for March. It’s taking so long because we’re doing it on our own label.

K: You wrote about being a member of the Black Panthers. What was that experience like?

CK: It was a trip (laughs). It was fun. I was in Fred Hampton’s chapter, and they had me open a free breakfast program at an old church in the ghetto. We used to go every morning at about 6 o’clock in the morning and feed twenty children and go to school.

K: Your last release “Come 2 My House” is one of my favorite CD’s. What was it like working with Prince and the late Robert Palmer?

CK: Brilliant! Both of them were brilliant to work with. Prince is like working with myself. We did the CD in two and a half weeks. Robert Palmer was a wonderful man. A brilliant man and I’m gonna miss him.

K: You originally recorded “Addicted To Love” with him. Why was your vocals erased from the song?

CK: Robert and I met. We went to the studio where he was recording. We went in and did the song together, and I said ‘oh Robert, my record company is going to be jazzed that you and I did this together because it’s a great song and he’s a world wide artist.’ My record company flipped on me, and that was the first time that I started believing that there was conspiracy against Black artist with their labels and I fell out with Warner after that.

K: People were shocked to learn that you co-wrote “Tell Me Something Good” with Stevie Wonder. Do you regret forfeiting the credit?

CK: No. No. Not at all. I was so honored. That was our second album. Come on. I was honored to have the guy interested in me to give me a song. In retrospect, I would have done the same thing.

K: Are there plans to record a new CD with Rufus?

CK: Probably not. We explored that, and I can’t see it right now, but there’s always a chance. What can I say? Something may turn out different in the future.

K: Do you feel that you’ve made an impact on Black music history?

CK: I don’t know what impact I made. I just know I made one. People tell me everyday [that] I influence their style of music or how they. There are lots of chicks that pattern themselves after me. I’m looked upon as a guide, and that is how I know I have an impact.

K: What advice would you give to those wanting to enter the entertainment business?

CK: Take a course in law. Pass the fucking bar (laughs) … excuse my French! They will screw you in every turn. Get some basic knowledge of contracts. The more you know about what they’re gonna hit you with, the more you can be prepared.

Can't wait! Any more details on the album?

VinnyM27 said:

As I heard, it will feature production contributions from ppl like Rahpael Saadiq, Wyclef Jean(oh lawd ), Arif Mardin and others. Artists who will grace this album are Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Donnie, Sting(or so I heard) and some great session musicians.

Harlepolis said:

I can already tell which tracks will stand out.

Harlepolis said:

well...if its chaka it must be good. BTW aisha do U still want
me to send you something related to ms. kahn?

i hadn't been on site much in months-been working on
some spiritual issues...but am back to doing project...oh yeah
like the chaka photo!

youngca

Harlepolis said: