Chaka Khan Talks About Her Long Career and Busy Year Music

Chaka Khan Tells Us Something Good

The singer 65 is in the midst of a late-career resurgence

Austin Hargrave/August Image In recent months, Chaka Khan released two singles, starred in the musical feature film Revival! and sang at memorial service. On February 15, the 65-year-old singer will come out with Hello Happiness, her first album in 11 years. Also on tap for 2019: a career documentary, a voice role in Disney’s The One and Only Ivan, and the introduction of her hair-care products and fashions. More about the funk legend: For her new album, she worked with hot young producer Switch — by accident. “Random,” Khan says. “I was in the studio; he was in the same studio doing something else. And he said, ‘You need some tracks?’ And I said, ‘Sure.’ ” Her background is different from that of a lot of R&B singers. “I didn’t start out in a gospel choir. I’m Catholic. I went to Catholic school. I sang Gregorian chants and ‘Ave Maria’ and stuff like that.” She’s not sweating the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (her former group Rufus featuring Chaka Khan has been nominated three times, including last year, but not inducted). “I’m not singing to be in the . I’m not going to let it take up a lot of my time.” She continues singing because she has to. “If I didn’t, I’d be unbalanced — more unbalanced than I am. I know it would lead to nothing but ruin. And so I surrender. It keeps me stable, somewhat.” She’s inspired by young talent. “I like Jazmine Sullivan. She’s an amazing artist. Emily King as well. They are two artists who are under-known, and based on the talent, they should be better known.” But she’s not keen on today’s music business. “It’s a circus. It’s very ugly because it’s based on competition. And art is not about competition, which causes a lot of grief and messed-up feelings between musicians and other artists. It’s not where I stand.”

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