Chaka Khan: 8 of the singer's most iconic songs 🎶
The Queen of Funk has plenty of hits to choose from!
Last updated 25th Mar 2026
Chaka Khan is a name that speaks for itself. Often described as a queen, icon, and superstar, the legendary artist, whose real name is Yvette Marie Stevens, has carved out a remarkable career spanning decades. Since rising to fame in the 1970s, she has earned an impressive ten GRAMMY Awards AND a Lifetime Achievement Award — a testament to her enduring talent and influence.
Chaka's powerful vocals have been sampled in numerous tracks over the years, introducing her timeless sound to new generations. And now her life and songs are being retold in a West End musical called I'm Every Woman: The Musical.
1) 'I’m Every Woman'
'I'm Every Woman' was Chaka Khan's debut single from her first album 'Chaka', released in 1978. It was her first big hit, aside from working with the funk band Rufus, which landed her a Number 1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, as well as a Top 10 hit in the UK. In 2026, the song was certified Platinum.
A cover of the record was later released by Whitney Houston in 1993 for the soundtrack of her film The Bodyguard.
2) 'Ain’t Nobody'
Undeniably, 'Ain't Nobody' is one of Chaka Khan's most recognisable songs. Released back in 1983, 'Ain't Nobody' quickly rose its way to the top of the charts, reaching Number 1 on the US Billboard R&B chart and Number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it peaked at Number 8 and went on to appear on the soundtrack album to the 1984 film Breakin.
3) 'I Feel For You'
Released in 1984, 'I Feel For You' became a global smash hit, selling over a million copies in both the UK and US, peaking at Number 1 on both the US dance and R&B charts, Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Number 1 for three weeks in the UK. It stayed in the US charts for 26 weeks, helping push Chaka into the spotlight.
4) 'Through the Fire'
Chaka Khan went on to release 'Through the Fire' in 1984, following the success of 'I Feel For You.' However, the track failed to match the smash hit, reaching Number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Number 77 in the UK charts.
Yet, the song did gain some attraction after Kanye West sampled the song in his breakout single 'Through the Wire' from his 2004 debut album 'The College Dropout.'
5) 'Never Miss the Water'
'Never Miss the Water' is the 1995 recording released by Chaka, which also features vocals from Meshell Ndegeocello. The single wasn't released until 1997, after the track was added to Chaka Khan's 'Epiphany' album.
The record went to Number 1 on the US Dance Chart. Interestingly, the song became the official anthem for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2003.
6) 'Disrespectful'
Released in 2007, Chaka Khan teamed up with Mary J Blige to record the R&B track 'Disrespectful', which went straight to Number 1 on the US dance charts and landed the pair a GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. They absolutely smashed it, in our opinion!
7) 'Like Sugar'
'Like Sugar' was released in 2019, as Chaka collaborated with Major Lazer member Switch. The song was part of her 2019 album 'Hello Happiness', her first album release in 12 years. She performed the track all over the world and it was featured as the backing song for Virgin Atlantic's 'Depart The Everyday' campaign.
8) 'Tell Me Something Good'
Chaka appeared on 'Tell Me Something Good' with her band, Rufus. Penned by none other than Stevie Wonder, the track was released in 1974 and was massive in the US, reaching Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning the GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus in 1975.
In May 2025, Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder performed the song on stage during Chaka's tour in Los Angeles.
'Tell Me Something Good' was sampled by Scottish DJ Ewan McVicar in 2021, peaking at Number 15 in the UK charts and being certified Gold. Ewan said in August 2022 that he never thought the song would be as big as it was, telling Four Four Mag: "It was meant to be an edit for my sets coming out of lockdown!"
Read more:
Everything you need to know about the 'Queen of Funk' Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan: A look at her incredible career
Celebrating the incredible career of Whitney Houston