Rufus

Of course, Parker would go on a few years later to launch his own successful band, Radio, which focused on hardcore funk before being mellowed out and crossing over to pop.

There's some dispute that the lead licks here might actually have been by Al Siner, an original band member who would soon leave to be replaced by Tony Maiden and Rufus.

Even if that's true, the rhythm guitar is just as wicked.

Either way, Parker's performance is undeniably dazzling, yet he is more than matched by Shaka's wild and sultry vocals.

Force of nature.

Yeah.

Yeah, this amazing song let off Rufus's second album, Rags to Rufus, which also contained the breakout smash hit written by Stevie Wonder, Tell Me Something Good.

While that song reached number three on the pop chart, You Got the Love was surprisingly a bigger soul hit.

So he goes and does a few huge hits like Brothers Johnson's Stomp.

He does Live In Me by Rufus and Chaka Khan.

He does Baby Come To Me, which is Patty Austin and James Ingram, that duet.

And he does Love Is In Control, which might be my favorite Donna Summer track.

The honor celebrates Khan's extraordinary contributions to soul and R&B and a career that has influenced generations of artists.

From her work with Rufus to her success as a solo performer, the Chicago-born superstar has delivered classics including Tell Me Something Good, Sweet Thing, Ain't Nobody, I'm Every Woman, and I Feel For You.

An 11-time Grammy winner, Khan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.

Her latest album, Shockzilla, features collaborations with Sia, Snoop Dogg, and Lenny Kravitz.

She read Shaka's palm at around 10 years old and told her, one day everybody's gonna know your name.

Shaka would go on to tell us that while traveling on tour with Rufus in the 70s, two things remain in her memory.

The constant loneliness of being thrust in isolation after arriving at the hotel following a show.

Being the youngest and only female was a lot.

There were several important people and opportunities that helped her get there.

She performed with local groups, including The Babysitters, and continued building her experience as a vocalist.

Then she connected with Rufus, the Chicago-based punk band that would change her life.

When Rufus needed a new lead singer, Chaka stepped into the opportunity.

This one is The Shapeshifters Yellow.

Simon, The Shapeshifters guy, cleverly sampled a Rufus and Chaka Khan kind of part of the beat, which I think is really cool and clever.

So I'm going to play the Rufus after this song.

Thank you.

I can't let you use me I'm in control