It's Day 2 in reviewing classic funk albums and today JT Curtis talks about the album Rags to Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan. The album features the Stevie Wonder penned single "Tell me Something Good" along with "You Got the Love", "Walking in the Sun" and more. Watch an unedited cut of this video on Patreon:
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#Christmas #Chakakhan #Funk #Rufus #Review #HistoryofRock

Another vinyl record to spin: Rags to Rufus by the band Rufus and featuring Chaka Khan on vocals, before her successful solo career. Rufus formed in Chicago at the turn of the decade with guitarist Al Ciner, keyboardist Kevin Murphy (who would be the only constant member for their entire run) and later bassist Dennis Belfield, drummer Andre Fischer, and pianist / singer Ron Stockert who would become their musical leader. Originally Paulette McWilliams was their singer, but when she left, she recommended a 17 year old Chaka Khan replace her. Chaka had also been tapped to become an Ikette with Ike and Tina Turner, but elected to stay with Rufus. The band released their first self-titled album in 1973, noted for Chaka's rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)". Originally Ron and Chaka shared vocal duties, but the record company pushed to make Chaka the band's rising star. Chaka's sexy stage persona was also an attraction, but it was her fiery voice that attracted radio listeners. In 1974, the band recorded their followup LP Rags to Rufus. Ron Stockert co-sang the track "Swing Down Chariot" but all other songs, save the instrumental title number, featured Chaka's soulful voice. These included another Stevie Wonder penned tune called "Tell me Something Good". The song featured Al Ciner using a talk-box on his guitar and was a hit single for the band. "You Got the Love" was another single and the album featured Chaka's dynamic voice from the gospel style "I Got the Right Street (But the Wrong Direction)" to the ballads "Walkin' in the Sun" and the Ashford / Simpson penned "Ain't Nothin' But a Maybe". While the album was a success, half of the band: Ron Stockert, Al Ciner and Dennis Belfield left. They were replaced by guitarist and singer Tony Maiden, bassist Bobby Watson, and keyboardist Nate Morgan. They would continue to put out hits like "Once You Get Started", "Sweet Thing", "Everlasting Love", and "Do You Love What You Feel". Rufus would continue to experience lineup changes for the rest of the decade. In 1978, Chaka Khan released her first solo single: the disco anthem "I'm Every Woman" written by Ashford and Simpson. Throughout the 80s, she would have several hits, including "Ain't Nobody" and "I Feel For You." She would continue to work with Rufus until she left in 1982. Rufus would release one more album in 1983, Seal in Red, but it was not as big a success. Chaka would reunite with the band for a live album in 1983. Rags to Rufus remains a defining moment in the band and Chaka Khan's career.