Chaka Khan
Biography
Chaka Khan is a singer and songwriter known for her work with the funk band Rufus and as a solo artist. Her career has spanned over five decades. She has recorded notable hits with Rufus, including "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Do You Love What You Feel," and "Ain't Nobody." Khan's debut solo album featured the number-one R&B hit "I'm Every Woman." She has also had success with solo hits such as "What Cha' Gonna Do for Me." Khan's work has been recognized in the R&B charts and she is known for her influence on music creators.
Career overview
Chaka Khan is known for her work in acting. Her career in the field has spanned over five decades. She began her acting career in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus. With the band, she recorded several notable hits, including "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Do You Love What You Feel," and the platinum-certified "Ain't Nobody." Khan's acting credits are extensive, with over 80 known credits.
Chaka Khan's acting career has included various roles in film and television. She has appeared in numerous projects, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her work in the entertainment industry has been well-received, with many praising her talent and dedication to her craft.
Chaka Khan's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond her acting career. She is a singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, known for her distinctive voice and style. Her influence on generations of music creators has been significant, with many artists citing her as an inspiration.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
81 titles- Hollywood Squares (2025) as Self
- Hodgepodge (2025) as Self (archive footage)
- SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (2025) as Self
- American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special (2024) as Self
- Mr. Nelson on the North Side (2024) as Self
- LOUDER: The Soundtrack of Change (2024) as Self
- Prince and His Songs at the BBC (2024) as Self (archive footage)
- Chaka Khan at the BBC (2023) as Self
- The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022) as Self
- Women Who Rock (2022) as Self
- The One and Only Ivan (2020) as Henrietta (voice)
- Chaka Khan - Homecoming (2020) as herself
- Tamron Hall (2019) as Self - Guest
- The Masked Singer (2019) as Miss Monster
- The Masked Singer (2019) as Miss Monster (archive footage)
- Charlie's Angels (2019) Songs
- Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration (2019) as Self
- American Idol (2018) as Self - Performer
- Revival! (2018) as Herodias
- Taraji's White Hot Holiday Special (2017) as Self
- VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night (2016) as Self
- Empire (2015) as Chaka Khan
- Taraji's White Hot Holidays (2015) as Self
- Beyond the Lights (2014) as Chaka Khan
- Every Woman (2013) Music
- Hit Man Returns - David Foster & Friends (2011) as Self
- RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked (2010) as Self - Guest Judge
- Tom Jones: In His Prime (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You! (2010) as Chaka Khan (voice)
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (2009) as Self - Guest
- RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) as Self - Guest Judge
- Celebrity Ghost Stories (2009) as Self
- Live from Studio Five (2009) as Self
- Prince: Club Nokia (2009)
- Quincy Jones : 75th Birthday Celebration Live at Montreux (2008) as Self
- The Graham Norton Show (2007) as Self
- Phineas and Ferb (2007)
- Chaka Khan: Greatest Hits Live (2007) as Vocals
- 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s (2006) as Self
- Celebrity Duets (2006)
- Dancing with the Stars (2005) as Self - Contestant
- Made in Hollywood (2005) as Self
- The Princes of Malibu (2005) as Self
- The Tony Danza Show (2004) as Self
- Original Up-Town Divas (2004) as Self (archive footage)
- Ladies Night - Most Famous Hits (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- American Idol (2002) as Self - Performer
- Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002) as Self
- Globehunters: An Around the World in 80 Days Adventure (2002) as Marla (voice)
- Tom Jones | Duets by Invitation Only (2001) as Self
- An All-Star Tribute to Joni Mitchell (2000) as Self
- The Jazz Channel Presents Chaka Khan (2000)
- Intimate Portrait: Natalie Cole (1999) as Self
- VH1 Divas Live 2: An Honors Concert for VH1's Save the Music (1999) as Self - Performer
- VH1 Divas (1998)
- Prince: Beautiful Strange (1998) as Self
- The Chris Rock Show (1997)
- Songs & Visions (1997) as Self
- The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996) as Self
- Star Search (1995)
- New York Undercover (1994)
- Late Show with David Letterman (1993) as Self - Musical Guest
- GMTV (1993) as Self
- Intimate Portrait (1993) as Self
- An Evening of Fourplay (1993) as Herself - Vocals
- Montreux Jazz Festival 1991 (1991) as Self
- The Prince's Trust Rock Gala (1990) as Self (archive footage)
- Stevie Wonder - Live at Wembley Stadium - London England 1989 (1989) as Self
- Miles Davis - Montreux Jazz Festival (1989)
- Hunter (1984) as Miss Gina B
- Chaka Khan: Live At Roxy (1981)
- The Blues Brothers (1980) as Choir Soloist
- No Nukes (1980) as Self
- CBS News Sunday Morning (1979) as Self
- The Captain and Tennille (1976) as Self - Musical Guest
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Musical Guest
- Rock Concert (1973) as Self
- Top of the Pops (1964) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Today (1952) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Chaka Khan best known for?
Chaka Khan is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Hollywood Squares (2025), The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022), The One and Only Ivan (2020), Tamron Hall (2019).
When and where was Chaka Khan born?
Chaka Khan was born on March 23, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
How many credits does Chaka Khan have?
Chaka Khan has accumulated over 81 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1952 to 2025.
What is Chaka Khan's background in cinema and television?
Chaka Khan is a singer and songwriter known for her work with the funk band Rufus and as a solo artist. Her career has spanned over five decades. She has recorded notable hits with Rufus, including "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Do You Love What You Feel," and "Ain't Nobody." Khan's debut solo album featured...