The legendary musician also spoke on their thoughts on their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Flowers are being brought to Chaka Khan right now.
This year, the legendary musician will be recognized with both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Musical Excellence Award as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Khan told ET’s Rachel Smith, who was speaking with her at a party honoring her cover of The Gentlewoman magazine at The Times Square Edition Hotel in New York, “I’m honored.” Khan’s comments were made in response to Smith’s questions. “I’m truly honored.”
“I’ve got lots of accolades, lots of awards, you know, and it’s been a beautiful experience because people have been letting me know how they feel about me and that means more to me than anything,” she added, pointing out that “I don’t sing for awards.” This is what God has called me to do, and it also happens to be something I really like doing. This is where I am supposed to be.”
Khan has been influenced by a wide variety of artists throughout the course of her 50-year career. She has cited legendary singers like as Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday as sources of motivation. Khan has also cited timeless performers such as Mario Lanza and Yma Sumac, as well as rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.
“That’s how I started out, you know?” she said with a chuckle as she related her story.
It should come as no surprise that Khan has built a connection and cooperation with a particularly brilliant singer like Sia, who will perform at her induction ceremony. Khan has been influenced by such a diverse range of artists throughout her career.
“Sia and I have become great musical partners, writing stuff together,” she commented on. “We have a song coming out in the first quarter of next year.”
“I’m looking forward to that,” she said as an additional comment. “We’ll be doing a lot more work together.”
Khan is taking some time to reflect on her life and work now that she has been elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is a significant accomplishment for Khan.
“I look at my body of work and I say, ‘My goodness, when did I have time to do all this stuff?'” she said facetiously.
She went on to say, “I have no doubt that it will carry on.” Not only my music, but music in general, especially excellent music, is something that is going to remain with us for the rest of our lives. Because this is a very unique kind of communication.”
The artist said that the attention should not be placed on the accolades, but rather on the audience members.
“I got these accolades and stuff, not because I strived to get them,” she admitted openly. “I got them because other people thought I deserved them.” When I’m recording a song, the first thing I think about is whether or not people will like it. Will it be anything that interests them to listen to? Will they listen to what it is that I have to say?’ That is the aspect of it that is most significant to me.
And she is always developing new sides to her personality. She is getting ready to introduce her own fragrance, which will be called Chaka by Chaka Khan and will be available on HSN on November 14. In addition, a new rendition of her smash hit ballad “I’m Every Woman” is on the way. Coincidentally, this song will also be the name of the Chaka Khan-inspired musical that will make its premiere on the West End later this year.
That is one of the many wonderful things about music. “Even after the person has passed away, it continues on,” she pondered. “The music lives.”
On Friday, November 3, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, Disney+ will air a live broadcast of the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will then be made available to watch once the event has concluded. On Monday, January 1, 2024, at 8 p.m. PT/ET, ABC will broadcast a primetime special that will include performance highlights and notable moments. The program will also be accessible on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.