Chaka Khan Will Be Honored With a Street Naming & “Chaka Khan Day” in Chicago

“Chicago is where it all began for me,” said Chaka. “Even before Rufus, I sang with local groups such as The Babysitters, Lock and Chain and Lyfe. As a young girl, growing up on Carpenter Street, my parents introduced me to a very rich musical foundation—starting with jazz and opera. I owe this city so much, and I’m deeply honored by this tribute. Chicago will always be a part of me, and with this street naming, I now will always be a part of it. It’s a blessing to me and my family.  We are profoundly grateful to all the people of Chicago.”

“The Fourth Ward has a great legacy of entertainers, artists, and others that have contributed to the cultural fabric of this country and, to a great extent, the world,” said Alderman Burns.  “For over four decades, Chaka Khan has been and continues to be an incredible artistic presence.  She is also a tireless advocate for those in need, who works to change lives for the better through her charitable works. It is only fitting that we, as a community, celebrate and acknowledge her place in the history of this community.”

Chaka Khan Way will be located on the west side of Kenwood Academy, where Chaka Khan attended high school during its early days of operation. Carl McKenzie, president of Artworks Chicago and a music and cultural events producer in the city, led the appeal for the street to be named in her honor. He hopes the proximity to the school will lead a new generation to be inspired by Chaka’s extraordinary achievements in music and entertainment, as well as her efforts to use her success to uplift others. “Chaka is an international music icon who has influenced generations of artists, as well as a philanthropist who has worked tirelessly on behalf of women and at-risk children,” he said. “I hope that students will walk by that sign and want to learn more about the person behind that name.”

Chaka, who has been on extended vocal rest ordered by her doctor early this month, will resume her concert dates in the U.S. and abroad in July, which will include a private engagement in Vienna, Austria (July 4); the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Nashville, TN (July 6); the Dell Music Center, Philadelphia, PA (July 11); the John L. Knight Convention Center, Miami, FL (July 20); the Neighborhood Awards at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV (August 10); Billboard Live in Tokyo, Japan (August 26-29); and Billboard Live in Osaka, Japan (August 31-September 1).

This year, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka’s career in music and entertainment, as well as her 60th birthday. The celebration will include the release of a series of new albums, titled The iKhan Project, which will feature recorded music in eight genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. In addition, plans are underway for the Chaka Khan I’m Every Woman World Tour, which will feature other top female artists.
 

ABOUT CHAKA KHAN

An international music icon and an American institution, Chaka Khan is a ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner who has influenced generations of artists. She is a songwriter, producer, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, who has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. Chaka has released 22 albums and racked up ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs, seven RIAA certified gold singles and ten RIAA certified gold and platinum albums. Chaka’s recorded music has produced over 2,000 catalogue song placements. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her extraordinary achievements in music and entertainment. Earlier this year, she was awarded a BET Honors and she was the recipient of the Trumpet Award (Legend Award). In April 2013, Chaka was honored by the Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc., at its 2nd Annual Gala and Benefit Concert. In June 2013, she was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame at its Annual Spring Gala. In June, 2012, she was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. In 2011, she was honored for her legendary career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During the same year, Chaka was honored with the United Negro College Fund’s An Evening of Stars Tribute. Chaka also received the Soul Train Legend Award (2009), the BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), the GRAMMY® Honors Award from the NARAS Chicago Chapter (2006) and the World Music Lifetime Achievement Award (2003). In 2004, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA. Chaka’s autobiography, Through the Fire, was published by Rodale Books in 2003 and is currently being updated for re-release and adapted into a screenplay. In 1999, she established the Chaka Khan Foundation, which includes a variety of programs and initiatives that assist women and children at risk. In July, 2012, Chaka received the McDonald Corporation’s 365Black Award, honoring her for her leadership of the Chaka Khan Foundation. Besides being a successful musician and a devoted philanthropist, Chaka is also an entrepreneur. In 2004, she launched a line of gourmet chocolates, Chakalates, which was sold in 20 Neiman Marcus stores around the country. In February, 2013 she re-launched her signature brand of chocolates nationally and internationally. She also introduced the Khana Sutra candle, the first product in a fragrance line for men, women and the home. This year, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka’s career in music and entertainment.