By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices 
Chaka Khan and Ledisi recently joined forces to film a special production of AOL Black Voices' presentation of 'The Bridge' – a musical tour-de-force juxtaposing the exceptional talents of a veteran performer and a promising newcomer.
What can be expected in many instances – where all hell could break loose when two divas, their egos, their handlers and their talent get into one place -- didn't even come close to the level of camaraderie and affinity that exuded throughout the AOL Studios in Beverly Hills during one sunny fall afternoon.
Khan, the internationally renowned R&B powerhouse, was in rare form during the taping, belting out selections from her critically acclaimed new album, 'Funk This' such as the poignant ballad 'Angel' and the nostalgic 'Will You Love Me?" 
Ledisi, a neo-soul newcomer who released her major label debut, 'Lost & Found,' just a few months back, was in perfect voice as she skatted, belted and bellowed during her more pared down setting with songs such as her first single 'Alright' and the mid-tempo romp 'Think of You.'
The two dynamos ignited a volcanic eruption of vocal emotion while performing the classic 'You Got the Love,' featuring original band member Tony Maiden on guitar.
Words can't describe it all, so I personally invite you to watch 'The Bridge' for yourself.
After watching The Bridge, which includes live performances, a photo gallery and an intimate Q&A session, check out the interview outtakes below -- where Khan does most of the talking and dishes dirt about: hearing Ledisi's voice for the first time with legendary session singer Penny Ford; having a run in with comedian/radio personality Steve Harvey and being pursued by Steven Spielberg to play Shug Avery in the landmark film 'The Color Purple.'
It's Chaka like we've never seen her before.
And if that's not enough, see what happened backstage when neo-soul wunderkind Rahsaan Patterson – who stopped on by – traded vocal barbs with Ledisi over Bobby Womack's soul classic 'Stop on By.'
Comments: (14)
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By: JC on 11/04/2007 4:00PM
"An Awesome Combination Of Vocal Talent"!
Instantly Turn your Computer into a Super TV!
http://www.television-on-internet.com/
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By: CASSANDRA on 11/05/2007 8:41AM
THESE PERFORMANCES ARE WHAT'S MISSING FROM THE INDUSTRY TODAY. IT WAS SO AWESOME TO VIEW AND EXPERIENCE. AS A VOCALIST, CHAKA HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY IDOL AND NOW LEDISI IS NOW CONSIDERED A TRUE IDOL. KEEP DOING YOUR THANG LADIES....WE NEED YOU!!!
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By: victoria on 11/05/2007 8:42AM
THIS SHOULD BE GOOD.GREAT TALENT.
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By: Keys on 11/05/2007 10:33AM
Finally, music I will go to the store and buy. Great performances.
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By: Daniel Asamota on 11/05/2007 3:39PM
I've heard Chaka Kahn's new CD and it is beautiful! Ledisi I'm only vaguely aware of (I've only heard a few songs of hers) but she is somebody to watch for the future. She's also quite cute! Eitherway, I look forward to viewing the special and hope one day to work with either or both of these talented nymphs!
Daniel Asamota
author of 'Mound Bayou'
visit me at:
www.myspace.com/asamota
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By: Mark on 11/05/2007 3:09PM
This is what the music industry needs, real music from real singers who don't need to be put into a booth full of machines to make them sound better. These are what you call music machines the video is great and the YouTube sample with Rahsaan (SINGS HIS ASS OFF)Patterson, that dude is one of the most UNDERRATED soulful singers in the business, he can really, really sing for those of you who aren't really on him ya'll need to check out every cd he has put out for me he is the male version of Jill Scott.
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By: Robbie Rob on 11/05/2007 2:45PM
This is really something. I just saw Ledisi for the first time the other night while flipping channels. I stopped on TVOne waiting for the next program to begin and the last few minutes of the show there was this woman singing w/the band. I was absolutely blown away! She has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard in my life...such a powerfully clear and distinct sound...I've missed witnessing this type of talent for a really long time. And how refreshing it was to enjoy this vocalist, feeling how secure she must be in her own skin, not having to compromise herself, appearance wise, in that cookie-cutter-fashion way that we've all gotten quite used to. She dressed sexy but classy. Just as #5 mentioned, I think she's cute and I love her hair. Chaka Khan is a legend in her own time. I've always loved her unique voice and style. There's never been anyone like her. I love her. These two awesome women together are just a special treat for all of us to enjoy. May God continue to bless you both!
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By: Debbie on 11/05/2007 9:14PM
I heard Ledisi for the first time on TVONE and was blown away by her vocals. I will buy her CD. I love NEO SOUL and she is a force. Watch out Jill Scott and I love her to death. These two sisters got it going on.
Keep doing your thing Chaka, loved you since Rufus.
GOD BLESS SUCH GIFTS
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By: warren d on 11/06/2007 1:40AM
I too am so glad to see real music make a comeback with people who are truly talented. Music - especially Black music was headed for the gutter with all these studio-made "stars" and so called divas. None of which could carry Chaka's luggage.One-hit-wonders who can't even sing that one hit without a track machine, but expect you to shell out serious money to see them. Not me.. I'll wait until artists like these ladies come to my town.
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By: Ms. Jackson on 11/16/2007 1:21PM
Until about maybe a few months ago, I had never heard of Ledisi. I too was watching TV, and caught her on BETJ where she was singing acapella. All I know is, when you can SANG acapella, your bad, in a good way! This is pure, raw talent. Not studio produced singing. Keep making it real ladies!
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