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Anyone who knows Chaka Khan knows that she is the life of the party.
The 10-time Grammy Award winning singer brings a joyful excitement into any environment; whether she's belting out a string of classic R&B/funk hits on stage or holding court at an intimate Caribbean restaurant.
When she's on, she's on.
During the 2009 St. Lucia Jazz Festival, the 'I Feel For You' chanteuse brought her magic to thousands of concertgoers for a Sunday evening line-up that also included Patti LaBelle, Nicole David, George Duke, Beres Hammond and Chicago. "
The Chicago native (formerly known as Yvette Stevens) serenaded a capacity crowd with old school hits such as 'You Got The Love,' 'Sweet Thing' and 'Through The Fire' juxtaposed with her most recent hit, 'Angel.'
Khan, a consummate performer, with a career spanning four decades, said that she always relishes in the warmth that comes from a live audience.
"I've been [to St. Lucia] ten years ago," she explained. "It was amazing."
The 'I'm Every Woman' singer has been working the festival circuit for years now, she said, adding that she's going to keep doing it until she can't do it anymore. "I love that islands are hot but have a breeze. What can I say? I thank the audience for letting me be the background music to their lives."
While on the island, Khan, 56, resided in the exclusive compound Cotton Bay Village, which plays host to the island's biggest celebrities and well-heeled denizens. The most famous of its current residents is five time Grammy Award winner Amy Winehouse, who is in the midst of a very public battle with substance abuse.
Chaka Kahn Pictures
Singer Chaka Kahn attends the Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus at Pier 3 on October 11, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York..Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus - Backstage.Pier 3.Brooklyn, NY United States.October 11, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (55932202), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Chaka Kahn performs with Hot Chip on stage during the Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus at Pier 3 on October 11, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York..Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus - Show.Pier 3.Brooklyn, NY United States.October 11, 2008.Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com..To license this image (55928100), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Chaka Kahn performs with Hot Chip on stage during the Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus at Pier 3 on October 11, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York..Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus - Show.Pier 3.Brooklyn, NY United States.October 11, 2008.Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com..To license this image (55928091), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Chaka Kahn performs with Hot Chip on stage during the Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus at Pier 3 on October 11, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York..Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus - Show.Pier 3.Brooklyn, NY United States.October 11, 2008.Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com..To license this image (55928074), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Chaka Kahn performs with Hot Chip on stage during the Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus at Pier 3 on October 11, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York..Diesel xXx Rock & Roll Circus - Show.Pier 3.Brooklyn, NY United States.October 11, 2008.Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com..To license this image (55928058), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Chaka Kahn performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" on July 4, 2008 at Bryant Park in New York..Chaka Kahn Performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" - July 4, 2008.Bryant Park.New York, NY United States.July 4, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (15893171), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Chaka Kahn performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" on July 4, 2008 at Bryant Park in New York..Chaka Kahn Performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" - July 4, 2008.Bryant Park.New York, NY United States.July 4, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (15893170), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Chaka Kahn performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" on July 4, 2008 at Bryant Park in New York..Chaka Kahn Performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" - July 4, 2008.Bryant Park.New York, NY United States.July 4, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (15893169), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Chaka Kahn performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" on July 4, 2008 at Bryant Park in New York..Chaka Kahn Performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" - July 4, 2008.Bryant Park.New York, NY United States.July 4, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (15893145), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Chaka Kahn performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" on July 4, 2008 at Bryant Park in New York..Chaka Kahn Performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" - July 4, 2008.Bryant Park.New York, NY United States.July 4, 2008.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com..To license this image (15893144), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
The London-area born 'Rehab' singer – who was banned from performing in the United States -- has sought refuge on the island the past few months. She reportedly offered her up her services -- free of charge-- for the 2009 St. Lucia Jazz Festival as a thank you to the natives for treating her so well."She understands me," Khan (pictured right with Winehouse's protege Zalon Thompson) continued.
"She entrusts me ... I'm one of the few people who when I talk to a person like her, she has to listen to me because I've been there, and the world knows it."
"Well, not everything but they know enough," she deadpanned.
"We're going to do some music together," Khan added. "She's a genius."
Up next for the 'Through The Fire' diva: a special recording project with autistic children and a philharmonic orchestra, consisting of music from the classical and rock genres; she also recently wrapped two songs with International recording star Sonu Nigam, whom she referred to as the Michael Jackson of India.
And of course there's plenty of more live shows ... and a few music festivals.
Comments: (6)
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By: Milayah on 5/18/2009 5:03PM
I'm glad Chaka had a good performance, but it look like the pic above Chaka was partying too much? That's ok, Chaka can do that. I'm sure her fans enjoyed her performance. There were times on different TV Award Shows where she was so out there, but could still hold a note? Hopefully, she is living right? Chaka is a wonderful singer/performer. The woman can still hit those notes. But as far as giving Amy Whinehouse advice, maybe Amy will listen and wake up? Taking it from Chaka, maybe this is the kind of support Amy needs. Yall seen that rehab didn't help the Amy? If Amy wants to kick the habit and get off of drugs, she has to really mean it and do it for herself. I hope she wakes up before it's too late. Chaka was a good example because she is still here today.
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By: Seymour on 5/19/2009 2:53PM
Why is Chaka wasting her precious time on a nobody like Winehouse? She would do better tutoring a real talent. The entertainment world of today is dotted with too many talentless individuals (Winehouse, Hilton, Kardashian, etc) who don't do anything. So-called "reality" TV is to blame.
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By: Evelyn on 5/21/2009 10:18PM
No, the problem is not with her befriending Amy, its with dumb ass-- like us who watch garbage like paris, the kardasians, crazy kimora who russell simmons was a starker to until she was of age like a pedophile and the likes. Reality would be over if nobody watched. Chaka is being a good human being by trying to be their far her because she's been there with the drugs. Trust me, I know. She's from my era. No feeling like helping someone.
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By: Mary on 5/19/2009 9:27PM
If this Amy has any sense, she will work with Chaka. This is the best news I've heard for Amy. I am happy for both women if they team up. Chaka is talented, experienced in the music business, and knows a thing or two about life. She could guide Amy with dealing with the music business, and help Amy in dealing with herself in relation to the music business, and life experiences. On top of all of that, can you imagine the music these women could put out? Sign me up for their first CD....
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By: Maria Pratcher on 5/21/2009 3:49PM
People are so quick to judge someone they dont even know, Why dont they stop wasting all that energy on bad things and have a heart if you listen to Ms Winehouse music which is great then you would know that all she needs is someone she can call a friend. I know alot of people have had a bad thing happen to them and did anyone turn their back? Ms Winehouse is a beautiful person and I wish you all the best. Please get the help you need and i will keep praying for you and always remember God made all of us and you are my sister in Christ.
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By: PretaLuz on 5/27/2009 7:08PM
Happy (& surprised) to learn that Chaka worked with Sonu Nigaam. Excellent!
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