Chaka Khan is releasing an album of songs that she recorded with Prince. This release comes years after Prince’s passing, making it a highly anticipated project for fans of both legendary artists.
The 72-year-old singer famously had a hit single with her cover of the late music icon’s hit “I Feel For You” back in 1984 and, in 1998, the pair worked together on a full album called Come 2 My House. The original “I Feel For You” single became one of her signature songs throughout her career.
Now, the “Ain’t Nobody” hitmaker is releasing an album of unheard songs that she and Prince recorded together with bassist Larry Graham. Graham, founder of Sly and the Family Stone and Graham Central Station, has been a major influence on Prince’s bass-driven sound.
“We worked on a lot of songs, and they’re all going to be on a CD I’m soon to release — there’s a lot of red tape that’s been in the way, but we’ve cleared it. It’s him and me and Larry Graham, together,” said Khan, who was a frequent collaborator with the “Purple Rain” singer. She told The Guardian newspaper that the legal hurdles likely involved negotiations with Prince’s estate, which has carefully managed his extensive vault of unreleased material.
When asked what it was like to work with Prince, she added: “It was like working with myself, more than anyone else I’ve worked with. Sia’s bringing up a close third, behind Prince and Miles Davis. Quincy Jones, too: he oozed inspiration and shared it. Prince just grabbed ideas out of the air and left you wondering: ‘Where did you get that?’ He was a really deep and beautiful thinker.” Prince was known for his prolific creativity, with many songs that remain unreleased in his legendary vault.
During her career, Khan has also worked with music icons such as Whitney Houston, Joni Mitchell, Sia, Stevie Wonder and jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. Her collaborations span multiple decades and genres, cementing her status as one of music’s most versatile vocalists.
“He and Prince were very similar – big thinkers. Miles was always looking to grow. Prince was, too. The three of us collaborated on “Sticky Wicked,” on my CK album in 1988, and it was a beautiful combination,” Khan said when speaking about working with Miles. “Sticky Wicked” featured Prince on guitar and Davis on trumpet, creating a rare moment where two musical geniuses from different genres collaborated on the same track.
Back in 1995, Khan performed with Prince at his Wembley Arena after show party in London at 4 in the morning along with jazz guitarist George Benson. These legendary after-hours jam sessions became part of Prince folklore, often lasting until dawn with various guest musicians.
Khan went on to share that her memory of the night is not too good but she very much focuses on “what’s happening now.” Her candid approach to her past reflects her forward-thinking attitude that has kept her music relevant across multiple decades.
“My memory is at least as hazy as yours, I bet – probably more. Four o’clock in the morning? No one’s doing anything but craziness at four in the morning! So I’m sure it was like a wild, wonderful night. And don’t look for the little details; just remember the big feeling you had,” she recalled. Prince’s after-shows were known for their spontaneity and often featured unexpected collaborations and extended improvisational jams.
“That’s how I handle my memories. I don’t remember a lot of what I did. And thank God! I’m a ‘next!’ person. Life is about what’s happening now, what’s coming next. I’ve done a lot in my life, and over half of it I don’t remember. Did I ever keep a diary? Oh, hell no. That takes a special kind of patience.” This philosophy has helped Khan remain relevant through changing musical landscapes since her debut with the band Rufus in the early 1970s.
The upcoming album represents a significant addition to both artists’ discographies and joins other posthumous Prince releases that have emerged since his passing. Music historians consider collaborations between artists of this caliber to be important cultural documents that provide insight into their creative processes and musical legacies.
This collaboration between Khan and Prince highlights the deep musical connection they shared over decades of friendship and artistic partnership. Fans of both artists will get a rare glimpse into their creative chemistry in this upcoming release.
