buzzz worthy. . .
Chaka Khan is on the move.
Khan joined David Foster and Friends at the Kennedy Center Spring Gala in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 6, to raise money for arts education. Foster’s other “friends” included singers Jewel and Peter Cincotti, along with trumpeter Chris Botti, violinist Caroline Campbell, soprano Angel Blue and a multicultural group of new and developing artists. Chaka performed “Through the Fire,” “I'm Every Woman,” and the newly penned “The Promise That We Make," which she performed for the finale with all performers and 40 wives of military servicemen.
The evening before, Chaka electrified a sold-out crowd at the historic Howard Theatre. Performing for an audience of loyal and devoted fans, she sang her signature classic hits, including “I Feel For You,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Sweet Thing,” “Everlasting Love,” “Ain’t Nobody” and more. The Washington Post headline for its rave review read, “Chaka takes the crowd through the fire.” Chaka shared her testimony with the audience about her days of alcohol and drug abuse and the desperate and urgent pleas from her daughter and mother that put her on the road to recovery. During an interview at the Howard Theatre, TV and radio personality Tavis Smiley shared with DeNeen Brown of the Washington Post, “I’ve seen her so many times, but I’ve never seen her go to church. Tonight’s concert was a spiritual experience.” April Ellington, daughter of Duke Ellington added, “Chaka is in absolutely fine voice. She looks better than ever.”
Chaka recently appeared at the first annual International Jazz Day event at the United Nations in the General Assembly Hall in New York City. Khan shared the stage with some of the greatest jazz legends in music history. She performed Ella Fitzgerald’s classic, “Them There Eyes.” The inaugural event was led by Herbie Hancock, UNESCO’s, (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, and the Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. April 30, was declared International Jazz Day. The program began with a message from the United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon, followed by an appearance by Dr. Susan Rice, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, and a message from Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova. The event’s hosts were Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, Jr. and George Duke. The performances were led by Musical Director George Duke and included Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Angelique Kidjo, Sheila E. and a long list of some of the best international jazz musicians in the world.
Free of alcohol and drug use for eight years now, Chaka, in recent years, also struggled with her weight and was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. Determined to get healthy, she committed to diet and lifestyle changes. She has lost over 60 pounds and is now free of both high blood pressure and diabetes.
The next major item on Chaka's agenda is an appearance at the Apollo for the 7th Annual Spring Gala Concert.
In addition to performances honoring Richie and James, this year’s program will include tributes to three musical icons that have passed this year. A Ten-time GRAMMY® Winner, Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to the late superstar Whitney Houston; Eddie Levert, in honor of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius; and Valerie Simpson for her husband and legendary songwriting partner Nick Ashford. The evening will be hosted by celebrated comedian and former host of Showtime at the Apollo, Sinbad, with American Idol’s Ray Chew serving as musical director.
Lionel Richie and Etta James join past Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductees—all legendary musicians, artists, and entertainers whose paths to fame included the Apollo—Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductee is honored with a plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125th Street.
will appear at the Apollo to salute Lionel Richie and pay triute to Whitney Houston.
###