The legendary Chaka Khan has announced that she is set to release an album of unreleased songs co-written with the iconic Prince, following the resolution of various bureaucratic hurdles that had previously delayed its arrival. This exciting album promises to showcase the immense talent and creativity of both artists, highlighting their collaborative genius. The unreleased tracks also feature contributions from Larry Graham, the renowned bassist of Sly and the Family Stone, further enhancing the project with rich funk elements.

Notably, the trio collaborated back in 1998 when Larry Graham‘s group, Graham Central Station, released the album GCS 2000, which was produced by Prince. Coincidentally, on the same day, Chaka Khan launched her album Come 2 My House, which prominently featured Prince not just as a songwriter but also as a performer and producer. This collaboration has historically set a high bar for funk music.

In 1984, Chaka Khan achieved international acclaim with her rendition of Prince‘s 1979 hit single “I Feel for You,” which became a major hit worldwide. The synergy between the two artists has produced some unforgettable music over the decades. When asked about her creative partnership with Prince during a recent interview with the Guardian, Khan remarked, “It was like working with myself, more than anyone else I’ve worked with,” illustrating the deep musical connection they shared.

During the same interview, Khan drew parallels between Prince and the legendary Miles Davis, stating that both were visionary thinkers. She noted, “Miles was always looking to grow. Prince was, too.” This comparison highlights the innovative spirit that both artists embodied, constantly pushing the boundaries of music. Khan elaborated, stating, “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.”

Reflecting on her extensive collaboration with Prince, Khan revealed, “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.” This upcoming release is eagerly anticipated by fans, promising to deliver a treasure trove of musical brilliance.

Memorable Late-Night Performance with Prince and George Benson Fades from Memory

In the same enlightening interview, Khan candidly admitted that she has little recollection of her performance alongside Prince and George Benson at a late-night gathering following Prince‘s electrifying show at London’s Wembley Arena in 1995. “Four o’clock in the morning? No one’s doing anything but craziness at four in the morning!” she exclaimed, hinting at the wild and exhilarating nature of the event. Such late-night performances are often fueled by spontaneity, creating unforgettable experiences.

She further expressed her philosophy regarding her memory of past events: “Don’t look for the little details; just remember the big feeling you had. … I don’t remember a lot of what I did. And thank God!” This perspective reflects Khan‘s embrace of the present moment and her ability to appreciate the essence of experiences rather than getting bogged down by specific memories.

“I’m a ‘next!’ person,” she continued, encapsulating her forward-thinking approach to life. “Life is about what’s happening now… 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.” Her candidness adds a refreshing authenticity to her narrative, resonating with many who share similar sentiments about the fleeting nature of memories.