@chakakhan
Chaka KhanOn this day in 1974, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan released “You Got The Love,” written by Chaka and Ray Parker Jr. It was the follow-up to “Tell Me Something Good” and proved that Rufus’ breakthrough was no one-hit wonder. Released October 19 on ABC Records, the single climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 16 weeks. The story behind the song is almost as good as the record. Parker later recalled that he originally hoped Stevie Wonder or Barry White would record it. Neither did. Rufus drummer André Fischer, who lived next door to Parker, suggested Rufus take a shot at it instead. Parker brought in the basic musical idea and melody, while Chaka completed much of the lyric. Parker has said hearing Chaka sing it transformed the song completely. “You Got The Love” opened RAGS TO RUFUS, the album that also contained “Tell Me Something Good.” The album itself reached No. 4 on both Billboard’s pop and R&B album charts and eventually went platinum. The song also stayed with Chaka through the years. It became the opening track on STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY – LIVE in 1983, and in 2007 she revisited it again on FUNK THIS, folding it into a medley with “Pack’d My Bags” and bringing Rufus guitarist Tony Maiden back into the picture. What’s your favorite Rufus track from this era? #ChakaKhan #Rufus #TonyMaiden
On the profile · Oct 19, 2026