Songs I Like (32)

May 13, 2024 ~ beetleypete ~ 28 Comments

This is another song that was famously ‘hijacked’ by a later version. Long before Whitney Huston convinced so many people it was her song, the wonderful Chaka Khan released this original in 1978, written by Ashford and Simpson. You just know I prefer Chaka.

(Yes, all five women in the video are Chaka)

Whatever you want, whatever you need
Anything you want done baby, I’ll do it naturally
‘Cause I’m every woman
It’s all in me, it’s all in me
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
I can read your thoughts right now
Every one from A to Z
I can cast a spell of secrets you can tell
Mix a special brew, put fire inside of you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
Then instantly I will appear, ’cause
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
Oh, I can sense your needs like rain onto the seeds
I can make a rhyme of confusion in your mind
And when it comes down to some good old fashioned love
I got it, I got it, I got it, got it, baby, baby
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
I can read your thoughts right now
Every one from A to Z
I ain’t braggin’, ’cause I’m the one
Just ask me, ooh, and it shall be done
And don’t bother to compare
I’ve got it, I’ve got it, got it got it, got it
I’m every woman
I’m every woman
I’m every woman
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Nickolas Ashford / Valerie Simpson
I’m Every Woman lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Nick O Val Music Co Inc

Retro Music 111

February 27, 2024 ~ beetleypete ~ 48 Comments

I am always irritated when a song gets ‘hijacked’ by a later cover version. There are numerous examples, but I am not going to get into that now. Take a great song that was a reasonable hit, then a ‘superstar’ records it later. Suddenly, everyone associates it with the ‘superstar’, especially those too young to have ever heard the original.

For me, this is one of the worst examples.

In 1978, Chaka Khan left the band Rufus, and embarked on a solo career. I already liked her a lot, and had some of the records of ‘Rufus and Chaka Khan’. So I bought her debut album ‘Chaka’ that year, and really liked it. On the album was a truly great song, (in my opinion) written by the talented duo of Ashford and Simpson, called ‘I’m Every Woman’.

Ten years later, Whitney Huston recorded the song, which is now often known or introduced as ‘Whitney Huston’s I’m Every Woman’ GRRR!!

So here is the delightful Chaka, with the original -and best- version.

Significant Songs (109)

January 24, 2016January 24, 2016 ~ beetleypete ~ 9 Comments

I Feel For You

In 1985, I was watching a popular British TV music programme called ‘The Tube.’ Chaka Khan appeared on stage, to sing this song. I had heard of her before of course, as the lead vocalist of the band Rufus, and owned some of the singles that had already been released, including the huge chart success, ‘Ain’t Nobody.’ She pranced onto the stage, her voluptuous form squeezed into a tight basque, generous thighs on show, and legs forced inside high boots. Her wild hair was bigger than a lion’s mane, and her chubby face wore a beautiful smile. She performed the song well, even though her high-kicks and gyrations affected the overall quality of the vocals.

I was captivated, without doubt. I thought that she was cuteness personified, and as with many great artists, I believed that she was singing only to me. I became a fan, on the spot.

Chaka Khan is a stage name. Her real name is Yvette Marie Stevens, and she is almost exactly one year younger than me. By that time, she had already enjoyed a long career in the music business, signing with her first group in 1970, aged just seventeen. After a long spell fronting Rufus, her solo career was marked by big-selling albums, and huge hit singles, as well as collaborations with some other big names, including Stevie Wonder, Rick Wakeman, and Prince. In fact, this song was written by Prince, and released by him in 1979, five years before it appeared on the Chaka Khan album of the same name.

Like many singers, Chaka’s life had its ups and downs. Two marriages, broken relationships, alcoholism and drug addiction, all took their toll on her career, and her body. She came out the other side though, still recording and performing, and even appearing on Broadway, in ‘The Colour Purple.’ We don’t see that much of her in the UK these days, but I will never forget that moment when she appeared on the TV in my living room, and found herself a dedicated fan.

Here is the official video. Stevie Wonder is playing the harmonica.
I have also included the performance from the TV show I watched.