Rufus was a highly influential American funk and R&B band, best known for launching the career of Chaka Khan, one of the most powerful and iconic vocalists of all time. They were a major force in the 1970s funk and soul scene, blending tight grooves, infectious rhythms, and soulful vocals.

🎤 Overview: Rufus (with Chaka Khan)

• Formed: Late 1960s in Chicago, originally as The American Breed → evolved into Rufus

• Active: Primarily 1973–1983

• Known For: Funk, R&B, soul, and early disco-funk crossover hits

• Most Famous Member: Chaka Khan, lead vocalist (joined in 1972)

🎶 Biggest Hits:

1. "Tell Me Something Good" (1974)

   • Written by Stevie Wonder

   • Grammy Award winner

   • Breakout hit that made them stars

2. "Sweet Thing" (1975)

   • A smooth R&B ballad, co-written by Chaka Khan

   • Later covered by Mary J. Blige

3. "Ain’t Nobody" (1983)

   • Grammy-winning track

   • One of their most iconic songs, released on the Live – Stompin' at the Savoy album

4. "You Got the Love"

5. "Once You Get Started"

6. "Do You Love What You Feel"

7. "Hollywood"

💿 Key Albums:

• Rags to Rufus (1974) – Featuring “Tell Me Something Good”

• Rufusized (1974)

• Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (1975)

• Ask Rufus (1977) – Critically acclaimed, includes “Sweet Thing”

• Masterjam (1979) – Produced by Quincy Jones

• Stompin’ at the Savoy – Live (1983) – Final album with "Ain’t Nobody"

🏆 Legacy:

• 6 Grammy Awards (most shared with Chaka Khan)

• Defined a sound that bridged funk, soul, jazz, and pop

• Influenced artists like Prince, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and Beyoncé

• Their tracks have been heavily sampled in hip-hop and R&B (e.g., Kanye West, Tupac)

💔 Band Breakup and Chaka Khan’s Solo Career:

• Chaka Khan left in 1978 to go solo but returned occasionally until Rufus disbanded in the early 1980s

• After 1983, Chaka focused fully on solo work (e.g., “I’m Every Woman,” “I Feel for You”)

🎸 Band Members (Classic Lineup):

• Chaka Khan – vocals

• Kevin Murphy – keyboards

• Tony Maiden – guitar, vocals

• Bobby Watson – bass

• John “J.R.” Robinson – drums (later joined, legendary session drummer)

• Others included André Fischer (drums), Nate Morgan (keyboards), and Ron Stockert (vocals/keyboards in early years)