Rufus, an American funk band, along with their superstar Chaka Khan are nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Induction. That’s exciting news! Most will agree they have earned the opportunity to be considered for the great prestige they are being nominated for.
The American funk band, Rufus, came about in 1970. They remained active with hits till the 80s. They recorded their first “Rufus” album in 1973. Their singles “Whoever’s Thrilling You” and “Feel Good” was recognized on R&B radio stations, but that success wasn’t enough. The album itself had minimum sales and failed to court the attention of Pop radio stations.
Their 1974 release “Rags to Rufus” landed them opening spots for top stars, like Stevie Wonder, Cheech and Chong, and the Hues Corporation. The same year they released another album, “Rufusized.” It went platinum landing them on the top ten spot on the music charts. The next year they headlined their first major tour with Khan. She attracted attention in concert reviews for her powerhouse vocals and sex appeal. These two attributes led to her nickname “pint-size Tina,” after the likes of Tina Turner.
After 1978 Khan released her self-titled debut “Chaka” with Warner Bros Records, her new record label. In 1979 the decline in the relationship between Rufus and Chaka Khan was apparent. Because she owed her former label ABC/MCA two more studio albums, she went ahead and fulfilled her obligations. Together Rufus and Khan released her last project with the group titled “Camouflage” in 1981. Despite the group falling out Khan’s solo career added two more Gold Certified studio albums, “Naughty” and “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me” under her belt.
In 1983 the group decided to officially go their separate ways. Before they did so, they worked released their final studio album “Seal in Red,” which went unnoticed just like their previous project. In between then and now both parties (Rufus, and Chaka Khan) have been hard at work away from the music scene. Their off-camera duties, along with the hard sweat and tears they deposited into their music career are why they’re nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Induction.
They played their part as music artists and gave their audience the musical remedy they sought upon when they needed it. Today it’s up the masses to determine if their past contributions are enough to induct them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. You can vote once per day, so don’t miss the chance to be a part of this Rock & Roll history. Cast your vote here.