The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s illustrious ceremony saw Chaka Khan, the sovereign of funk, R&B, and disco, receive the coveted Musical Excellence Award. Celebrated for her iconic solo work and her groundbreaking contributions with the synth-funk pioneers Rufus, Khan was a shining star at the event. An emotional Jazmine Sullivan delivered the induction speech, sharing a poignant tale of Khan’s generous spirit, detailing how she extended support to Sullivan’s mother during her battle with cancer.
The evening was electrified with performances as Khan, joined by a constellation of stars, dazzled the audience. With Common, she revisited the soul-stirring “I Feel for You,” and with H.E.R., she delivered a rending rendition of “Sweet Thing.” The anthem “Ain’t Nobody” was a solo act, followed by a stunning collaboration on “I’m Every Woman” with the one and only Sia. Following these musical feats, Khan shared a few words of heartfelt gratitude in her acceptance speech. For those who missed the live magic, catch the recap of these unforgettable moments below.
In the company of Khan, other luminaries who received the Musical Excellence Award were the esteemed Al Kooper and the legendary Bernie Taupin, known for his lyrical collaborations with Elton John. The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 boasts a diverse and dynamic lineup, including the enigmatic Kate Bush, the trailblazing Missy Elliott, the evergreen Willie Nelson, the defiant Rage Against the Machine, the soulful Sheryl Crow, the harmonious Spinners, and the late, great George Michael. The influential DJ Kool Herc and the innovative Link Wray were honored with the Musical Influence Awards, while Don Cornelius, the visionary behind ‘Soul Train,’ was posthumously honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
In respect to individual privacy settings, some content from the ceremony can be exclusively accessed on the original hosting site. Please visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s official page to indulge in the full spectrum of the night’s festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chaka Khan Rock Hall Induction
Who received the Musical Excellence Award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023?
Chaka Khan was honored with the Musical Excellence Award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023. She was recognized for her remarkable solo career as well as her influential work with the band Rufus.
Which artists joined Chaka Khan for performances at the induction ceremony?
Chaka Khan performed with a lineup of stars during the ceremony, including Common for “I Feel for You,” H.E.R. for “Sweet Thing,” and Sia for “I’m Every Woman.” She also graced the stage with a solo performance of “Ain’t Nobody.”
Who gave the introduction speech for Chaka Khan at the Hall of Fame ceremony?
Jazmine Sullivan delivered the introduction speech for Chaka Khan, sharing an emotional story about Khan’s act of kindness towards Sullivan’s mother during her cancer treatment.
Which other artists were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2023?
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2023 includes Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Sheryl Crow, the Spinners, and George Michael.
What are the Musical Influence Awards and who received them in 2023?
What is the Ahmet Ertegun Award and who was honored with it posthumously in 2023?
The Ahmet Ertegun Award honors songwriters, producers, DJs, record executives, and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on rock and roll. In 2023, Don Cornelius, the creator of “Soul Train,” was posthumously awarded this honor.
More about Chaka Khan Rock Hall Induction
- Chaka Khan’s Musical Excellence Award Highlights
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees
- Jazmine Sullivan’s Emotional Induction Speech
- Rock Hall Performances 2023
- Musical Influence Awards 2023 Recipients
- Don Cornelius’ Ahmet Ertegun Award
8 comments
omg Chaka Khan was amazing at the hall of fame, shes still got it and how cool to see Sia there too
DJ Kool Herc getting an award for musical influence is so deserved, hip-hop wouldn’t be where it is today without him
don cornelius winning the ahmet ertegun award just feels right… soul train was a cultural phenomenon, props to the rock hall for this one
the Spinners finally getting some recognition, it’s about time
Jasmines speech was so touching, really shows how much of a family the music industry can be <3
Common and Chaka Khan? Epic! That “I Feel for You” performance was on fire!
Still can’t believe George Michael’s gone, his music lives on forever, we miss you George
So proud to see H.E.R. performing with a legend, these are the moments that define music history