Rufus wasn’t just another funk band from the 1970s—they were a launching pad for one of R&B’s greatest voices: Chaka Khan. Their music combined soul, rock, and funk in a way that captured audiences and defined a sound. Over the years, Rufus evolved through name changes, lineup shifts, and musical reinventions. With Khan at the mic and hits like “Tell Me Something Good,” they became chart-toppers and Grammy winners.
This is the story of a group that grew from Chicago roots into R&B royalty.
| Name | Role | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Chaka Khan | Lead Vocalist | Known as the “Queen of Funk”; 10-time Grammy winner; launched a successful solo career with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “I Feel for You.” |
| Kevin Murphy | Keyboards | Original member of The American Breed; co-founder of Rufus; helped shape the group’s musical direction. |
| Hawk Wolinski | Keyboards, Vocals | Co-wrote hits like “Hollywood,” “Ain’t Nobody,” and “Street Player”; also composed for film and TV soundtracks. |
| John “JR” Robinson | Drummer | Session drummer on over 50 Grammy-winning tracks; played on “Ain’t Nobody”; collaborated with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. |
The Band’s Early Roots
Rufus started as a rock band called The American Breed, best known for their 1967 hit “Bend Me, Shape Me.” Members Al Ciner (guitar), Charles Colbert (bass), Lee Graziano (drums), and Kevin Murphy (keyboards) formed the nucleus of the group. As musical tastes shifted, the band rebranded several times—as Smoke, then Ask Rufus—before settling on Rufus.
They added vocalist Paulette McWilliams and male lead James Stella. Drummer Andre Fischer later joined, and Ron Stockert replaced Stella as lead singer. McWilliams eventually left and suggested her friend Chaka Khan as a replacement.
The Arrival of Chaka Khan
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Born Yvette Marie Stevens, Chaka Khan had performed with a group called Lyfe before joining Rufus. Her commanding voice and stage presence quickly took over the spotlight. While Ron Stockert remained the band’s official lead at first, Khan’s charisma drew more attention.
Their debut album, Rufus (1973), introduced the band’s sound but had limited commercial impact. Still, it gained a valuable fan: Stevie Wonder.
Breakthrough with Stevie Wonder’s Help
Impressed by Khan, Wonder offered them a song: “Tell Me Something Good.” It became the band’s breakout hit, reaching #3 on the pop chart and winning a Grammy Award. It appeared on their second album, Rags to Rufus (1974), which went gold and hit #4 on the Billboard 200.
Another hit, “You Got the Love”—co-written by Khan and Ray Parker Jr.—topped the R&B chart. From this point, Rufus was a band on the rise.
Building a Legacy: Hit Albums and a New Name
Their third album, Rufusized (1974), brought more success. “Once You Get Started” became a Top 10 pop hit. The band’s label began marketing them as Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, recognizing her star power.
In 1975, they released Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, which topped the R&B album chart and reached #7 on the Billboard 200. The album included “Sweet Thing”, a #1 R&B single and Top 10 pop hit. Another track, “Dance Wit Me”, also cracked the Top 40.
Despite lineup changes, the band continued to shine. Their 1977 album, Ask Rufus, went platinum and featured “At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up),” which topped the R&B chart.
Chaka Goes Solo—But Still Returns
Rufus released Street Player in 1978. The single “Stay” reached the Top 40, but tension within the group was mounting. Chaka Khan left to launch her solo career—and struck gold with “I’m Every Woman.”
Despite her departure, Khan was still technically a member. The next Rufus album, Numbers (1979), was their first without her—and it flopped.
Revival with Quincy Jones and More Success
Khan returned for the 1979 album Masterjam, produced by Quincy Jones. It went gold and topped the R&B album chart. The standout single “Do You Love What You Feel” hit the Top 40 and became a dance favorite.
Once again, Khan left before the next record. Rufus released Party ‘Til You’re Broke (1981) without her, then Camouflage (1981) with her back on board.
Their final studio album, Seal in Red (1983), featured no Khan and failed commercially.
Final Bow: Live Album and “Ain’t Nobody”
Khan returned one last time for Stompin’ at the Savoy – Live (1983), a live album with new studio tracks. Among them was “Ain’t Nobody,” a massive hit that topped the R&B chart and won a Grammy Award. It also gave the band a fitting farewell.
After that, Khan focused entirely on her solo career, reaching new heights with “I Feel for You” in 1984.
Reunion and Recognition
In 2001, Khan reunited with some Rufus members for a brief tour. Though they never fully reformed, the bond remained.
Despite being eligible since 1999, Rufus and Chaka Khan have yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Khan received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.