"Ain't Nobody" by Rufus and Chaka Khan

Grammy Alert!

Song#:  1633
Date:  10/01/1983
Debut:  91
Peak:  22
Weeks:  19
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  By 1982, Chaka Khan was free of any contractual obligations to her former band Rufus. She continued her solo career while Rufus tried to start a new one without her. But after a failed 1983 album titled Seal in Red, the band decided to call it quits. However, before parting ways for good, they wanted to have one last major concert with Khan that would result in a live album. She agreed and after three shows at the Savoy Theater in New York, the best performances were edited into three sides of a double-LP title Stompin' at the Savoy - Live. The fourth side consisted of four new studio tracks recorded by the band and Khan. One of those tracks was this song which was issued as a single. It became a major smash at R&B where it gave the band their fifth and final #1. It was also successful at Pop where it almost got into the Top 20. It would be their final Pop chart entry. Following the album's release, the band and Khan would all go their separate ways.

ReduxReview:  Even though this song was written by Rufus member Hawk Wolinski and is recorded by the band, it belongs to Khan. She always was the driving force of Rufus, but on songs like "Tell Me Something Good," the band was just as essential as Khan's voice. However, this one might as well have been a solo song for her. I'd venture to guess that if you ask someone who did this song, they will say Chaka Khan and not mention Rufus. I guess since the band was kaput anyway, it didn't really matter. Regardless, it was a terrific song to close the door on Rufus and it is one that has stuck around for many years.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The Savoy performances were filmed for a documentary film. It should have been released first followed by the LP, which would have served as the soundtrack. However, the label decided to shelve the film and just release the album.  2) Many artists covered this song include rapper LL Cool J. His version was done for the soundtrack to the 1996 animated film Beavis and Butt-Head Do America. It was issued as a single at reached #4 Rap, #27 R&B, and #46 Pop. It was also a major hit in the UK where it reached #1. Only one other artist has had a version reach the US Pop chart. Jamaican singer Diana King reached #94 in 1995 with her take on the song.

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