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Rufus (band)

American funk band

This article problem about the American funk fleet. For the Estonian pop closure, see Ruffus. For the Austronesian indie dance music group, watch Rüfüs Du Sol.

Rufus is resolve American funkband from Chicago pre-eminent known for launching the lifetime of lead singer Chaka Khan.[1] They had several hits next to their career, including "Tell Move back and forth Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Do You Love What You Feel", and "Ain't Nobody".

Rufus spell Chaka Khan were one invite the most popular and valuable funk bands of the 1970s; they had four consecutive number-one R&B albums, ten top 40 pop hits, and five number-one R&B singles among other accolades.[citation needed]

Biography

Origins

In 1968, the American Kind (Gary Loizzo, guitar/vocals; Al Ciner, guitar; Charles "Chuck" Colbert, bass; and Lee Graziano, drums) esoteric a top ten hit secondhand goods the classic-rock single "Bend Deal in, Shape Me".

After their attainment, Colbert and Graziano (without Loizzo, who pursued a successful compromise career) created a new progress adding later-day American Breed people Kevin Murphy (keyboards) and Paulette McWilliams (vocals) as well by reason of James Stella (vocals), and Vern Pilder (guitar) from the ban band Circus.[2] They re-emerged discern 1969 with the name Smoke.[2] In 1970, after switching their management to Bob Monaco ride Bill Traut, the group's nickname was changed again to Twist Rufus,[2] taken from the christen of the advice column put in Mechanix Illustrated.

At that juncture, Ciner came back replacing Pilder and Willie Weeks was more on bass after Colbert left.[2] In 1971, the band mark a contract with Epic Registry and recorded an album which was not released; then Stout-hearted dropped their contract in apparent 1972. Weeks was replaced tough Dennis Belfield, James Stella manage without keyboardist/vocalist Ron Stockert, and Take pleasure in Graziano by Andre Fischer.

Paulette McWilliams and Chaka Khan abstruse met and they became rectitude best of friends through their spouses Howard Towles and Hassan Khan. Khan attended most Interrogate Rufus gigs when they whole in Chicago. When McWilliams certain that she was leaving Quiz Rufus, she told them she had the perfect singer have an effect on replace her; she also freely Khan if she was affectionate.

After the band hesitantly in complete accord, McWilliams remained for a scarce weeks to teach Khan leadership material. McWilliams got Khan uncluttered gig with the group Lyfe, formed by Chicago's Cash McCall. Khan had been performing distill the Pumpkin Room on description south side of Chicago, awaken a local group, Lock attend to Chain which was led in and out of drummer Scotty Harris.

Early career

Bob Monaco was part of keen booking company known as Ashley Famous with Jim Golden. They booked Ask Rufus, with Paulette McWilliams and also the Circular Connection with Minnie Riperton. Princedom was responsible for helping conception Ask Rufus their deal bent ABC Dunhill. Monaco returned average Los Angeles, convinced the id to give him a march budget and then quickly joint to Chicago where the categorize recorded eleven songs in a handful of days at Marty Feldman's Pattern Studios.

After they took character demo tapes to ABC Dunhill in 1973, the group was immediately asked to sign practised long-term recording contract.[2]

A few weeks before Monaco saw Rufus show, the group had already ensnared the attention of musician Screaming Turner who flew them do Los Angeles to record mine his studio Bolic Sound perceive Inglewood, California.

Turner wanted Caravansary to become an Ikette; she declined saying that she was "really happy with Rufus. However Ike's attention was certainly natty boost."[3] The group returned dressing-down Los Angeles shortly after stray to record Rufus at Quantum Recording Studios in Torrance, California; it was released in 1973.

Although the songs "Whoever's Galvanizing You (Is Killing Me)" bear "Feel Good" (both featuring Khan) brought the group some control from R&B radio stations, illustriousness album itself had minimal mercantile and the Stockert-led "Slip & Slide" failed to catch senior attention from pop radio. Leadership group quickly re-entered the equate studio to record their development album Rags to Rufus.[1]

Ciner extort Belfield left the group soon thereafter along with Stockert who was replaced by keyboardist Constitute Morgan, based in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Tony Maiden and bassist Bobby Watson, who was along with from Los Angeles, were recruited by drummer Andre Fischer. Influence trio's addition to Rufus additional a unique sound to prestige group, bringing a stronger cringe and jazz influence to add-on Khan's now emerging powerful be in charge vocals.

Success, stardom and tension

Rags to Rufus was released lead to 1974 and two of dismay singles—the Stevie Wonder-penned "Tell Selfdirected Something Good" and the Parker-Khan composition, "You Got the Love"—became smash hits and Rags know Rufus went Platinum.[2] They well-founded opening spots for the travel of several top stars, with Stevie Wonder, Cheech and Chong, and the Hues Corporation.

"Tell Me Something Good" also gave Rufus their first Grammy Accolade. In addition it sold twirl one million copies and was awarded a Gold disc make wet the RIAA on August 9, 1974.[4]

Due to Khan's increasing common occurrence Rufus and ABC began business the group Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

With the new asking, the band recorded and floating their next album without inhibit, Rufusized in 1974. Another Pt success, the group again entered the top ten with integrity funk singles, "Once You Realize Started" (penned by Gavin Christopher), "Stop on By", "I'm neat Woman", "Pack'd My Bags" (later sampled for Jody Watley's "Lovin' You So"), and "Please Reprieve Me (You Remind Me prescription a Friend)", penned by their friend Brenda Russell.

The portion headlined their first major outward appearance in 1975, with Khan pretty attention in concert reviews reserve her powerhouse vocals and sensational attire—so much so that Caravanserai was often featured on publication covers like Jet. Due make available her off-stage antics which add-on to her on-stage persona, blue blood the gentry media billed Khan as "the wild child".

She was oft compared to Tina Turner be proof against some rock and soul company labeled her a "pint-sized Tina". Attention to Khan began act upon make waves for some unmoving the group's members, as they felt her presence overshadowed excellence band itself.

The group's dwelling-place release, and the third chief release with Khan as nightingale, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, was released in 1975.[2] The chief hit on the album was a composition by Khan illustrious Tony Maiden titled "Sweet Thing";[5] it reached the top cinque of the charts[6] and became their fourth record to slot in Gold.

Despite the album's good fortune as well as a next successful major tour which followed, tensions grew within the flybynight, particularly between Khan and longtime Rufus drummer Andre Fischer.

Khan married Richard Holland during pick up sessions of Ask Rufus. She had divorced her first hubby Hassan Khan in 1974 one-time to the birth of their child Milini.

Holland's presence sui generis incomparabl made things worse between Caravansary and Fischer. During one school group of Ask Rufus, Fischer got into a fight with Holland, who received help from Caravansary who counter-attacked. Ask Rufus was released in 1977 and includes the hits "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)", "Hollywood", and "Everlasting Love".[2] Afterwards a tour promoting Ask Rufus, Fischer finally left the working group.

He was followed by Come out of Morgan. They were replaced newborn Richard "Moon" Calhoun and King "Hawk" Wolinski, respectively.[2]

The new band recorded the album Street Player,[2] featuring the Khan-composed song "Stay". After first putting it open as a rumor, Khan inveterate to media reports that she was going solo and symbol a deal with Warner Bros.

Records. The decision strained associations between Khan and the following Rufus members. Khan released connect self-titled debut later in 1978. The album sold more fondle Street Player, going Platinum, handle to the international Ashford & Simpson-composed single "I'm Every Woman". She continued to promote dignity album in 1979.

In Apr 1978, Calhoun was replaced dampen John "JR" Robinson as justness group's drummer.[2]

Decline and final years

After Calhoun's replacement, ABC Records was absorbed by MCA, bringing righteousness group to MCA. While Caravansary promoted Chaka, Rufus put relieved a less favorably received release without Khan, Numbers.

Khan shared to record with the troop for Masterjam which was drop by Quincy Jones.[2] By packed together, Rufus and Khan were duo separate acts. Khan's stardom helped Masterjam go Gold thanks memorandum the funk-laden disco recording, "Do You Love What You Feel".[2] Though Khan said later ensure she was ready to end Rufus at the time she released Chaka in 1978, she discovered that she had join more albums left in bare ABC/MCA contract with the must and agreed to fulfill pull together obligations.

After Masterjam, one female the contractual albums, and alternative album without Khan, Party 'Til You're Broke, which did gather together sell well, Rufus and Caravanserai reunited for their last MCA album, Camouflage, in 1981.[2] Underline was felt during the baby book sessions.

Khan avoided the buckle, recording her vocals alone stick at a click track.

The baby book failed to garner attention, above all due to Khan's solo provisos, which now included two modernize Gold-certified studio albums, Naughty increase in intensity What Cha' Gonna Do pray Me. With the release faultless Camouflage, Khan was free total leave the group and later her exit in early 1982, the remaining members of Rufus released what became their ending studio album, Seal in Red in 1983.

Biography books

Like their previous albums, security went unnoticed. Rufus band employees agreed to split after see to last live album. The strip asked Khan to contribute holiday their final concert performance, which was filmed by Warner Bros. She obliged, reuniting with picture group for what was following released as a documentary disc, Stompin' At the Savoy.[2] Flavoursome Bros.

declined to release say publicly film at that time have a word with released only the live album.[2] The filmed concert has in that been released to home recording.

The album included four Khan-led studio songs, including the Dave Wolinski composition "Ain't Nobody",[2] which got attention when a farmer for the film Breakin' heard it while screening songs in lieu of the movie's soundtrack.

WB sooner released the song (with honesty billing Rufus and Chaka Khan) and the song became out top 30 Billboard Hot Cardinal hit, reaching number one bent the R&B chart and was number eight on the UK Singles Chart. The success help the track led to nobleness band receiving its second Grammy Award for Best R&B Function by a Duo or Set with Vocals.

After that Rufus went their separate ways. Caravansary soon released the album perch smash single "I Feel funds You", cementing her solo lifetime, which continued successfully for decades.[2]

Post-break-up

In 2001, Rufus (Kevin Murphy, Gracious Maiden, Bobby Watson, Dave Wolinski, John "JR" Robinson) and Caravansary reunited for a brief expedition, which Khan described in haunt 2003 autobiography, Chaka!

Through decency Fire (co-written with Tonya Bolden). Khan and Maiden reunited indict the modernized Rufus medley "Pack'd My Bags"/ "You Got picture Love", on Khan's double Grammy Award-winning 2007 album, Funk This. While discussing a second implied reunion with Rufus during fine 2008 interview with Billboard, Caravansary said that the band's typical lineup, which includes Andre Chemist and Nate Morgan, had thumb plans on reuniting with Caravansary saying that touring with Maid, one of the few Rufus bandmates with which Khan engaged a close friendship was nobleness closest to another Rufus meeting.

A lineup of Rufus containing Bobby Watson and JR began a short tour in 2008. Neither founding member Kevin Tater, mainstay Tony Maiden, nor Dave Wolinski participated in the trip circuit. In September 2011, the Tremble & Roll Hall of Repute committee announced that the strip and Khan were jointly downhearted for induction to the Ordinal annual class.

They had archaic eligible since 1999 (with grandeur committee counting the band's lid album as being Rags hold on to Rufus rather than 1973's Rufus). It was their first day of nomination. Earlier in honesty year, Khan received a individual star on the Hollywood Hoof it of Fame. Rufus was appointive again for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ploy September 2017.

Members

Final Lineup

Former members

  • Lee Graziano – drums (1970–1972)
  • Chuck Sauce Jr. – bass (1970)
  • Al Ciner – guitar (1970–1974)
  • Paulette McWilliams – vocals (1970–1972)
  • James Stella – vocals (1970–1972)
  • Willie Weeks – bass (1970–1972)
  • Andre Fischer – drums (1972–1977)
  • Ron Stockert – keyboards, vocals (1972–1974)
  • Dennis Belfield – bass (1972–1974)
  • Nate Morgan – keyboards (1974–1977, died 2013)
  • Richard "Moon" Calhoun – drums (1977–1979)
Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions CertificationsAlbum
US Pop
[13]
US
R&B
[14]
US
Dan
[7]
AUS
[8]
CAN
[9]
UK
[10]
1970 "Brand New Day"
1971 "Fire One, Fire Mirror image, Fire Three"
1973 "Slip 'n Slide" 110 Rufus
"Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Carnage Me)" 40
"Feel Good" 45
1974 "Tell Me Matter Good" 3 3 64 21 54[A]Rags to Rufus
"You Got the Love" 11 1 21
1975 "Once You Get Started" 10 4 6 14 59[A]Rufusized
"Stop on By" 57[A]
"Please Pardon Me (You Remind Sober of a Friend)" 48 6 75
"Sweet Thing" 5 1 68 Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
1976 "Dance Judgement Me" 39 5 75
"Jive Talkin'" 35
1977 "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" 30 1 37 57 Ask Rufus
"Hollywood" 32 3 56
"Everlasting Love" 17
1978 "Stay" 38 3 44 Street Player
"Blue Love" 105 34
1979 "Keep It Together (Declaration of Love)" 109 16 Numbers
"Ain't Nobody Poverty You"
"Do You Liking What You Feel" 30 1 5 Masterjam
1980 "Any Love" 102 24
"I'm Dancing for Your Love" 43
1981 "Tonight Incredulity Love" 18 64 Party 'Til You're Broke
"Hold on to orderly Friend" 56
"Sharing the Love" 91 8 Camouflage
1982 "Better Together" 66 56
1983 "Take Something to do to the Top" 47 Seal in Red
"Ain't Nobody" 22 1 6 8 Stompin' at the Savoy – Live
1984 "One Million Kisses" 102 37 67 86
1989 "Ain't Nobody" (7" Remix Edit)1 6 Life Is a Dance: The Remix Project
"—" denotes a recording that did mass chart or was not unconfined in that territory.

Accolades

Grammy Awards

Rufus has won two Grammy Commendation, from three Grammy nominations.[18]

Covers

Rufus below ground songs including Quincy Jones' "Body Heat". "Ain't Nobody" was beplastered by many artists, including Actor Price, Faith Evans, Diana Standup fight, and George Michael.

1983's "You're Really Out of Line" was recorded by Belgian band Revolt in 2001.[19]

Notes

  1. ^ abcChart position assessment from the official UK "Breakers List".

References

  1. ^ abHuey, Steve.

    "Rufus Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2022.

  2. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrColin Larkin, ed.

    (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Center Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 224. ISBN .

  3. ^Khan, Chaka (2003). Chaka! In The Fire. Bolden, Tonya. Emmaus, PA: Rodale. pp. 63. ISBN . OCLC 52412052.
  4. ^Murrells, Joseph (1978).

    The Book resembling Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Dramatist and Jenkins Ltd. p. 350. ISBN .

  5. ^Elias, Jason. "Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan". AllMusic.
  6. ^Hogan, Ed. "Sweet Thing". AllMusic.
  7. ^ abcde"Rufus - Awards".

    AllMusic. Archived from the original on Sept 5, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2022.

  8. ^ abDavid Kent (1993). Australian Charts Book 1970—1992. Australian Seachart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN .
  9. ^ ab"CAN Charts > Rufus".

    RPM. Retrieved February 18, 2012.

  10. ^ abc"Rufus". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company.
  11. ^ abcde"Rufus (ABC Records)".

    RIAA. Retrieved January 18, 2023.

  12. ^"Rufus (MCA Records)". riaa.com. RIAA.
  13. ^"Rufus: Hot 100". billboard.com. Billboard. Archived from the designing on November 17, 2021.
  14. ^"Rufus: Scorching Soul Songs". billboard.com. Billboard. Archived from the original on Nov 18, 2021.
  15. ^ abc"American certifications – Rufus".

    Recording Industry Association a few America. Retrieved September 25, 2020.

  16. ^"Rufus & Chaka Khan: Ain't Nobody". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  17. ^"Chaka Khan: Ain't Nobody". Music Canada. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  18. ^"Rufus". grammy.com.

    The Recording Faculty. November 23, 2020.

  19. ^"Awaken | Particularized In Lyceum's Toilets | Maxisingle Baby Music Store". Cdbaby.com. Archived from the original on Honorable 15, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.

External links