By Karu F. Daniels
Everyone hearts Chaka Khan. And what’s not to love? Not only is she “every woman,” she is her own woman —all the time. Yvette Marie Stevens has built a storied career—and been through hell and back—during her 40 years in the music business. And at 60 years old, the 10-time Grammy Award–winning former lead singer for Rufus is in a new space. With the best year ever ahead of her—including numerous accolades, new music, a tour and philanthropic endeavors—the L.A. dwelling diva talks religion, going country, her stint in jail, and why she’s silencing her (celebrated) scream.
I am …a spiritual being. I don’t assign myself to any specific religion.
I sleep…whenever I can. When I’m not working, I’m asleep. A lot of cat naps, if I can do that. I get mine in.
My before–show ritual is…simply putting on some makeup, getting dressed and going onstage.
There was a time…when I first [went solo] I was unable to speak at all. I simply announced the next song. That’s it. I learned to talk to people. I’m more comfortable and confident. It takes knowing that you have nothing really to fear.
I’d like to…enjoy some of the fruits of my labor. I want to get my charities up and running in a great way, and build certain alliances with big businesses to help achieve that. I want to stay on the move and inspire people in a real way. It’s not over!
I am not a fan of…reality shows. Sorry. I have enough reality popping off. I can’t be involved with someone else’s. We’ve talked about [doing my own reality show], but, when I saw what it entailed, I said, “Absolutely not!” What do I need a reality show for? I’m doing it. I’m living it. Now watch me.
My favorite food is…Ezekiel Raisin Bread! I make it as toast every morning. I might do scrambled eggs with it. I love soups. Soups are a wonderful way to go.
I don’t need to…eat much. “Man does not live on bread alone…” If you’re busy, you forget to eat. Focus on living your life to the fullest, and you don’t have time for selfindulgent behavior. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
I am not signed to a label now because…when I was with Warner Bros. Records, I [felt like I] was in jail. It was my incarceration period. An A&R person tried to dictate what songs [I recorded]. Luckily, I had wonderful people who wanted to work with me, which made it happen.
I never turn down…a chance to visit Chicago. Chile, by the time I leave there, I’m so rung out I have to sleep for a couple of days. Really. I have to go hunker down.
I’m not one that… dwells on the past. I take what lessons I have to take out of it and keep it moving. I am a “next-kind-of-broad.”
My favorite singers…are Sarah Vaughan, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. I love Ledisi, that’s my dog! I love Rahsaan Patterson.
I tell my singers and band…if you have other roads to conquer, I want you to do so. When something else comes along that appeals to you, I want you to take it. If you’re going to miss my gig, let me know and I’ll hire somebody else. I want you to move on.
My home life is…a madhouse. I’m raising my granddaughter. I get up at 6 a.m. and send her butt to school. I try to go back and catch her before I go in the studio, where I am until midnight. I feel blessed that God has given me a chance to apply some new parenting skills that I wasn’t able to apply with my kids.
The music industry today is…all over the damn place. There is no music industry today. It’s just a crazy mish mosh of individuals doing what they want. Some of them are very, very good at it. And some are not so good. But the old–school way of signing a deal is almost nonexistent.
I want to record…heartfelt, soft, beautiful music. I’m tired of screaming and yelling and carrying on. I’m leaning towards something country-esque. My songs have a country appeal. I want to do it in a way that’s undeniable and will melt into your heart as opposed to ramming its way into your brain.
