Rufus was a legendary American funk band based out of Chicago, the first group to bring out the solo Chaka Khan career. Rufus blended funk with soul, rock, and jazz, dominating the R&B charts in the 70s with groundbreaking music and performances that would influence generations.
The band’s history starts in 1968 when ex members of The American Breed, most notably Chuck Colbert and Lee Graziano, started a new project called Smoke which evolved into Ask Rufus in 1970. The group’s early years consisted of an endless number of lineup changes and unissued recordings with Epic Records. A turning point for the group is in 1972 when their lead vocalist Paulette McWIlliams brought in her friend Chaka Khan to replace her. With Khan’s raw vocal power and charisma, she quickly became the center of the band.
In 1973, Rufus signed with ABC Dunhill Records and released their self-titled debut album. Although the album had little commercial success, it paved the way for the breakthrough that came with their second album, Rags to Rufus (1974). Featuring a hit “Tell Me Something Good” written by Stevie Wonder, the album propelled the band to stardom. The track granted them their first Grammy and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Rufus enjoyed an impressive streak of R&B success from the mid-to-late 1970s. Rufusized (1974), Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (1975), Ask Rufus (1977), and Street Player (1978) all found commercial success, being awarded Gold and Platinum certifications. During this time, staples such as “Sweet Thing,” “Once You Get Started” and “At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)” became entrenched in the genres’ history as funk and R&B classics.
Even with the shared successes of the band, tensions escalated with the rise in fame of Chaka Khan as it began to overshadow the identity of the group. Khan began to chase solo opportunities by 1978, starting with her debut album “Chaka,” which contained the global hit “I’m Every Woman.” She managed to balance her solo career with sporadic collaborations with Rufus like the album Masterjam, produced by Quincy Jones in 1979.
The last years of the group were plagued by stagnation and strife. The lack of Khan’s presence, coupled with albums such as Numbers (1979) and Seal in Red (1983), resulted in very little attention. But there was a glimmer of hope as Rufus and Khan teamed up for one last project— Stompin’ at the Savoy – Live (1983). Featured on this live album was the classic “Ain’t Nobody,” which had propelled to number one on the charts and awarded them their second Grammy. Following this the group split, allowing Khan to fully pursue her solo career.
After the breakup, the band Rufus continued to be remembered for their short-term reunions, covers of their songs, and numerous nominations for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fulll classic lineup reunions were never achieved, but members like Tony Maiden and Bobby Watson toured occasionally under the name Rufus.
Rufus is still a cornerstone of 1970s R&B, funk, and soul. Their catalog features innovation in funk, stellar musicianship, and features Chaka Khan’s voice sultry voice.
Top Songs
- Tell Me Something Good (1974)
– Written by Stevie Wonder, this Grammy-winning hit became their signature song. - Sweet Thing (1975)
– A soulful ballad co-written by Khan and Tony Maiden; one of their biggest crossover hits. - Ain’t Nobody (1983)
– A standout funk anthem from their final live album, and a lasting classic. - You Got the Love (1974)
– A chart-topping R&B hit showcasing Khan’s vocal strength. - Once You Get Started (1975)
– A funk-driven track that hit the pop Top 10. - Do You Love What You Feel (1979)
– A disco-infused groove from Masterjam, a dancefloor favorite. - At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up) (1977)
– A hit that combines upbeat funk with lush instrumentation. - Hollywood (1977)
– A smooth, mid-tempo jam reflecting the band’s evolution. - Stop on By (1975)
– A sultry, soulful number featuring one of Khan’s most emotive performances. - Pack’d My Bags (1974)
– A standout album cut later sampled in 1980s pop.
Discography (Studio Albums)
| Year | Album Title | Billboard 200 | R&B Chart | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Rufus | 175 | 44 | — |
| 1974 | Rags to Rufus | 4 | 4 | Gold (RIAA) |
| 1974 | Rufusized | 7 | 2 | Gold (RIAA) |
| 1975 | Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan | 7 | 1 | Gold (RIAA) |
| 1977 | Ask Rufus | 12 | 1 | Platinum (RIAA) |
| 1978 | Street Player | 14 | 1 | Gold (RIAA) |
| 1979 | Numbers | 81 | 15 | — |
| 1979 | Masterjam | 14 | 1 | Gold (RIAA) |
| 1981 | Party ‘Til You’re Broke | 73 | 24 | — |
| 1981 | Camouflage | 98 | 15 | — |
| 1983 | Seal in Red | — | 49 | — |
Top Albums
- Rags to Rufus (1974)
– Their breakout album featuring “Tell Me Something Good” and “You Got the Love.” - Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (1975)
– Included the timeless ballad “Sweet Thing” and cemented their R&B dominance. - Ask Rufus (1977)
– A critically acclaimed record featuring “At Midnight” and “Hollywood.” - Masterjam (1979)
– Produced by Quincy Jones, featuring “Do You Love What You Feel.” - Stompin’ at the Savoy – Live (1983)
– A live farewell with studio gems like “Ain’t Nobody.”
Awards
- Grammy Awards
- 1975: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals – “Tell Me Something Good” – ✅ Won
- 1978: Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus – Ask Rufus – ❌ Nominated
- 1984: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals – “Ain’t Nobody” – ✅ Won
Rufus Singles List
| Year | Single | US Pop | US R&B | US Dance | AUS | CAN | UK | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Brand New Day | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1971 | Fire One, Fire Two, Fire Three | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1973 | Slip ‘n Slide | 110 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Rufus |
| 1973 | Whoever’s Thrilling You (Is Killing Me) | — | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | Rufus |
| 1973 | Feel Good | — | 45 | — | — | — | — | — | Rufus |
| 1974 | Tell Me Something Good | 3 | 3 | — | 64 | 21 | 54 | Gold (RIAA) | Rags to Rufus |
| 1974 | You Got the Love | 11 | 1 | — | — | 21 | — | — | Rags to Rufus |
| 1975 | Once You Get Started | 10 | 4 | 6 | — | 14 | 59 | — | Rufusized |
| 1975 | Stop on By | — | — | — | — | — | 57 | — | Rufusized |
| 1975 | Please Pardon Me | 48 | 6 | — | — | 75 | — | — | Rufusized |
| 1975 | Sweet Thing | 5 | 1 | — | — | 68 | — | Gold (RIAA) | Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan |
| 1976 | Dance Wit Me | 39 | 5 | — | — | 75 | — | — | Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan |
| 1976 | Jive Talkin’ | — | 35 | — | — | — | — | — | Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan |
| 1977 | At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up) | 30 | 1 | 37 | — | 57 | — | — | Ask Rufus |
| 1977 | Hollywood | 32 | 3 | — | — | 56 | — | — | Ask Rufus |
| 1977 | Everlasting Love | — | 17 | — | — | — | — | — | Ask Rufus |
| 1978 | Stay | 38 | 3 | — | — | 44 | — | — | Street Player |
| 1978 | Blue Love | 105 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | Street Player |
| 1979 | Keep It Together | 109 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | Numbers |
| 1979 | Do You Love What You Feel | 30 | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | — | Masterjam |
| 1980 | Any Love | 102 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | Masterjam |
| 1980 | I’m Dancing for Your Love | — | 43 | — | — | — | — | — | Masterjam |
| 1981 | Tonight We Love | — | 18 | 64 | — | — | — | — | Party ‘Til You’re Broke |
| 1981 | Hold on to a Friend | — | 56 | — | — | — | — | — | Party ‘Til You’re Broke |
| 1981 | Sharing the Love | 91 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | Camouflage |
| 1982 | Better Together | — | 66 | 56 | — | — | — | — | Camouflage |
| 1983 | Take It to the Top | — | 47 | — | — | — | — | — | Seal in Red |
| 1983 | Ain’t Nobody | 22 | 1 | 6 | — | — | 8 | Platinum (RIAA), 2× Platinum (BPI) | Stompin’ at the Savoy |
| 1984 | One Million Kisses | 102 | 37 | 67 | — | — | 86 | — | — |
| 1989 | Ain’t Nobody (7″ Remix Edit) | — | — | 1 | — | — | 6 | — | Life Is a Dance: The Remix Project |