51 Years On, ‘Rufusized’ Still Shines as Chaka Khan’s Breakthrough

Chaka Khan has remained one of funk music’s most commanding voices, yet her earliest works continue to define her legacy. On Friday, her official Instagram marked the 51st anniversary of RUFUSIZED, the gold-certified third studio album by Rufus, released in 1974 under ABC Records.

At the time, Khan fronted the Chicago-based band Rufus, joined by Kevin Murphy (keyboard), Tony Maiden (guitar/vocals), Bobby Watson (bass/vocals), André Fischer (drums), and later David “Hawk” Wolinski and John “JR” Robinson. Their fusion of funk, rock, and soul made them one of the most exciting groups of the decade.

RUFUSIZED quickly climbed the charts, reaching #7 on the Billboard album chart and later earning Gold status. Its standout hit “Once You Get Started” became an enduring classic, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the R&B chart.

Fans celebrated the anniversary with heartfelt comments: “That’s when I discovered my idol!”, “We’ve been grooving with you ever since!”, and “She’s the baddest on the planet—Chaka Khan!”

Today, Khan remains active and admired. She is currently touring across the United States as part of The Queens Tour, alongside Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. The next leg begins February 12, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.