Ask Rufus by Rufus & Chaka Khan

Released: 1977

Genre: Rock

"Ask Rufus," released in 1977, stands as a pivotal moment in the fusion of rock, funk, and soul, showcasing the unparalleled vocal prowess of Chaka Khan. The album's standout track, "Tell Me Something Good," co-written by Stevie Wonder, not only reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The album's production, helmed by the band’s keyboardist, David "Hawk" Wolinski, features innovative use of synthesizers, creating a soundscape that was ahead of its time. The seamless blend of rock-infused grooves and Khan's emotive delivery on tracks like "You Got the Love" and "Everlasting Love" demonstrates the band's dynamic range, pushing the boundaries of the disco era. "Ask Rufus" not only solidified Rufus & Chaka Khan's status in the music industry but also influenced countless artists, exemplifying the genre-crossing potential of funk and rock during the late '70s.

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