Being a singer is a way for me to get to a platform to do more.

Several group members left with nearly every release. and UK and it helped to relaunch Khan's career. In the late 1960s Khan and her sister formed the vocal group Shades of Black and joined the Black Panther Party after befriending fellow member activist and Chicago native Fred Hampton in 1967.

While still a member of the group in 1978 Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits both with Rufus and as a solo performer include "Tell Me Something Good" "Sweet Thing" which Chaka Khan wrote for her then husband Richard Holland "Ain't Nobody" "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".