Chaka Khan, I’m Every Woman | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 11^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’m Every Woman” by the iconic, Grammy-winning R&B singer, Chaka Khan. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 11^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’m Every Woman” performed by Chaka Khan.

“I’m every woman, it’s all in me / Anything you want done, baby, I’ll do it naturally.” Ah, the empowerment, and you don’t have to be a woman to appreciate and embrace it! “I’m Every Woman” commences Chaka, the 1978 gold-certified debut album by the one-and-only Chaka Khan (1953 – ). Nikolas Ashford (1942 – 2011) and Valerie Simpson (1946 – ) penned a dynamic debut solo single for Khan, one of the greatest singers EVER. Arif Mardin produced it. Unsurprisingly, the song was nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.  Khan, who’d already won her first of 10 Grammys by then (“Tell Me Something Good” with Rufus), lost to another icon, the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer (“Last Dance”).  A success on the pop charts, “I’m Every Woman” peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  As of October 7, 2024, “Woman” was certified gold.

So, what makes “I’m Every Woman” the masterpiece that it is? It begins with Chaka Khan.  Her voice is high-flying – dynamic, expressive, nuanced, powerful, and utterly sublime.  Those biting high notes give you chills.  The songwriting is fantastic, the expectation from a dynamic duo like Ashford & Simpson. Again, the female empowerment is awesome, as Chaka lists all the great things women can do.  “I can cast a spell / With secrets you can’t tell,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Mix a special brew / Put fire inside of you.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, not only can she “sense your needs,” but she’s got plenty of good old-fashioned love. Say that, Chaka! The bridge distinguishes itself in sound but maintains the empowered sensibilities: “And don’t bother to compare / ‘Cause I’ve got it.” Indeed!  Beyond the singing and songwriting, the musical accompaniment and production are awesome. The dance/disco/funk aesthetic is masterfully established from the get-go. The backdrop is colorful with a rich palette of sounds.  The rhythm section is locked in, anchored by a mean groove, sweet keys, a big, athletic bass line, and sick rhythmic guitar.  The orchestra is lit, with elegant, rhythmic strings.  Beyond Khan’s lead vocals, the backing vocals deserve shout-outs, amplifying her sickening lead. “I’m Every Woman” is Chaka Khan at her best, PERIOD. She’s fierce, y’all! Also, the late, great Whitney Houston famously covered it!

Chaka Khan // Chaka // Warner // 1978

Chaka Khan, I’m Every Woman: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 11 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]