School of Rock - Monday 11/16 - Rufus (w/Chaka Kahn) / Tell Me Something Good

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Tonight it’s a 1970s American funk band, from Chicago, Illinois; best known for launching the career of their lead singer, who was an unknown when she joined the band in 1971.  After many personnel changes within the band, and a poorly selling debut album, they finally began to draw some attention with the dynamic stage presence of their new vocalist.  One very important person that recognized their talent was Stevie Wonder, after they covered his song “Maybe Your Baby.”  Wonder then gave them a new song he had specifically written with their new vocalist in mind.  The song became a huge hit in 1974. 

The success of the band lead to a natural progression for a solo career for their singer, and despite having a hit single with the song “I’m Every Woman,” she remained a member of the band that launched her career until 1983.