Yesterday, soul music icon Chaka Khan celebrated turning 62 years young. It's safe to say that the soulful and sexy sexegenarian is an industry favorite that's still going strong despite marking 45 years in the music business, and she has amassed her fair share of friends and musical kindred spirits. One such friend is Rahsaan Patterson, a powerhouse vocalist in his own right. Given Rahsaan's well-known pen game and work behind the scenes, many have wondered why he and Chaka never collaborated musically. Well, now your questions are answered: They did.
To celebrate Chaka's special day, Rahsaan, who's been exceptionally generous as of late, unveiled "Sunday," an unreleased demo that he and Chaka cut way back in 1995. The demo is reminiscent of Rahsaan's work at the time, a bright happy song that bounces along a slamming bass line, a sprinkling of Rhodes and some synth work along with tightly arranged vocals (in case you didn't know, that's Rahsaan on the backgrounds as well). While it's definitely a product of its time, "Sunday" still has a timeless quality — perhaps because it involves two of the best vocalists still doing it.
Of working with Chaka, Rahsaan had this to say:
people have asked over the years why I have not recorded a song with Chaka Khan.
truth is, after our first collaboration in 1995, i was good on it. i'd had the experience. gotten off and put it to bed. she became a mentor, friend and lifesaver.
the time spent outside of working creatively was far more important and intimate than sharing that with the world. so, in honor of her birthday, i send her Love, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY and this lovely memory.
Awww. Share in Rahsaan's sweet sentiment by listening to "Sunday" right here, and join us in thanking the creator for blessing us with a talent such as Chaka Khan.
