Funk Icons Rufus & Chaka Khan Celebrated in New 2-CD Set Featuring Final Albums and Bonus Tracks

Fans of funk legends Rufus and Chaka Khan have something special to look forward to this year. Robinsongs is set to release a deluxe two-for-one collection on March 14, 2025, chronicling the band's final works. The set includes their 1983 studio album Seal in Red and the electrifying Stompin' At The Savoy – Live, along with three bonus tracks. The collection features new liner notes by Lois Wilson of MOJO.

Among the bonus tracks are single versions of "Take It to the Top" and the iconic "Ain’t Nobody", as well as a rare remix of the latter by legendary producer Frankie Knuckles, originally released in 1989.

A Storied Career’s Final Chapter

Rufus made waves in the '70s with funk classics like "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", and "Do You Love What You Feel". However, by the late '70s, tensions arose as Chaka Khan’s burgeoning solo career outshone the group’s collective efforts. The band carried on with albums like Numbers (1979) and Party ‘Til You’re Broke (1980) without Khan’s involvement, eventually recording Seal in Red in 1983.

Produced by George Duke, Seal in Red featured an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Ivan Neville on vocals, Patti Austin, Paulinho da Costa, Ernie Watts, and Chicago’s Jimmy Pankow. Despite its rich roster, the album underperformed commercially, with lead single "Take It to the Top" failing to chart and the album itself missing the Billboard 200. Nevertheless, the LP contained moments of brilliance that captured the band's twilight creativity.

A Final Bow at The Savoy

Rufus decided to go out in style, reuniting with Chaka Khan for a three-night stint at New York’s legendary Savoy club in February 1983. The performances were captured for the live/studio hybrid album Stompin' At The Savoy – Live. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of musicians, including guitarist David Williams, percussionist Lenny Castro, and an extraordinary horn section, the album showcased Rufus at their peak, delivering electrifying renditions of their greatest hits.

Highlights included live performances of "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "You Got the Love", and a stunning take on Khan’s solo hit "What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me". The album concluded with a side of studio tracks, including the standout "Ain’t Nobody". Written by band member David "Hawk" Wolinski, the song became a chart success, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later inspiring Khan’s solo career-defining hit, "I Feel for You" (1984).

In 1989, "Ain’t Nobody" enjoyed a resurgence in the U.K., thanks to Frankie Knuckles’ hypnotic “Hallucinogenic Remix,” which now joins this collection as a bonus track.

Track Listing:

Disc 1: Stompin' At The Savoy – Live

1. You Got the Love
2. Once You Get Started
3. Dance Wit Me
4. Sweet Thing
5. Tell Me Something Good
6. Stop On By
7. Pack’d My Bags
8. I’m a Woman (I’m a Backbone)
9. At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)
10. Ain’t That Peculiar
11. Stay
12. What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me
13. Do You Love What You Feel
14. Ain’t Nobody
15. One Million Kisses
16. Try a Little Understanding
17. Don’t Go to Strangers
    (Tracks 1-13 recorded live at The Savoy; Tracks 14-17 are studio recordings.)

Disc 2: Seal in Red

1. Take It to the Top
2. The Time is Right
3. When I Get Over You
4. You Turn Me All Around
5. You, the Night and the Music
6. Blinded by the Boogie
7. I’m Saving This Love Song
8. You’re Really Out of Line
9. Distant Lovers
10. No Regrets
11. Take It to the Top (7" Version)
12. Ain’t Nobody (7" Version)
13. Ain’t Nobody (Hallucinogenic Remix)