Rating: 
Summary: CHAKA (WOMAN OF FIRE)!
Review: As a little one of about 3 yrs old I remember my sister having the Rufus feat. Chaka Khan LP and staring at the sexy woman in leather, fur, and feather clippings and wondering "WHO IS THIS WILD CHILD"! Well, that woman would possess one of the most AWESOME and influential voices to ever sing. Fans have waited years for this memoir and as Chaka states in the book, she's worked on it for years, but was afraid to face all her demons or even remember alot of things, but after persistence from her sister and with the help of others for recollection, decided to finish it in hopes that it would help someone and also to leave something for her children and grandchildren. Chaka! Through the Fire, chronicles her childhood in Chi-Town, her affiliation with the Black Panthers, Rufus, 2 marriages and 2 children, alcohol and drug abuse, diva antics, and the highs and lows of every realm of her legendary career and life. The language in the book is definitely in your face, no holds barred and simply Chaka, but what can you expect from the WOMAN OF FIRE! Thanks Chaka for sharing a glimpse into your life. God Bless.
Rating:
Summary: A forever voice...
Review: Chaka Khan has one of those "forever voices." She's a diva who has influenced many a modern songtress with her limitless range and soulful delivery. Now she's been given a chance to tell her story from the highs to the lows and back again, and the result is a gripping biogrpahy of one of the most talented singers to ever pick up a microphone. Despite what people may think, Chaka's life was not all glitter and stardust. In fact, it wasn't until her teens that the idea of becoming a professional singer even entered her mind. Raised in Chicago during the tumultuous era of the Black Panthers and civil unrest, Chaka had her share of reasons to grow up and leave the violence and heartache that the movement often brought. Thus began her journey. THROUGH THE FIRE highlights Chaka's ups and down in the recording industry as well as her personal life. The book was an eye-opener to many of the things that are wrong with the music business, but it was also a memoir of Chaka's struggle to maintain control of her world in an industry that has been the fall of many. Chaka's story reads like a letter to the reader in many ways. The language is casual and the stories are somewhat chronological, bringing to mind an old friend telling a story over a cup of coffee. I felt as though I had been a part of Chaka's journey. I'd encourage all of Chaka's fans and naysayers, as well as those who have yet to experience her, to read this book. Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: A forever voice...
Review: Chaka Khan has one of those "forever voices." She's a diva who has influenced many a modern songtress with her limitless range and soulful delivery. Now she's been given a chance to tell her story from the highs to the lows and back again, and the result is a gripping biogrpahy of one of the most talented singers to ever pick up a microphone. Despite what people may think, Chaka's life was not all glitter and stardust. In fact, it wasn't until her teens that the idea of becoming a professional singer even entered her mind. Raised in Chicago during the tumultuous era of the Black Panthers and civil unrest, Chaka had her share of reasons to grow up and leave the violence and heartache that the movement often brought. Thus began her journey. THROUGH THE FIRE highlights Chaka's ups and down in the recording industry as well as her personal life. The book was an eye-opener to many of the things that are wrong with the music business, but it was also a memoir of Chaka's struggle to maintain control of her world in an industry that has been the fall of many. Chaka's story reads like a letter to the reader in many ways. The language is casual and the stories are somewhat chronological, bringing to mind an old friend telling a story over a cup of coffee. I felt as though I had been a part of Chaka's journey. I'd encourage all of Chaka's fans and naysayers, as well as those who have yet to experience her, to read this book. Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating: 
Summary: BORING
Review: Don't buy this, borrow it from the library. It's the usual musician story...raised singing in church, start band/group, get discovered, tour, family, drugs, get clean.
Rating: 
Summary: Every fan should read this book
Review: Growing up listening to Chaka Khan's music and already having a sense of understanding about her, made this quite the enjoyable read! Every fan should read this book and then share it with anyone who would like to see how a sister triumphed over the harsh reality of the ghetto, drug abuse and the entertainment industry. This autobiography shapes Sister Khan's life in a positive, truthful way. I read this and at times, would catch myself looking at her pictures, listening to some of her favorite songs and then acutally crying, because our music would not be the same without her. It felt good knowing that after all that she had been through, she is still here and we can still experience her gift through the sampling of new artists and by dusting off an old album or CD. I have a new found respect for Sister Khan after reading this book and would recommend that everyone read it as well. This is the perfect book club novel, full of great discussion points and filled with many great lessons in life. An excellent novel, to say the least.
Rene Reyes
MBC/2004
Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: Having adored Chaka for nigh on 30 years, I was eagerly awaiting this memoir - and, on the whole it does not disappoint. Chaka's life story has not been so well documented over the years here in the UK, so a lot of the story comes as a surprise to us Brits. As other reviewers have pointed out, it would have been nice to have had some insight into the finer details of the making of the truly great Rufus albums - also, much of Chaka's solo work is skated over too briefly. However, this book positively glows with the true warmth and intelligence of Chaka and, in retrospect if feel I know a lot more about the real Chaka than I did before I opened it, which, I suppose is what a good autobiography should be. Long may the incomparable Ms Khan continue to reign at the helm of female soul and jazz.
Rating:
Summary: Really 4.5
Review: I am a huge fan of Chaka Khan and have waited patiently for her memoir. I wasn't disappointed. Though I don't know Chaka personally, I am really proud that she faced her demons and put pen to paper in order to share her story with the world. From what I have ever read about Chaka and seeing her on countless television appearances and interviews, she appears to be a private person. Putting your business sort of speak out there is not an easy thing to do or want to do. It's takes a certain amount of strength to face things you have done that may be deemed negative. I saw her on The John Walsh show recently and she was very emotional as she spoke about leaving her children with her mother while she traveled with Rufus. It was a very real moment for Chaka and I sense she is just beginning to come into her own and acknowledge those things that caused her to drink and do drugs. Chaka you are awesome with incredible talent and strength. Continue to love yourself and everything else will fall in line.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational Chaka
Review: I enjoyed this autobiography very much. It shows that even if we have a troubled life. We can overcome and truimph in life. Chaka Khan is a amazing lady and I'm glad she let us get to know her through her life story.
Rating:
Summary: Stronger Than Before
Review: I grew up with Chaka. Not literally, but the minute I heard her voice I knew she was someone that I could identify with. Her sound was strong, raw, and gut wrenching. There isn't one lp, cd, or concert that I haven't purchased or been to. This book is something I waited a long time for, and it is well worth the wait. Here this beautiful, and extremely intelligent woman opens her world for everyone to not only see but 'learn' from. From the Foreward, I knew EXACTLY what she was feeling. Some of the places and spaces she had been to, I was there as well. Chaka has always been the premiere female vocalist to emulate. Yes, there's Aretha, Patti, etc. But there was always something about Chaka that set her apart from the other divas. Now that I have this book I know what it is. You too, can be made aware of the special gift she has for surviving 'the industry', self-abuse, failed lovelife, and childhood anger. It should be added to your must-read collection. It is also a great guide to the new kids, ie, Beyonce, Ashanti, Christina, and anyone that is considering a place in 'the industry'. Heck, it's a good guide just for living. Buy this book and I can guarantee you that you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: BORING
Review: I guess if you are really in love with Chaka Khan, the book will be alright for you. I liked her music years ago, and realized I didn't know a lot about her, so I got the book. I was surprised that it was so boring. Get it from the library. It really wasn't worth buying and had no insight into the real chaka. Where were the facts that exist in other biographys?
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