Rufus

Biography

Rufus was an American funk band formed in Chicago, Illinois, evolving from the earlier group The American Breed, which had a hit with 'Bend Me, Shape Me' in 1968. Guitarist Al Ciner, bassist Chuck Colbert, drummer Lee Graziano, and keyboardist Kevin Murphy from The American Breed joined with vocalists Paulette McWilliams and James Stella to form a new group initially called Smoke, later Rufus. They signed with ABC Records in 1973, releasing their self-titled debut album that blended funk with pop/rock elements, though it achieved modest sales. The band's breakthrough came with their second album, Rags to Rufus (1974), featuring the Top Five hit 'Tell Me Something Good,' written by Stevie Wonder specifically for lead vocalist Chaka Khan, launching her stardom.

Rufus achieved commercial success throughout the 1970s with a string of hits on pop and R&B charts, powered by Khan's dynamic vocals and the band's tight funk grooves. Key albums included Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (1975) with the R&B #1 'Sweet Thing,' Ask Rufus (1977), Street Player (1978), and Quincy Jones-produced Masterjam (1979) featuring 'Do You Love What You Feel.' Personnel changes shaped their sound: Tony Maiden replaced Ciner on guitar, Bobby Watson on bass, Dave 'Hawk' Wolinski on keyboards, and drummers like William 'Moon' Calhoun and John 'J.R.' Robinson. Khan intermittently left for solo projects, leading to albums like the flop Numbers (1979) without her, but she returned for hits including 'Ain't Nobody' on the 1983 live/studio compilation Stompin' at the Savoy, which won a Grammy.

Rufus' legacy endures as one of the most successful funk bands of the 1970s, known for four consecutive #1 R&B albums, ten Top 40 pop hits, and five #1 R&B singles. After Khan's final departure in 1983, the band continued sporadically, releasing albums like Smile (2009), which earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and A Night at the Ritz (2016). Their multi-racial lineup and fusion of funk, jazz, and pop influenced the genre, cementing their place in music history.

Fun Facts

• Rufus covered Stevie Wonder's 'Maybe Your Baby' on their debut, impressing him enough to write 'Tell Me Something Good' tailored for Chaka Khan's voice.
• The band originated from The American Breed, whose 1968 hit 'Bend Me, Shape Me' was an oldies radio staple.
• 'Ain't Nobody' from their 1983 album Stompin' at the Savoy became their final #1 R&B hit and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
• Rufus released a Grammy-winning blues album, Smile, in 2009, long after their 1970s peak.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stevie Wonder - Key influence and producer who wrote hit for Khan's style ('Tell Me Something Good' on Rags to Rufus) [1973-1974]
• Quincy Jones - Producer for major album (Masterjam)
• George Duke - Producer for final album with Khan (Stompin' at the Savoy)

Key Collaborators

• Chaka Khan - Lead vocalist and co-writer (All major albums including Rags to Rufus, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, Ain't Nobody) [1973-1983]
• Tony Maiden - Guitarist replacing Al Ciner, added funk/jazz elements (Rufusized, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan) [1974 onward]
• Bobby Watson - Bassist replacing Dennis Belfield (Rufusized, later albums) [1974 onward]
• Dave 'Hawk' Wolinski - Second keyboardist (Ask Rufus, Street Player) [1977-1978]

External Links

• Spotify