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In 1978, Chaka Khan was still the lead singer for the group Rufus, but as a side project, she released her self-titled debut solo album.
One of the songs she chose to record not only became a "Great Song of the '70s, but even GREATER in the '90s!
The single "I'm Every Woman" was a woman's empowerment manifesto written by the singing and songwriting team of Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson. Believe it or not, the lyrics were actually written by Nick!
In addition to being a song about strong women, it had (to borrow a phrase, "a great beat and was easy to dance to."
The video and its special effects were way ahead of their time: Pre-MTV by several years!
TRIVIA: Background singers on the track included Cissy Houston and her 14-year-old daughter--Whitney!
In 1993, "I'm Every Woman" was covered by Whitney for her film, "The Bodyguard, and when it became the follow-up single to "I Will Always Love You," it not only charted all over the planet, it helped sell more than 44 MILLION copies of the soundtrack worldwide!
It reached #1 in the UK and Canada, and here in the US, it made SIX different Billboard charts! Here are the numbers: Dance (#1), Mainstream (#3), Hot 100 (#4), R&B/Hip Hop (#5), Rhythmic #11) and Adult Contemporary (#30).
It's really no wonder: Whitney revved up the dance aspect of the song, and put out a killer video (See Below)! She even included some cameos from Chaka, Cissy, and Valerie Simpson!
Seriously, Chaka's version is a "Great Song of 1978," but Whitney's version made it a song for the ages!
Tomorrow: Where's Barry?
COMING THURSDAY: Great Songs of the '80s, with an all-new Facebook Page!
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