Sing for Science Presents Music as Medicine with Chaka Khan

Jazz Williams
10 minutes ago
3 min read

Sing for Science Chaka Khan — Credit: Sing For Science

For those of you who don't know... Chaka Khan debuted in 1973 as the lead vocalist of her funk band, Rufus, with whom she had many hits with including “Tell Me Something Good” and "Ain't Nobody". But she is even moreso known for her solo career which she debuted in 1978 with “I’m Every Woman” off of her debut studio album, Chaka. She has cemented her legacy with many accolades to her name. With a career spanning five decades, she’s been hailed as the “Queen of Funk”, received the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame receiving the Musical Excellence award in 2023.

On May 27th, Chaka Khan came to the Museum of Natural Science, one of Houston’s many prestigious museums, with the founder and director of Music-In-Medicine at M.D. Anderson and concert pianist, Dr. Mei Rui. Both women were interviewed by Matt Whyte who is the creator and host of Sing For Science, a podcast where musicians sit down with scientists to explore the scientific ideas hidden in their most iconic songs. Tonight’s event supports the Chaka Khan Foundation which focuses on advancing mental health and wellness initiatives for neurodivergent individuals. She co-founded the foundation with her sister, Tammy Michelle, whose son was diagnosed with autism.

The song discussed was “Tell Me Something Good”, Rufus’s iconic hit song. It played before Chaka came on stage, but when she did arrive, she received a standing ovation. During her time on stage, she discussed the origin of the song. Stevie Wonder came to the studio while she was about nine months pregnant. He played a song and she didn’t like it so he played her another one. She revealed that the drumbeat wasn’t recorded on an actual drumset. It was a literal garbage can! She also discussed her experience with live music and remembering all the lyrics to her songs. Insecurity and fear of not pleasing everyone led to her getting high and weezing. Weezing is still something she struggles with today. She was once told, “If you touch the ocean, you touch the entire ocean.” and that has stuck with her all these years. She was even in a band called Shades of Black before she joined Rufus. At the end of the night, Dr. Mei Lui played a medley of classical pieces. One of the attendees was wearing a neurological device that showed how the brain was reacting to the music. It was one of the new, innovative clinical trials the scientist is involved in. A few of the things I learned about the science behind music included how music activates the entire brain, how live music enhances our emotional and mental wellbeing, and how different genres of music affect our brains both consciously and under anesthesia.

While the event was marketed as lasting from 7 to 8 pm, we didn’t get seated until 7:30 and it officially ended at 9:30 pm. The event organizers apologized for the delay, but nonetheless, the event itself was sagacious. I loved Chaka's energy, humor, and philanthropy. One of the most astute gatherings I’ve had the pleasure of attending. I love music and hearing about the process of songwriting. Chaka is releasing another studio album in September of this year so I will make sure to review it. I truly believe that we should always be paying our respects to the legends that shaped music today. Without barrier breaking legends like Chaka Khan, what would the music industry look like?

Written By Jazz