Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, has received a new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“I Feel for You,” the lead single and title track to Khan’s 1984 album, has progressed to platinum, with one million equivalent units sold.
It’s Khan’s second song to achieve this feat, following “Ain’t Nobody” with Rufus, and her first solo song to reach this level overall.
The track, on which Stevie Wonder played harmonica and Grandmaster Melle Mel rapped, was first certified gold in November 1984. It marked Khan’s first-ever song release to earn a RIAA award.
“I Feel for You” is Khan’s singular version of Prince’s fan-favorite tune from his 1979 self-titled album.
Previous covers by The Pointer Sisters and Rebbie Jackson, sister of Michael and Janet Jackson, were released before Khan’s rendition. However, the impact of the Chicago icon was more effective on audiences and critics alike.
Khan’s “I Feel for You” ruled the airwaves, reaching No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (then known as the Hot Black Singles chart) during the week of Nov. 3, 1984. It dethroned Steve Wonder’s “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and stayed at the top for three weeks.
Elsewhere on Billboard, “I Feel for You” climbed to No. 3 on the Hot 100, marking the legendary singer’s first solo top 10 hit on the popular singles chart.
The following year, Khan’s remake of the Prince classic earned her fifth Grammy and second in the Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female category from the Recording Academy. It is important to note that Khan has 10 statuettes to her credit.
At present, “I Feel for You” has exceeded 68 million Spotify streams. It’s the second most listened to track from its parent album, I Feel for You. Her David Foster-helmed classic “Through the Fire” has over 85.8 million plays.
Speaking of the album, I Feel for You recently celebrated its 40th anniversary (Oct. 1). The album, which went platinum in two months, debuted at No. 163 on the Billboard 200 and eventually peaked at No. 14. It is available at retailers and on various streaming platforms.
In other news, Khan is slated to perform at the American Music Award 50th Anniversary Special. She will perform “I’m Every Woman” to celebrate 50 years of achievements by women artists.
Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, and others are scheduled to perform at the star-studded event on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Check out “I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan below.
