Chaka Khan Movies

This 80 minute concert program features a live performance by legendary R&B singer Chaka Khan recorded in 2007. Some of the classic songs performed at the show include "I'm Every Woman," "Tell Me Something Good," and "I Feel For You." ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the Hitsville studio band originally assembled by Berry Gordy in 1959. Over 40 years later, the remaining members reunited in their home base of Detroit, MI, to tell their stories, remember their departed bandmates, and put on a concert. The creation of the Motown sound is told through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. Personal stories are intercut with live tracks from the concert performance featuring the Funk Brothers live on-stage along with popular vocalists interpreting some of their biggest hits. Some of the guest singers stick around for conversation with the musicians and offer a contemporary perspective, including Joan Osborne, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, and Ben Harper. The film follows the group's contributions through the '60s up until Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Soft jazz favorites Bob James on piano, Lee Ritenour on guitar, Nathan East on bass and Harvey Mason on percussion join forces as Fourplay in two hour-long live performances, with the band joined by special guest vocalists Phillip Bailey and Phil Perry. Selections include "101 Eastbound," "After the Dance," "A Summer Child," "Flying East," and eight others. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

McCall (Stepfanie Kramer) receives a tip from an old friend that rock star Zack Sherman (Nick Sherman), the ex-husband of singer Miss Gina B (Chaka Khan), has disappeared. When her friend vanishes as well, McCall investigates by going undercover as (what else?) a singer at a rock cub called "The Cradle." As it turns out, McCall's friend had been keeping some bad company, the upshot of which is that Zack will never return--and it appears as though McCall is also destined to disappear without a trace. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Popular African-American comedian Jo Jo Dancer is severely burned while free-basing cocaine. Producer/director/writer Richard Pryor insists that the movie is not autobiographical. While hovering between life and death, Dancer flashes back to his childhood, when he grew up in a brothel. Producer/director/writer Richard Pryor insists that the movie is not autobiographical. Dancer decides to become a comic, but has a great many difficulties rising to stardom until he begins making scatological comments about race relations. Producer/director/writer Richard Pryor insists that the movie is not autobiographical. As he rises to fame, Jo Jo has problems controlling his drug addiction and womanizing. Producer/director/writer Richard Pryor insists.....Well, you've caught on by now. If one were able to excise the excruciatingly boring "introspection" scene, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling would stand as an excellent testimonial to Richard Pryor's cutting-edge comic brilliance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Chaka Khan: Signature Diva Live features the vocalist performing during a 1981 concert at the Roxy Theatre. She performs over a half-dozen songs including the Beatle classic "We Can Work It Out," "I Know You," "An Old Sunday," "What Are You Going to Do For Me," and the empowerment anthem "I'm Every Woman." The DVD release fo the program includes an interview with the singer. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

This 1992 performance by jazz and funk vocalist Chaka Khan was recorded in the New York jazz club The Blue Note and includes such jazz songs as Take The 'A' Train and My Funny Valentine. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide