Lovely picture of Chaka and Andre. The act of forgiving is freeing. Chaka's vocals are phenomenal, it is understandable why Andre wanted her to stay in the band. I remember hearing her sing Allen Toussaint's "Whoever's Thrilling You Is Killing Me" which was the first song on the Rufus album that was played on the radio and I was completely mesmerized by Chaka's vocals and range. I loved her interpretation of the song and the manner in which she handled the Blues genre. I immediately knew she was a force to be reckoned with vocally and would have a successful career in the music industry. Rufus had extraordinarily gifted musicians and together with Chaka, you made magic. I loved Rufus from day one and am so very grateful for the music. of the 1970's. All of the LP's from the Rufus years have remained in my collection since the very beginning. Most importantly I loved watching Rufus perform live. I believe my last Rufus performance was at the Savoy Manner in NYC for the live recording of Foot Stomping at the Savoy, The musicianship was stellar and the concert was fire. Many thanks for your wonderful musical contributions, Rufus was truly one of my very favorite bands. Thank you for the magic!
Robin, this message is very beautiful, I feel so proud of being associated with this band and CK, a dream come true for a country boy like me. Thats my favorite picture ever of Andre & CK ,, a lot of Love there ~
@@myvidworld1 Chaka once stated that when she initially went solo, she had some difficulty adjusting. While she was with Rufus, she could look to her left and right while performing on stage and see Tony and Bobby on either side. As a solo artist she had to get use to not having you both by. her side. There was a level of comfort for her while knowing that you both were there by her side. That is love in it's simplest form.
@@robinjackson8554 Yes Robin, support and brotherly Love. sometimes I could make Chaka smile by saying something silly .. On the last tour we did w EWF in 2001' I would always say to her "I know you love me and want to marry me" ... She would bust out laughing saying "Yes I do" to go along with my joking ~
@@myvidworld1 I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Chaka at a venue in NYC in 2010. It was a dream come true. She was very down to earth, sweet and easy to talk to. I will always treasure the memory of meeting her. I enjoy watching your videos on the Rufus years and I am looking forward to the next video. Thank you so much for this platform.
Wow, thank you, thats a very nice compliment, you never know what will happen when you go in the studio with great musicians and a very cool Quincy Jones producing ,,,
Still looking great, Bobby!!!I love these stories about the band's coming together and falling apart. I just hate the terms it fell apart, but you all had different visions as time went on. Thank You for sharing. Andre Fischer is very honest, too. Holds no punches. You, Chaka and He have piercing truth telling which is good. Toughens soft skin. This was all before My time on the planet (80's earthly debut) and I love this artistry combination You all had to make this music when You did. It's amazing all the years that went by.
I can see Chaka's spirit, and she has suffered a lot. She's been hurt, but she has a great bounce-back game. Her young days were crazy. That is why they named her "THE WILD CHILD." I pray for her often because people have put her down and discredited her contribution to the music industry.
So so true, she has always come back smelling like a rose, looking good, singing good no matter the mistakes and the obstacles and the thing that got her down ~ Love my baby sister
Bobby, another great view into the dynamics of Rufus with Chaka Khan. Once you've lived awhile, you realize everything has a life cycle and in the case of Rufus, the life cycle was relatively short, but so creative and impact full on the music industry. You guys were great together! Sorry the parts played out as they did. There are no mistakes! Chaka was destined to be great, if not by her name alone. She's definitely a one of a kind creative spirit, personality and communicator! You guys got to enjoy her, create with her and love her in your own ways. That spirit keeps her going today, and the music you all created together, as Rufus, alive and well. Everything played out as it did and the World is better off for it. Cheers!
You and Chaka have in common how you both speak almost without filter, like you just say it as it is. You're also both legends, Thank you for sharing your gift with the universe.💜
Ask Rufus is my all-time favorite Rufus album. I do wish there could be some type of digital remastering of that classic album as well as a more comprehensive anthology of all of your works with and without Chaka. I thought your Numbers album of 1979 was awesome
Heard this story...she's going into the HOF this year. She may never have been heard when she was without Rufus. Thank You. You guys still have a fan base.
Thank you, We are talking about possibly playing some shows next year 2024' .. I'd love to go to some cities and play my bass for fans again ,,, I'm sure CK will come too if we do it .. She would not miss that ~
The first album I ever owned, that was mine was Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. I was all of 8 years old at a friend's birthday party, and the older kids were across the hall playing records and I remember hearing the opening chords of Fool's Paradise. When I heard Chaka's voice, I got up, went into the room where they were, and stood by the stereo, mesmerized. My friend's older brother came over and asked me what I was doing in there and I asked who they were listening to. He was kind enough to tell me and show me the album cover. I went home and made sure to ask for that album. Christmas was coming up and my birthday is a month later (1/29), so I don't remember when I got it, but I had to have EVERYTHING you guys put out after that. Thank you for sharing these stories! ❤️✌🏽✊🏽
I just loved Rufus and Chaka Khan, still do , it guided me thru my life. I love to hear this background story. A lot of times groups fall apart, it’s just so sad. But, I want to thank you so much for outstanding music. Your music sure is FOREVER,!!
As far as I'm concerned every album out did its predecessor in every way, and I say this because I kept listening to each for continuity and realized the variations that still were a delight. Secondly, I'm so glad you're realizing the importance in not muting Rufus because you guys are more cherished that any Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction. I love and appreciated every song you all recorded as my most favorite group of the 70's. Unfortunately, I only got to see you all towards the end during the Masterjam Tour. Thanks for your candidness and sharing the behind the scene stories.
You were the soundtrack of my life. Driving back and forth from college 8hrs home I was jamming Rufus the whole way. You, Tony, Chaka and the rest put out fantastic funk point blank period. Masterjam was my favorite album. My favorite song was Please Pardon Me.
Oh man, this is so cool to see ,, Whatever we did to make this music for people like you to receive some positive stuff from it .. I am paid in full from you with this comment, mission accomplished ~
...I'm not One for SM 'tell-alls', but Bobby's recount in this Day & age is VERY much welcome, because it feels BELIEVABLE; In CK's 'Book', she called Andre "Tick Tick Boom" giving me a veiled, recounted Image of him, that he was trying to erase for DECADES....Bobby's recounts feels like the REAL honest truth, to CK's forgetful, scattered memories....(cont.) ...I always thought the surreal "Streetplayer" Album cover was to hide that Andre wasn't there, also....THANK YOU, Sir Bobby, your your strong insight to this backstory.... *ASK BOBBY* .... ; )
Ask Bobby ..... I like that .. Thanks for your thoughtful comment ....Well the best thing I've learned and you said it above "Scattered Memories" is that when you sit down and look at both sides , all the things we say in haste are things we wish we could take back "later" .... I love and admire both people (Andre & Chaka) they are both still alive and Love each other now .. I always wanted Rufus to be like the "Rolling stones" or the "Eagles" or some other examples of bands that still get together and tour into later in life, even through all the craziness!
Thank you for doing these videos and sharing stories about my favorite group, Rufus and Chaka. Ask Rufus is probably one of my favorite Rufus lps (if not my favorite). Song for song, it was lovely and well produced. I agree that all party’s should have taken a few weeks to calm down and then had a meeting as to how to successfully move forward. Maybe some apologies would have come forth and everything could have been squashed. Chaka had to defend her husband also. So, it sounds like it was a tough situation. The music that we were fortunate enough to get from Rufus and Chaka was/is phenomenal. 👍❤️
Yes Cato, a very tough decision to try to figure out ,, Life did keep going for all, but I wonder "What if" too cause I miss the Rufus Band "Family vibe" we had when Andre was there, it felt like we could go on with recording and tours for years and years ,, which we did , but with more "Fighting" and not "family" so much ...
Great information! It’s interesting that Andre Fischer has never really gotten credit for being the driving force in Rufus. It was definitely a different band after he left. The “Gray album” (aka ASK RUFUS) is the crown jewel. The stuff that came after was a’ight (my dad had it all), but if I could have one Rufus album, it would definitely be the gray one. As far as Chaka’s solo work goes, well, as much as I love her, none of her work albums hit me like the Rufus albums did. There were great songs on those albums, but I’ve never been able to listen to any of them from start to finish. I can do that with the “gray album.”
The gray Album was my favorite album too ,, it was as if the band & CK were peaking musically, there were so many little cool things that happened while we started working on this music, for example "Ron Woods" (guitar player) from the Rolling Stones came and played on an instrumental that I made up called A Flat Fry, which was about 5/6 minutes of a Funk groove in A Flat, Me Tony Andre Hawk and Ron were jamming and it caught fire .. unfortunately when the powers that be were deciding the final product, it was decided that the vocal tracks took precedent over instrumentals ,, so my little A Flat Fry was reduced to about 10 seconds of an interlude ... It was phenomenal when you listened to the whole recording, Ron surprised me with his excellent feel ,, he was a Funky White Boy on the guitar - no wonder the Rolling Stones recruited him for their band ~
Thank you Mr. Watson for these videos, So many wonderful memories. I feel honored that I got to experience Rufus and Chaka live, 3 times back in the day, It was magical each time. I've seen Chaka live solo, at least 40 times over the years. But nothing compares to the experience of Rufus and Chaka Live. It would be nice if Chaka and the group could put aside their differences and record at least 1 more album and tour again. Dreaming.......😀 Thank you for all of the wonderful music. Your truly one of the best.
Thank you too Mark, I'm glad us Rufus guys and CK gave you some good memories ,, and I agree it would be nice to re-assemble all the members (hearts healed and forgiven) and move forward into a new chapter, playing music or even just a sit down talk with smiles and stories and memories !! Man I would pay a lot of money to see that /
The fractured human ego is a peculiar phenomenon. Always driven by insecurity, there is always regret and mistakes made when it influences our decisions and behavior. It destroyed Rufus. Bobby, you are a monumental bassist, even more amazing than you seem to realize. I remember when you told the story of Prince paying you lots of cash and how surprised you were by that. I was not surprised at all. Musically, Prince knew who you were/are and was very likely an honored fan glad to have the means to show you love that way. I have reveled in many of your thick, soulful, harmonically perfect performances. One among them occurs on the song Destiny from the Street Player album, a recording session in which you were clearly inspired by all of the soloesque bassification going on among bassists at the time (Clarke, Jaco, etc.). Destiny, that same song features one of the most talented singers ever to walk up to a microphone. I'm speaking as a musician, not just from a fan's perspective. Chaka Khan, especially then, was a phenomenon. Clearly, Andre heard and valued that long before any of the rest of us knew about it. Just today, while not looking for it, I came upon demo recordings from Ask Rufus, provided by Questlove. What ingenious, unique vocal capability and musicianship Chaka casually possessed. While capable of being amazing alone, she was at her creative best when with Rufus. For music and the ages, it's a tragedy that Rufus and Chaka Khan no longer collaborate. There are no saints. We, ultimately, are a bunch of human beings. But, for whatever reason, some of us have superhuman capabilities, e.g., Chaka Khan. Simultaneously, clearly, she also had unresolved torment. I have seen her drunk, high on stage, forget the words, and worst. And that was always heartbreaking. Yet, despite it all, she was still that game-changing musical force, one of her era's most imitated, influential singers resulting from her lead and background performances. Rufus, with Chaka, made some of the most incredible music ever recorded. Many of us who have been within earshot of Ask Rufus, Rufusized, Sweet Thing, etc., wish unto the Gods that the fractured human ego would get out of the way. So you all would come together and bring us and each other that magic again. Thank you, Bobby, for the stories and some of the most essential bass playing of our lifetime.
"Fractured Ego" ,, that's a perfect description that explains it all without going into detail ,, when I read your reply above and saw those words almost every weird incident or weird behavior that happened in Rufus was instantly cleared in my head !!!! Haha I really appreciate you my friend for the clarity .. When I was growing up in South Central LA a little black boy playing guitar on the back porch, I never dreamed I would someday be involved with a band like Rufus, writing, arranging, mixing, good music, music that was different from all the other bands (EWF) (Kool & Gang) (Ohio Players) all my heroes .. Never sat down and said to myself "how could I be playing bass and sharing ideas with a young black girl from Chicago who was a phenomenal singer and (Cute as a button too) ? So all of the success (Small & Large) I have I am very humbled and when people (like yourself) talk about my bass playing, I am over the moon !!!! Thank you Sir, you are free to comment on any Rufus Video that Bobby Watson puts up for the next 100 years ~
It is my pleasure Bobby. It’s an honor to be engaging you, one of my heroes and a hero to many musicians. Thank you for the invitation and embracing my analysis.
I believe she should have but you guys were so young. Seeing that pic of her and Andre is so heart warming. There is a lot of love and maturity in that photo. You guys are still alive and well. I will NEVER give up my dream of at least one more Rufus project. Rufus is bigger than any one of you. There is a family element that is there. I saw it when you guys reunited in the early 2000s with EWF. It was magical. I pray it wasn’t the last time. Chaka is a living legend as is Rufus. So many people would love it.
Awwww man, JW I love this comment, you give me hope, I too want to see everybody get together and do music and make more memories, this is the perfect age right now !
@@myvidworld1 Be it that I’m literally a life long fan, it’s truly an honor not only to receive a response but to receive that response. My mother was a huge Rufus fan and you guys came out the year I was born. I was raised on Rufus and still play EVERY Rufus as well as Chaka’s albums. One of my family’s fondest memories is of me in diapers trying to sing Hollywood or how they could tell me to play a certain Rufus song on the record and I could play it on the dot just from looking at it. I couldn’t even read yet but I knew those albums lol. Ask Rufus in particular brings so many wonderful memories. That album was everything. I got to see her sing Magic in his eyes for the first time live last year and I was elated. To actually see Rufus perform that song would be amazing. It’s my dream to see Rufus again and so many others feel the same way. You guys have no idea. So since I know you will see this I’m gonna say to you personally “Thank you” for your contribution to music, history and the soundtrack of my life. Glad my response brought a smile and a good feeling. It’s only a tiny, tiny fraction of the good times you guys gave me.
Thank you so much for your candor. We who grew up on your music love these history lessons. I'm glad you have survived the madness of the business and can tell you story. I was also wondering if there is any chance that there will be any expanded editions of any the Rufus projects? I did read some years ago that a lot of artists' works were destroyed in a fire at the Universal Studies lot which included 100's of artists' masters and other recordings. Again, thank you for contributions to the music.
Wow, yes Ive heard too that some of the original Masters were lost in a fire a few years ago .. Very sad if that is true for the "Rufus Camp" .. If I can convince some of the Rufus guys to put down their walkers and get back together, that will be something we shall investigate! How much of our original music is still preserved ?
@@myvidworld1 I was heartbroken when I saw the official list of artists' work destroyed in that fire which included Rufus and Chaka Kahn and Chaka Khan as a solo artist. I now understand why some of the artists I really enjoyed will never get the 'expanded edition' treatment. You may not want to even see the list as I am sure a musician such as yourself will be heartbroken also. Thank you again.
Oh man, I love that track, so easygoing, nothing slick , just a fun song to play ,, written by "Moon Calhoun" and Chaka. I cannot even remember anything but just looking for a pocket to fall into and staying with the drums and keys so the vocals can do the thing on top ... Now I gotta go listen ~
@@jessejames1956 No he's not, Moon is from Oklahoma' and now that you mention Moon, I remember at the time of recording street player I had become fast friends with Robert Wilson (Gap Band Bassist) and I'm thinking that Robert Wilson influenced some of those licks on the end of "Stay" . Robert had a nice way of doing vibrato at the right time and on the right notes !
Rufus and Chaka was a unique union, a stellar moment in music's history. I thank the universe for that. It's sad that we fall for these ego trips and traps so often and jeopardise so great things and relations during our lifetime.
Loving the stories, Bobby. How about we finally do that interview I've been talking to you about 5 or 6 years? We would have an amazing time, brother.✌️
I agree with one of the previous comments the band without a doubt should be inducted in the hall of fame! I also agree with you completely the Ask Rufus album to this day is still one of my favorite albums. As a group you created one of the best albums I have ever heard . Add the string arrangements by the late Claire Fisher took it to a level that even after almost 50 years later will be hard to beat !
You were one of my favorite Bass players back in the day. I saw you guys at Chicagofest back in the late 70’s. David Sanborn opened up for you guys and they were great also with a young Marcus Miller on bass.
@@myvidworld1 I got pictures from that concert of you guys. I remember Chaka was standing by the side of the stage checking out Sanborn and Marcus. She was wearing a long sun dress with a split on the side that ran all the way up to her hips. Suddenly a gust of wind caught that split and it was like ... Mercy. LOL
I've spent a lot of time in the studio and I can understand why Andre whipped his drunk ass. I probably would have too. I don't know Chaka personally, but I love her singing. I went to see Rufus back in the 70's. She was visibly high on stage. She was very insulting to the audience and cavalier about what she said. Who knows how big she could've been if she wasn't high so much. So did she make a mistake? She made lots of them because of her drug and alcohol problem.
Chaka stated in her book there were other blow-ups between her & Andre, but that was the final straw. I heard other stories of Andre being cra cra. Thank you, Mr. Watson, for these stories, keep them coming!!
Hi Mr. Blackman, yeah, a lot of stuff on both sides .. If I try to take sides, it could turn into a "Novel" , I should write a book, but it has to be from a non biased view. So many good things about Chaka I could say, Andre too ! They are both my heroes !!!!
It’s nice to hear a different perspective of this story. I live! My favorite Rufus live performance is the midnight special where you performed ‘tell me something good’ I loved that version of the song, more funk and rocknroll, it was genius. Wished you guys had performed that version more. The moment you said “I love you” as she said “tell me something good” and you smiled at each other, I could feel the love and happiness in that moment. I caught it
Thanks for another great video. What would you say are your top 1 or 2 bass lines to play from a Rufus song? And what are the most challenging bass lines on any Rufus song you had to play, like the most technically complicated that pushed you the most? Who were you favorite background singers that sang with Rufus over all the years yall toured up to 1983?
I've been trying to think about this question and pull out some songs for you but, Nothing sticks out, all the songs were straight forward for me, No odd time signatures, not tunes with crazy changes, also when Rufus recorded, it was not like session guys with charts and a conductor, we usually rehearsed before booking studio time, so cutting tracks were like playing a normal rehearsal with microphones on everything !! When I recorded with Rufus the hardest thing for me was finding the Groove (Pocket) for the song to fall into, with Andre & Tony it always turned out to be fun ,, BG singers I loved them all especially LaLomie and Urlee (Tony Maiden's sister) If you didn't know, Tony Maiden and myself sang all the BG's with Chaka for the first few years until CK started to complain about me singing flat ! That's another story ~ Lol Last thing : When I listen to the song "Rock with you" (Michael Jackson) my bass line sounds a little complicated to me now when I sit down to play with it, ?? but then I remember back to the session day, I was hungry, hungover, Ferrari was not running right, I was not in a good mood, the day was dragging on, so all of those elements created a attitude which translated into how I played that song, I also played Bass on "Off The Wall", (another MJ song) on that day, but the Engineer told me that Quincy did not want to keep my bass because it was too "Funky" and He wanted a more pop sounding track ...
Mr Watson the song titled everlasting love! Sounded terrible the what went wrong in the studio??? U guys must have been exhausted!!! No way that album should have been released 😢
Under the circumstances she should have waited until she sobered up before making any decisions but I'm sure her husband had surely pushed her in that direction.
See there, no one thought about that, Him just walking around the house with injuries in the days that followed was a crucial part of her decision making .. "Honey pass me the butter" oh "never mind I can't eat anything right now" .. You are so right ~
Great info Bobby. Maybe I missed a previous post but you alluded some of the original members of the band didnt care for Chaka. I would like to hear you talk about what kind of shape the band was in when you and Tony joined. We all know the band pictured on the Rags To Rufus album was a different band than who we saw on tv promoting the record. We all heard the three guys left before the album was released due to the "Featuring Chaka Khan" being added. But I would like to hear your take on what happened and how ABC managed to get you and Tony on board so quickly.
yes, it was all a blur once I took the bus to Crenshaw Blvd to join Rufus, after that I started coming home from gigs with $500 in my pocket ??? In 1973' you could but a brand new refrigerator for $250 / Man I was in heaven th-cam.com/video/iYASWBjso6c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=SDquW6yvXH2AJs_H
Thanks for the back story Bobby. You are one of the baddest musician to touch a bass guitar. Big props to you sir. Rufus as a whole was & is one of the baddest band ever. Ask Rufus is my favorite album, it’s a dark album & a spiritual album as well. It’s a sophisticated funk album! I wanna know how did you all come up with a concept to record ask Rufus, with it being sort of different from all the albums prior
Man I agree with you about that "Ask Rufus Album", it is my favorite too .. I have no idea how we arrived at that place? Just years of recording and touring and adding Hawk Wolinski, and Andre finding songs, and Claire Fischer peaking with his arrangement ideas ... It just happened !!! During the mixing sessions I just sat in Amazement listening to the tracks with Andre, thinking this is nothing like "EWF", "Cool n The Gang", "Ohio Players", "Sly & Family Stone" Stuff I grew up listening to ..
Bobby Chaka been watching your clips and she says you are feeling in gaps of things she forgotten or chose to forget. I did a internship with Earthsong Entertainment Chaka Khan record label. She always calls you the kind guy
I'm so glad she has been watching, I am going to do a quick video about how much "I Love her for being born", because my life would have been something totally different.. probably good too ? but with CK writing and singing "Sweet Thing" (my music) so fast and magical .. I feel a strong indirect connection with her !!!!
I am a die hard Rufus fan and I'm shock about the story I'm from that era, even though chaka move on to great success, I always wished Chaka could have made it with Rufus because of the sound they had no other band brought out her true voice only my opinion 😢
Bobby YOU should write a Book with David Ritz he’s the guy that help put together Marvin Gaye Ray Charles and many others in Soul Music,he’s the best in the book writing business! It would be best seller around the world! Miles Davis would say don’t give all your Great Stories away for Free My Musician Brother,with Love & Respect!🙏🏾💯❤️🎸
Oh man, what a brilliant idea, I know of David Ritz ,, I will look into contacting him and talking, If something happens with this Jerry , I am gonna buy you a Caddilac with the money from the proceeds ~ good thinking my brother
I agree. But...that's the business. Chaka should have done that for the sake of Rufus. Do you think her synchophants put a bug in her ear? I've always liked Rufus, and I am fascinated to listen to your perspective. Thank you.
You guys did a song called, "Better Together" and I must say that Rufus albums and live performances were always best when you guys were together. You guys have all done terrific work as solo musicians, but I bet if you did another album it would be your most successful project ever. But maybe album sales are not important to you guys at this point.
Man, I dare dream of everyone dropping their grievances and coming together and writing some new rhythm grooves w weird guitar tunings and getting Brett Fischer (Claire Fischer's son) writing the strings .. CK writing another "Sweet Thing" but modern and me getting credit this time , haha .. Andre & John Robinson both playing drums , Hawk playing that moog synth (nostalgic) .. CK would be late to the studio, but who cares ~ Lol
It is interesting to hear another close up take about things bc I read Chaka's book and it glossed over details often. Chaka often glosses over things about her past bc it seems sad/wild honestly but she doesn't have to testify to us either. She was young, vulnerable, and seemed very alone then.. I want to say her mom maybe closed the door on Chaka bc she was likely extremely tired of young Chaka's ways (ie blow the money, do whatever I want in my free time and eff everyone else stuff) but honestly as a parent.. how could you but anyways. Chaka owes Andre more than she claims but it seemed Andre had issues too. Everyone was young too (no auto excuse but just saying) and without guidance it seemed. Plus Chaka was the only girl with yall, and poor with no real support/resources/protection. It seems like over the past 10 yrs or so she's been working hard on revamping her career/image and found the energy to do so and must say good for her. Hope she's been working on her healing too and she seems to wish to be a solid person with a good spirit. Hopefully you all can reunite for her 2023 rock hall honor. I got to meet her in 2019 and saw her again late last year.
This is such a refreshing comment to read nitelillie, I appreciate your thoughts on both CK and Andre, you have such a refreshing look at it from another standpoint .. I Love both Chaka and Andre, and you said it, they were both younger in those days, and the mom probably was fed up with her daughter giving her Jive, back in her growing up days ,, Gotta give it up !! I love it .. one thing you reminded me of was how hard it was for CK to find real Love from that special guy (who had no bad motives) and have a meaningful relationship .. Celebrities are often faced with this dilemma, all people do have a challenge meeting a mate who is good inside, and who is capable of really Loving you (in spite of your status) ...
@@myvidworld1 Thanks for the reply! Yes, very true. She's still out here doing shows like her peers. It's amazing. I saw her show last November and she really brought her A game. Peace and love to you.
Wow, you just woke up a great subject ,,, I too wondered about the tunes we played "live" but were not included on the 2 disk album ?? OK, I'm on it ,, let me do some research .. to answer your question, I cannot remember if it was recorded on video by a pro team? but I do have a short copy of the "Savoy rehearsal" which we were goofing off and jamming, I am gonna look for it and post it .... if you subscribe to me , you will be notified when I put it up ~
We told everybody to keep this a secret, She spilled it .. Well we are talking and planning right now, but when it will happen nobody knows (probably in the Fall) stay tuned Cornelius ~
That was a critical time period for all of us then, Andre had just left and Moon replaced him on drums, we went on tour as usual but the Label decided not to get into promoting us,, The Album was selling all over so your guess is as good as mine, maybe the Black division at ABC were going through some promotion staff changes ?
Fans tend to always view through rosy tinted glasses but having watched dozens of interviews with and about Chaka it appears to me that she has never been a particularly kind person. Instead she seems to have an inherently wicked spirit. Love her vocals and much of the music she’s featured in but not at all a fan of her outside the booth.
Andre is one of my favorite funk drummers. He played very different and very funky. That first tom fill Andre plays near the beginning of Sweet Thing is not something you ever hear in a ballad yet it worked so good! No disrespect but Ask Rufus was the last great Rufus album. I wish Chaka & Andre could’ve worked through it. I saw a live video of Everlasting Love and I noticed Jeff Porcaro on drums. Did he do the Ask Rufus tour? Was he asked to join Rufus?
There are two sides to every story All I can say is that was what Chaka calls the cocaine dark album so everyone was out of order at that time. You are saying what andre said
Born in Memphis, grew up in Los Angeles, Got a call from Andre Fischer in the fall of 1973' to come play for the band, all the "Rags To Rufus" members moved on to play with people in the industry that paid good money to side musicians, Rufus was not making any money then ~
She just went to Vegas with some young guys in the band. $500 a week! Young bassist Juna Serita has a hot jam band in Tokyo. I wish they would give singer Geno Samuel a try out. Geno is good and needs to play with a good band. He is still a young guy. He is good like Chaka.
Not for nothing, Rufus was amazing musically but, CHAKA KHAN was the real magic!!!! And Rufus & CHAKA KHAN together we’re magical. But the magic ingredient is CHAKA KHAN. And the company was smart to make it RUFUS featuring CHAKA KHAN. CHAKA is still magical. And she is really the reason in the Singer and artist I am today. She’s also very sweet but she also very fiery! I know her temper first hand, lol. Them dang ARIES WOMEN! But I really think that Rufus with Chaka could’ve been great as long as Chaka still did her solo work as well. CHAKA KHAN’s solo stuff & collaborations showed a more diverse side of a phenomenal vocal genius.
Agreed, that's my girl, I'm glad she lived through it all, she certainly boosted my life writing "Sweet thing" to my music. I also agree that the two entities could have lived simultaneous along side each other and every few years come together and play like "kids returning to the playground to play some more" ..
Chaka and Richard divorced in 1980 a yr after she gave birth to their son.i have to say the Master Jam tour was the worst I seen from you guys.Chaka clearly hated the material on the album
Yes, Darryl, I think all of us had lost our way after Andre left, Rufus was not a unit that worked together anymore , it was everyone out for themselves at that point. The Quincy Album was just what it was supposed to be, songs that did not fit us, but were able to get on the charts. Too many drugs and members out for themselves kinda vibe! I don't blame Chaka for feeling that way, However we did have some success with the project and it kept food on the table ...
@@myvidworld1 Thanks for replying Chaka was not in a good place drug addiction a failing marriage etc.I seen the Street Player tour and it was AWESOME.. Chaka and Tony were battling on stage during the Master Jam tour Chaka looked so sad .I'm not sure what you said to her but I recall her saying Thank You Bobby then rolling her eyes at Tony and singing the last 3 song's with so much fire and energy then walking off the stage .I knew then the end was near..Year's later when I did my internship with her record label Earthsong Entertainment. I told her you were my favorite band member Chaka reply Great Choice then flashed her million dollar smile
@@darrylmilling2747 Awww man, you are making my day over here, I understand what she was feeling, first of all we had no counseling, no parents, no self will, not even good friends that would be honest and say "Stop the drugs" live your life .. So we all went through it .. Because Chaka was 3 years younger than me, I always looked at her like a baby sister and tried to protect her from drugs and bad people , even overzealous fans ~
Volatile times back then, never heard any "wife beating" stories about Andre and Nat ... I gotta tell you though, at that level of popularity and being exposed to all the crazy stuff that was available, I don't doubt that things could have gotten testy ...
I don’t think she should have waited. Chaka Mentioned in her book that Andre roster up while she was pregnant. That would’ve been enough right there. On top of that, she beat up Natalie. So, that to me is volatile. I’m just saying.
Hmmmm, well I can't touch any of that, so I won't try, I just analyze both Chaka & Andre from what I know and have seen .. because CK is no Angel and when on Drugs she possesses a biased memory, I'm not gonna take her side... and Andre has been said to be short tempered, I'm not going to take his side either ... Its my belief that they both will suffer Kharma from any wrongdoings and in the end learn some lessons ..
Thanks so much Bobby for being brave enough to tell these stories… They need to be told.. I won’t cause I don’t want no smoke from the peanut gallery… lololol
None of us are Angels truth be told if we were able to look back at all of our history there would be a lot of shameful moments. Chaka and Andre are just people who happened to have had success doing what they like to do...music. Their lives are public with a huge fan base and mistakes and mishaps they made are there for all to scrutinize and criticize. Bobby thanks for walk the down memory lane with my favorite group Rufus.
I absolutely can not fathom why Rufus and Chaka are not in the Rock an Roll Hall of Fame. It should have happened years ago.!!!
I say the same thing.
Agreed, but even if it never happens ,, I feel like Rufus & Chaka are in their "Fans Hall Of Fame" which blows the other one away ,,, Lol
Now that Wenner is out. Rufus and Chaka should get a shot.
@@myvidworld1 Right !!On💯👊🏾✨
@myvidworld1 Artists don't make music solely to win prestigious awards because their music speaks for itself. That's rewarding enough.
These conversation with Bobby are phenomenal!
Lovely picture of Chaka and Andre. The act of forgiving is freeing. Chaka's vocals are phenomenal, it is understandable why Andre wanted her to stay in the band. I remember hearing her sing Allen Toussaint's "Whoever's Thrilling You Is Killing Me" which was the first song on the Rufus album that was played on the radio and I was completely mesmerized by Chaka's vocals and range. I loved her interpretation of the song and the manner in which she handled the Blues genre. I immediately knew she was a force to be reckoned with vocally and would have a successful career in the music industry. Rufus had extraordinarily gifted musicians and together with Chaka, you made magic. I loved Rufus from day one and am so very grateful for the music. of the 1970's. All of the LP's from the Rufus years have remained in my collection since the very beginning. Most importantly I loved watching Rufus perform live. I believe my last Rufus performance was at the Savoy Manner in NYC for the live recording of Foot Stomping at the Savoy, The musicianship was stellar and the concert was fire. Many thanks for your wonderful musical contributions, Rufus was truly one of my very favorite bands. Thank you for the magic!
Robin, this message is very beautiful, I feel so proud of being associated with this band and CK, a dream come true for a country boy like me. Thats my favorite picture ever of Andre & CK ,, a lot of Love there ~
@@myvidworld1 Chaka once stated that when she initially went solo, she had some difficulty adjusting. While she was with Rufus, she could look to her left and right while performing on stage and see Tony and Bobby on either side. As a solo artist she had to get use to not having you both by. her side. There was a level of comfort for her while knowing that you both were there by her side. That is love in it's simplest form.
@@robinjackson8554 Yes Robin, support and brotherly Love. sometimes I could make Chaka smile by saying something silly .. On the last tour we did w EWF in 2001' I would always say to her "I know you love me and want to marry me" ... She would bust out laughing saying "Yes I do" to go along with my joking ~
@@myvidworld1 I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Chaka at a venue in NYC in 2010. It was a dream come true. She was very down to earth, sweet and easy to talk to. I will always treasure the memory of meeting her. I enjoy watching your videos on the Rufus years and I am looking forward to the next video. Thank you so much for this platform.
I love storytime with Bobby.😌
Haha Haha ... drink your milk, get in bed, pull the covers up while I tell you a little story
your bass line on 'rock with you' is the best bassline of any #1 hit ever. the way you wait on the Eb is so funky and the fills are tasty and perfect.
Wow, thank you, thats a very nice compliment, you never know what will happen when you go in the studio with great musicians and a very cool Quincy Jones producing ,,,
@@myvidworld1 Q must be the coolest ever, but you laid it down!
Bobby Watson! One of the greats!
Still looking great, Bobby!!!I love these stories about the band's coming together and falling apart. I just hate the terms it fell apart, but you all had different visions as time went on. Thank You for sharing. Andre Fischer is very honest, too. Holds no punches. You, Chaka and He have piercing truth telling which is good. Toughens soft skin. This was all before My time on the planet (80's earthly debut) and I love this artistry combination You all had to make this music when You did. It's amazing all the years that went by.
I can see Chaka's spirit, and she has suffered a lot. She's been hurt, but she has a great bounce-back game. Her young days were crazy. That is why they named her "THE WILD CHILD." I pray for her often because people have put her down and discredited her contribution to the music industry.
So so true, she has always come back smelling like a rose, looking good, singing good no matter the mistakes and the obstacles and the thing that got her down ~ Love my baby sister
@@myvidworld1 I know you do. You can feel it through your videos.
Bobby, another great view into the dynamics of Rufus with Chaka Khan. Once you've lived awhile, you realize everything has a life cycle and in the case of Rufus, the life cycle was relatively short, but so creative and impact full on the music industry. You guys were great together! Sorry the parts played out as they did. There are no mistakes!
Chaka was destined to be great, if not by her name alone. She's definitely a one of a kind creative spirit, personality and communicator! You guys got to enjoy her, create with her and love her in your own ways. That spirit keeps her going today, and the music you all created together, as Rufus, alive and well.
Everything played out as it did and the World is better off for it. Cheers!
Absolutely true Scott, and I'm going to leave it just like that - there is nothing else I can add ~
You and Chaka have in common how you both speak almost without filter, like you just say it as it is. You're also both legends, Thank you for sharing your gift with the universe.💜
Ask Rufus is my all-time favorite Rufus album. I do wish there could be some type of digital remastering of that classic album as well as a more comprehensive anthology of all of your works with and without Chaka. I thought your Numbers album of 1979 was awesome
Heard this story...she's going into the HOF this year. She may never have been heard when she was without Rufus. Thank You. You guys still have a fan base.
Thank you, We are talking about possibly playing some shows next year 2024' .. I'd love to go to some cities and play my bass for fans again ,,, I'm sure CK will come too if we do it .. She would not miss that ~
The first album I ever owned, that was mine was Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. I was all of 8 years old at a friend's birthday party, and the older kids were across the hall playing records and I remember hearing the opening chords of Fool's Paradise. When I heard Chaka's voice, I got up, went into the room where they were, and stood by the stereo, mesmerized. My friend's older brother came over and asked me what I was doing in there and I asked who they were listening to. He was kind enough to tell me and show me the album cover. I went home and made sure to ask for that album. Christmas was coming up and my birthday is a month later (1/29), so I don't remember when I got it, but I had to have EVERYTHING you guys put out after that. Thank you for sharing these stories! ❤️✌🏽✊🏽
Lady you just got me as "Your" fan now .... That is so Lovely !!
@@myvidworld1 You're too kind 🙏🏽♥️
I just loved Rufus and Chaka Khan, still do , it guided me thru my life. I love to hear this background story. A lot of times groups fall apart, it’s just so sad. But, I want to thank you so much for outstanding music. Your music sure is FOREVER,!!
Thank you so much for this comment beauty rest 1 , you are making my day today !!!!
Loving all this.
If she had cooled off we could have had more Rufus.
Yes, I believe if the "Eagles" and Rolling Stones can be a band with basic same members for 50 years , so we could have too !!
Awesome session listening to you Just awesome!
As far as I'm concerned every album out did its predecessor in every way, and I say this because I kept listening to each for continuity and realized the variations that still were a delight. Secondly, I'm so glad you're realizing the importance in not muting Rufus because you guys are more cherished that any Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction. I love and appreciated every song you all recorded as my most favorite group of the 70's. Unfortunately, I only got to see you all towards the end during the Masterjam Tour. Thanks for your candidness and sharing the behind the scene stories.
You are welcome Micia , Thanks for the comment and I am not holding my breath for the Hall of Fame, Fans like you are my "Hall Of Fame" .......
You were the soundtrack of my life. Driving back and forth from college 8hrs home I was jamming Rufus the whole way. You, Tony, Chaka and the rest put out fantastic funk point blank period. Masterjam was my favorite album. My favorite song was Please Pardon Me.
Oh man, this is so cool to see ,, Whatever we did to make this music for people like you to receive some positive stuff from it .. I am paid in full from you with this comment, mission accomplished ~
Actually this makes me like the music even more 😂
This Is So Extremely Interesting Hearing these Intimate Details About My Favorite Band!!💥...Thank You Brotha' Bobby🙏🏽❣️✊🏽
Fantastic.need more stories from great musicians.
Cheers.
Love your stories Bobby. Raw and uncut, Love it 👊
Thanks Jonathan, I gotta put out some more !!
...I'm not One for SM 'tell-alls', but Bobby's recount in this Day & age is VERY much welcome, because it feels BELIEVABLE; In CK's 'Book', she called Andre "Tick Tick Boom" giving me a veiled, recounted Image of him, that he was trying to erase for DECADES....Bobby's recounts feels like the REAL honest truth, to CK's forgetful, scattered memories....(cont.)
...I always thought the surreal "Streetplayer" Album cover was to hide that Andre wasn't there, also....THANK YOU, Sir Bobby, your your strong insight to this backstory.... *ASK BOBBY* .... ; )
Ask Bobby ..... I like that .. Thanks for your thoughtful comment ....Well the best thing I've learned and you said it above "Scattered Memories" is that when you sit down and look at both sides , all the things we say in haste are things we wish we could take back "later" .... I love and admire both people (Andre & Chaka) they are both still alive and Love each other now .. I always wanted Rufus to be like the "Rolling stones" or the "Eagles" or some other examples of bands that still get together and tour into later in life, even through all the craziness!
Thank you for doing these videos and sharing stories about my favorite group, Rufus and Chaka. Ask Rufus is probably one of my favorite Rufus lps (if not my favorite). Song for song, it was lovely and well produced. I agree that all party’s should have taken a few weeks to calm down and then had a meeting as to how to successfully move forward. Maybe some apologies would have come forth and everything could have been squashed. Chaka had to defend her husband also. So, it sounds like it was a tough situation. The music that we were fortunate enough to get from Rufus and Chaka was/is phenomenal. 👍❤️
Yes Cato, a very tough decision to try to figure out ,, Life did keep going for all, but I wonder "What if" too cause I miss the Rufus Band "Family vibe" we had when Andre was there, it felt like we could go on with recording and tours for years and years ,, which we did , but with more "Fighting" and not "family" so much ...
Great information! It’s interesting that Andre Fischer has never really gotten credit for being the driving force in Rufus. It was definitely a different band after he left. The “Gray album” (aka ASK RUFUS) is the crown jewel. The stuff that came after was a’ight (my dad had it all), but if I could have one Rufus album, it would definitely be the gray one. As far as Chaka’s solo work goes, well, as much as I love her, none of her work albums hit me like the Rufus albums did. There were great songs on those albums, but I’ve never been able to listen to any of them from start to finish. I can do that with the “gray album.”
The gray Album was my favorite album too ,, it was as if the band & CK were peaking musically, there were so many little cool things that happened while we started working on this music, for example "Ron Woods" (guitar player) from the Rolling Stones came and played on an instrumental that I made up called A Flat Fry, which was about 5/6 minutes of a Funk groove in A Flat, Me Tony Andre Hawk and Ron were jamming and it caught fire .. unfortunately when the powers that be were deciding the final product, it was decided that the vocal tracks took precedent over instrumentals ,, so my little A Flat Fry was reduced to about 10 seconds of an interlude ... It was phenomenal when you listened to the whole recording, Ron surprised me with his excellent feel ,, he was a Funky White Boy on the guitar - no wonder the Rolling Stones recruited him for their band ~
Thank you Mr. Watson for these videos, So many wonderful memories. I feel honored that I got to experience Rufus and Chaka live, 3 times back in the day, It was magical each time. I've seen Chaka live solo, at least 40 times over the years. But nothing compares to the experience of Rufus and Chaka Live. It would be nice if Chaka and the group could put aside their differences and record at least 1 more album and tour again. Dreaming.......😀 Thank you for all of the wonderful music. Your truly one of the best.
Thank you too Mark, I'm glad us Rufus guys and CK gave you some good memories ,, and I agree it would be nice to re-assemble all the members (hearts healed and forgiven) and move forward into a new chapter, playing music or even just a sit down talk with smiles and stories and memories !! Man I would pay a lot of money to see that /
Ask Rufus is the BEST recording you guys ever did. Still love it!
Me too Sharron ~
Love the insight!
Chaka explained the incident in her book as well. But it's good to hear your perspective.
The fractured human ego is a peculiar phenomenon. Always driven by insecurity, there is always regret and mistakes made when it influences our decisions and behavior. It destroyed Rufus. Bobby, you are a monumental bassist, even more amazing than you seem to realize. I remember when you told the story of Prince paying you lots of cash and how surprised you were by that. I was not surprised at all. Musically, Prince knew who you were/are and was very likely an honored fan glad to have the means to show you love that way. I have reveled in many of your thick, soulful, harmonically perfect performances. One among them occurs on the song Destiny from the Street Player album, a recording session in which you were clearly inspired by all of the soloesque bassification going on among bassists at the time (Clarke, Jaco, etc.). Destiny, that same song features one of the most talented singers ever to walk up to a microphone. I'm speaking as a musician, not just from a fan's perspective. Chaka Khan, especially then, was a phenomenon.
Clearly, Andre heard and valued that long before any of the rest of us knew about it. Just today, while not looking for it, I came upon demo recordings from Ask Rufus, provided by Questlove. What ingenious, unique vocal capability and musicianship Chaka casually possessed. While capable of being amazing alone, she was at her creative best when with Rufus. For music and the ages, it's a tragedy that Rufus and Chaka Khan no longer collaborate. There are no saints. We, ultimately, are a bunch of human beings. But, for whatever reason, some of us have superhuman capabilities, e.g., Chaka Khan. Simultaneously, clearly, she also had unresolved torment. I have seen her drunk, high on stage, forget the words, and worst. And that was always heartbreaking. Yet, despite it all, she was still that game-changing musical force, one of her era's most imitated, influential singers resulting from her lead and background performances. Rufus, with Chaka, made some of the most incredible music ever recorded. Many of us who have been within earshot of Ask Rufus, Rufusized, Sweet Thing, etc., wish unto the Gods that the fractured human ego would get out of the way. So you all would come together and bring us and each other that magic again. Thank you, Bobby, for the stories and some of the most essential bass playing of our lifetime.
"Fractured Ego" ,, that's a perfect description that explains it all without going into detail ,, when I read your reply above and saw those words almost every weird incident or weird behavior that happened in Rufus was instantly cleared in my head !!!! Haha I really appreciate you my friend for the clarity .. When I was growing up in South Central LA a little black boy playing guitar on the back porch, I never dreamed I would someday be involved with a band like Rufus, writing, arranging, mixing, good music, music that was different from all the other bands (EWF) (Kool & Gang) (Ohio Players) all my heroes .. Never sat down and said to myself "how could I be playing bass and sharing ideas with a young black girl from Chicago who was a phenomenal singer and (Cute as a button too) ? So all of the success (Small & Large) I have I am very humbled and when people (like yourself) talk about my bass playing, I am over the moon !!!! Thank you Sir, you are free to comment on any Rufus Video that Bobby Watson puts up for the next 100 years ~
It is my pleasure Bobby. It’s an honor to be engaging you, one of my heroes and a hero to many musicians. Thank you for the invitation and embracing my analysis.
I believe she should have but you guys were so young. Seeing that pic of her and Andre is so heart warming. There is a lot of love and maturity in that photo. You guys are still alive and well. I will NEVER give up my dream of at least one more Rufus project. Rufus is bigger than any one of you. There is a family element that is there. I saw it when you guys reunited in the early 2000s with EWF. It was magical. I pray it wasn’t the last time. Chaka is a living legend as is Rufus. So many people would love it.
Awwww man, JW I love this comment, you give me hope, I too want to see everybody get together and do music and make more memories, this is the perfect age right now !
@@myvidworld1 Be it that I’m literally a life long fan, it’s truly an honor not only to receive a response but to receive that response. My mother was a huge Rufus fan and you guys came out the year I was born. I was raised on Rufus and still play EVERY Rufus as well as Chaka’s albums. One of my family’s fondest memories is of me in diapers trying to sing Hollywood or how they could tell me to play a certain Rufus song on the record and I could play it on the dot just from looking at it. I couldn’t even read yet but I knew those albums lol. Ask Rufus in particular brings so many wonderful memories. That album was everything. I got to see her sing Magic in his eyes for the first time live last year and I was elated. To actually see Rufus perform that song would be amazing. It’s my dream to see Rufus again and so many others feel the same way. You guys have no idea. So since I know you will see this I’m gonna say to you personally “Thank you” for your contribution to music, history and the soundtrack of my life. Glad my response brought a smile and a good feeling. It’s only a tiny, tiny fraction of the good times you guys gave me.
Thank you so much for your candor. We who grew up on your music love these history lessons. I'm glad you have survived the madness of the business and can tell you story. I was also wondering if there is any chance that there will be any expanded editions of any the Rufus projects? I did read some years ago that a lot of artists' works were destroyed in a fire at the Universal Studies lot which included 100's of artists' masters and other recordings. Again, thank you for contributions to the music.
Wow, yes Ive heard too that some of the original Masters were lost in a fire a few years ago .. Very sad if that is true for the "Rufus Camp" .. If I can convince some of the Rufus guys to put down their walkers and get back together, that will be something we shall investigate! How much of our original music is still preserved ?
@@myvidworld1 I was heartbroken when I saw the official list of artists' work destroyed in that fire which included Rufus and Chaka Kahn and Chaka Khan as a solo artist. I now understand why some of the artists I really enjoyed will never get the 'expanded edition' treatment. You may not want to even see the list as I am sure a musician such as yourself will be heartbroken also. Thank you again.
Level headed context always wins out.
Andre fisher is an amazing drummer
Agreed ~
This intro is a cut from Ask Rufus--my favorite Rufus album
My favorite Rufus album too ~
Give us bass players a rundown of the song “Stay” and those beautiful fills in the end.
Oh man, I love that track, so easygoing, nothing slick , just a fun song to play ,, written by "Moon Calhoun" and Chaka. I cannot even remember anything but just looking for a pocket to fall into and staying with the drums and keys so the vocals can do the thing on top ... Now I gotta go listen ~
@@myvidworld1 Is Calhoun related to the Living Colour drummer?
@@jessejames1956 No he's not, Moon is from Oklahoma' and now that you mention Moon, I remember at the time of recording street player I had become fast friends with Robert Wilson (Gap Band Bassist) and I'm thinking that Robert Wilson influenced some of those licks on the end of "Stay" . Robert had a nice way of doing vibrato at the right time and on the right notes !
@@myvidworld1 Yes. Robert was a very underrated bass player.
Rufus and Chaka was a unique union, a stellar moment in music's history. I thank the universe for that.
It's sad that we fall for these ego trips and traps so often and jeopardise so great things and relations during our lifetime.
AGREED !!!
Loving the stories, Bobby. How about we finally do that interview I've been talking to you about 5 or 6 years? We would have an amazing time, brother.✌️
Thank you Mr. FunknstuffNet ,, soon my brother .. soon
Wow fantastic stories! You’re a big bass inspiration sir, love your playing 🤩🎸
Thank you !!!
I agree with one of the previous comments the band without a doubt should be inducted in the hall of fame! I also agree with you completely the Ask Rufus album to this day is still one of my favorite albums. As a group you created one of the best albums I have ever heard . Add the string arrangements by the late Claire Fisher took it to a level that even after almost 50 years later will be hard to beat !
You were one of my favorite Bass players back in the day. I saw you guys at Chicagofest back in the late 70’s. David Sanborn opened up for you guys and they were great also with a young Marcus Miller on bass.
I remember that day outside ,, that was the first time we all got to see the young Marcus Miller slapping on that bass ~
@@myvidworld1 I got pictures from that concert of you guys. I remember Chaka was standing by the side of the stage checking out Sanborn and Marcus. She was wearing a long sun dress with a split on the side that ran all the way up to her hips. Suddenly a gust of wind caught that split and it was like ... Mercy. LOL
I've spent a lot of time in the studio and I can understand why Andre whipped his drunk ass. I probably would have too. I don't know Chaka personally, but I love her singing. I went to see Rufus back in the 70's. She was visibly high on stage. She was very insulting to the audience and cavalier about what she said. Who knows how big she could've been if she wasn't high so much. So did she make a mistake? She made lots of them because of her drug and alcohol problem.
Chaka stated in her book there were other blow-ups between her & Andre, but that was the final straw. I heard other stories of Andre being cra cra.
Thank you, Mr. Watson, for these stories, keep them coming!!
Hi Mr. Blackman, yeah, a lot of stuff on both sides .. If I try to take sides, it could turn into a "Novel" , I should write a book, but it has to be from a non biased view. So many good things about Chaka I could say, Andre too ! They are both my heroes !!!!
You should write your book. We will support you, sir!
It’s nice to hear a different perspective of this story. I live! My favorite Rufus live performance is the midnight special where you performed ‘tell me something good’ I loved that version of the song, more funk and rocknroll, it was genius. Wished you guys had performed that version more. The moment you said “I love you” as she said “tell me something good” and you smiled at each other, I could feel the love and happiness in that moment. I caught it
Wow Nick, now I gotta go back and look at that show and see if I can see that "Smile" ~
Good evening Mr Watson! Happy New Year 🎊 💙 Ask Rufus is my second favorite album in you’ll catalog.
Hi Gabrielle, thnx for the "Happy New Year" and I'm so glad you place "Ask Rufus" up at the top because I love this album too ~
Thanks for another great video. What would you say are your top 1 or 2 bass lines to play from a Rufus song? And what are the most challenging bass lines on any Rufus song you had to play, like the most technically complicated that pushed you the most? Who were you favorite background singers that sang with Rufus over all the years yall toured up to 1983?
I've been trying to think about this question and pull out some songs for you but, Nothing sticks out, all the songs were straight forward for me, No odd time signatures, not tunes with crazy changes, also when Rufus recorded, it was not like session guys with charts and a conductor, we usually rehearsed before booking studio time, so cutting tracks were like playing a normal rehearsal with microphones on everything !! When I recorded with Rufus the hardest thing for me was finding the Groove (Pocket) for the song to fall into, with Andre & Tony it always turned out to be fun ,, BG singers I loved them all especially LaLomie and Urlee (Tony Maiden's sister) If you didn't know, Tony Maiden and myself sang all the BG's with Chaka for the first few years until CK started to complain about me singing flat ! That's another story ~ Lol
Last thing : When I listen to the song "Rock with you" (Michael Jackson) my bass line sounds a little complicated to me now when I sit down to play with it, ?? but then I remember back to the session day, I was hungry, hungover, Ferrari was not running right, I was not in a good mood, the day was dragging on, so all of those elements created a attitude which translated into how I played that song, I also played Bass on "Off The Wall", (another MJ song) on that day, but the Engineer told me that Quincy did not want to keep my bass because it was too "Funky" and He wanted a more pop sounding track ...
Bobby Watson is one of the baddest bass players of all time. Crank up the bass on any song he has played on and you will understand what I mean.
Mr Watson the song titled everlasting love! Sounded terrible the what went wrong in the studio??? U guys must have been exhausted!!! No way that album should have been released 😢
Under the circumstances she should have waited until she sobered up before making any decisions but I'm sure her husband had surely pushed her in that direction.
See there, no one thought about that, Him just walking around the house with injuries in the days that followed was a crucial part of her decision making .. "Honey pass me the butter" oh "never mind I can't eat anything right now" .. You are so right ~
Great info Bobby. Maybe I missed a previous post but you alluded some of the original members of the band didnt care for Chaka. I would like to hear you talk about what kind of shape the band was in when you and Tony joined. We all know the band pictured on the Rags To Rufus album was a different band than who we saw on tv promoting the record. We all heard the three guys left before the album was released due to the "Featuring Chaka Khan" being added. But I would like to hear your take on what happened and how ABC managed to get you and Tony on board so quickly.
yes, it was all a blur once I took the bus to Crenshaw Blvd to join Rufus, after that I started coming home from gigs with $500 in my pocket ??? In 1973' you could but a brand new refrigerator for $250 / Man I was in heaven
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Good stuff, thank you.
Thanks for the back story Bobby. You are one of the baddest musician to touch a bass guitar. Big props to you sir. Rufus as a whole was & is one of the baddest band ever. Ask Rufus is my favorite album, it’s a dark album & a spiritual album as well. It’s a sophisticated funk album! I wanna know how did you all come up with a concept to record ask Rufus, with it being sort of different from all the albums prior
Man I agree with you about that "Ask Rufus Album", it is my favorite too .. I have no idea how we arrived at that place? Just years of recording and touring and adding Hawk Wolinski, and Andre finding songs, and Claire Fischer peaking with his arrangement ideas ... It just happened !!! During the mixing sessions I just sat in Amazement listening to the tracks with Andre, thinking this is nothing like "EWF", "Cool n The Gang", "Ohio Players", "Sly & Family Stone" Stuff I grew up listening to ..
Bobby Chaka been watching your clips and she says you are feeling in gaps of things she forgotten or chose to forget. I did a internship with Earthsong Entertainment Chaka Khan record label. She always calls you the kind guy
I'm so glad she has been watching, I am going to do a quick video about how much "I Love her for being born", because my life would have been something totally different.. probably good too ? but with CK writing and singing "Sweet Thing" (my music) so fast and magical .. I feel a strong indirect connection with her !!!!
I am a die hard Rufus fan and I'm shock about the story I'm from that era, even though chaka move on to great success, I always wished Chaka could have made it with Rufus because of the sound they had no other band brought out her true voice only my opinion 😢
The mistake she made was adopting the diva attitude and all that comes with it..
Chaka did acknowledge Rufus in her Rock in Roll Hall of Fame Speech. She did bring out Tony Maiden to the podium. Were the rest of you invited??
We all were there in Spirit !!!!
great stories my brother
Bobby YOU should write a Book with David Ritz he’s the guy that help put together Marvin Gaye Ray Charles and many others in Soul Music,he’s the best in the book writing business! It would be best seller around the world! Miles Davis would say don’t give all your Great Stories away for Free My Musician Brother,with Love & Respect!🙏🏾💯❤️🎸
Oh man, what a brilliant idea, I know of David Ritz ,, I will look into contacting him and talking, If something happens with this Jerry , I am gonna buy you a Caddilac with the money from the proceeds ~ good thinking my brother
I agree. But...that's the business. Chaka should have done that for the sake of Rufus. Do you think her synchophants put a bug in her ear? I've always liked Rufus, and I am fascinated to listen to your perspective. Thank you.
You guys did a song called, "Better Together" and I must say that Rufus albums and live performances were always best when you guys were together. You guys have all done terrific work as solo musicians, but I bet if you did another album it would be your most successful project ever. But maybe album sales are not important to you guys at this point.
Man, I dare dream of everyone dropping their grievances and coming together and writing some new rhythm grooves w weird guitar tunings and getting Brett Fischer (Claire Fischer's son) writing the strings .. CK writing another "Sweet Thing" but modern and me getting credit this time , haha .. Andre & John Robinson both playing drums , Hawk playing that moog synth (nostalgic) .. CK would be late to the studio, but who cares ~ Lol
We need a real reunion tour. Folks will come. It will sell out
Please do more of these. They are very interesting
It is interesting to hear another close up take about things bc I read Chaka's book and it glossed over details often. Chaka often glosses over things about her past bc it seems sad/wild honestly but she doesn't have to testify to us either. She was young, vulnerable, and seemed very alone then.. I want to say her mom maybe closed the door on Chaka bc she was likely extremely tired of young Chaka's ways (ie blow the money, do whatever I want in my free time and eff everyone else stuff) but honestly as a parent.. how could you but anyways. Chaka owes Andre more than she claims but it seemed Andre had issues too. Everyone was young too (no auto excuse but just saying) and without guidance it seemed. Plus Chaka was the only girl with yall, and poor with no real support/resources/protection. It seems like over the past 10 yrs or so she's been working hard on revamping her career/image and found the energy to do so and must say good for her. Hope she's been working on her healing too and she seems to wish to be a solid person with a good spirit. Hopefully you all can reunite for her 2023 rock hall honor. I got to meet her in 2019 and saw her again late last year.
This is such a refreshing comment to read nitelillie, I appreciate your thoughts on both CK and Andre, you have such a refreshing look at it from another standpoint .. I Love both Chaka and Andre, and you said it, they were both younger in those days, and the mom probably was fed up with her daughter giving her Jive, back in her growing up days ,, Gotta give it up !! I love it .. one thing you reminded me of was how hard it was for CK to find real Love from that special guy (who had no bad motives) and have a meaningful relationship .. Celebrities are often faced with this dilemma, all people do have a challenge meeting a mate who is good inside, and who is capable of really Loving you (in spite of your status) ...
@@myvidworld1 Thanks for the reply! Yes, very true. She's still out here doing shows like her peers. It's amazing. I saw her show last November and she really brought her A game. Peace and love to you.
Can you do a video on the savoy and why the play list is different than album.. no best of your heart etc and was it video recorded?
Wow, you just woke up a great subject ,,, I too wondered about the tunes we played "live" but were not included on the 2 disk album ?? OK, I'm on it ,, let me do some research .. to answer your question, I cannot remember if it was recorded on video by a pro team? but I do have a short copy of the "Savoy rehearsal" which we were goofing off and jamming, I am gonna look for it and post it .... if you subscribe to me , you will be notified when I put it up ~
@@myvidworld1 thanks in advance
@@myvidworld1still waiting 😂
Thanks for the story 😂 wow ❤️
So...Chaka let the cat out of the bag in a recent interview that Rufus will be touring again. I hope this is true.
We told everybody to keep this a secret, She spilled it .. Well we are talking and planning right now, but when it will happen nobody knows (probably in the Fall) stay tuned Cornelius ~
Hey Bobby, question, how come there wasn’t a lot of promotion or TV appearances during the Street Player album?
That was a critical time period for all of us then, Andre had just left and Moon replaced him on drums, we went on tour as usual but the Label decided not to get into promoting us,, The Album was selling all over so your guess is as good as mine, maybe the Black division at ABC were going through some promotion staff changes ?
Chaka Should have Forgiven Andre... Ask Rufus is an Amazing Album!
The truth may hurt, but all artists are HUMAN. Some of the best music comes from the rancorous interactions of creatives…
So true !
Andre later married Natalie Cole. Their marriage ended in divorce because rumor had it that Andre used to abuse Natalie Cole
Fans tend to always view through rosy tinted glasses but having watched dozens of interviews with and about Chaka it appears to me that she has never been a particularly kind person. Instead she seems to have an inherently wicked spirit. Love her vocals and much of the music she’s featured in but not at all a fan of her outside the booth.
Andre is one of my favorite funk drummers. He played very different and very funky. That first tom fill Andre plays near the beginning of Sweet Thing is not something you ever hear in a ballad yet it worked so good! No disrespect but Ask Rufus was the last great Rufus album. I wish Chaka & Andre could’ve worked through it.
I saw a live video of Everlasting Love and I noticed Jeff Porcaro on drums. Did he do the Ask Rufus tour? Was he asked to join Rufus?
Me Too !!!!!
There are two sides to every story All I can say is that was what Chaka calls the cocaine dark album so everyone was out of order at that time. You are saying what andre said
Wow, yes that was a time period where everything was so volatile
Chaka made a mistske, she shouldve forgiven Andre.
I agree ~
Where are you from originally? And how did you join Rufus?. What happened to all the original white band members?
Born in Memphis, grew up in Los Angeles, Got a call from Andre Fischer in the fall of 1973' to come play for the band, all the "Rags To Rufus" members moved on to play with people in the industry that paid good money to side musicians, Rufus was not making any money then ~
She just went to Vegas with some young guys in the band. $500 a week! Young bassist Juna Serita has a hot jam band in Tokyo. I wish they would give singer Geno Samuel a try out. Geno is good and needs to play with a good band. He is still a young guy. He is good like Chaka.
I have Chaka Khan's book, but we need a made for TV Chaka Khan movie in parts or on the big screen
Not for nothing, Rufus was amazing musically but, CHAKA KHAN was the real magic!!!! And Rufus & CHAKA KHAN together we’re magical. But the magic ingredient is CHAKA KHAN. And the company was smart to make it RUFUS featuring CHAKA KHAN. CHAKA is still magical. And she is really the reason in the Singer and artist I am today. She’s also very sweet but she also very fiery! I know her temper first hand, lol. Them dang ARIES WOMEN! But I really think that Rufus with Chaka could’ve been great as long as Chaka still did her solo work as well. CHAKA KHAN’s solo stuff & collaborations showed a more diverse side of a phenomenal vocal genius.
Agreed, that's my girl, I'm glad she lived through it all, she certainly boosted my life writing "Sweet thing" to my music. I also agree that the two entities could have lived simultaneous along side each other and every few years come together and play like "kids returning to the playground to play some more" ..
I want the Bio Pic
I think they will be.
I appreciate you for sharing.. but violence should not be tolerated.. no matter how talented you are.
Thanks Gwen, in this case "It wasn't" Andre did leave Rufus !!
Chaka and Richard divorced in 1980 a yr after she gave birth to their son.i have to say the Master Jam tour was the worst I seen from you guys.Chaka clearly hated the material on the album
Yes, Darryl, I think all of us had lost our way after Andre left, Rufus was not a unit that worked together anymore , it was everyone out for themselves at that point. The Quincy Album was just what it was supposed to be, songs that did not fit us, but were able to get on the charts. Too many drugs and members out for themselves kinda vibe! I don't blame Chaka for feeling that way, However we did have some success with the project and it kept food on the table ...
@@myvidworld1 Thanks for replying Chaka was not in a good place drug addiction a failing marriage etc.I seen the Street Player tour and it was AWESOME.. Chaka and Tony were battling on stage during the Master Jam tour Chaka looked so sad .I'm not sure what you said to her but I recall her saying Thank You Bobby then rolling her eyes at Tony and singing the last 3 song's with so much fire and energy then walking off the stage .I knew then the end was near..Year's later when I did my internship with her record label Earthsong Entertainment. I told her you were my favorite band member Chaka reply Great Choice then flashed her million dollar smile
@@darrylmilling2747 Awww man, you are making my day over here, I understand what she was feeling, first of all we had no counseling, no parents, no self will, not even good friends that would be honest and say "Stop the drugs" live your life .. So we all went through it .. Because Chaka was 3 years younger than me, I always looked at her like a baby sister and tried to protect her from drugs and bad people , even overzealous fans ~
I heard that Andre Fischer was also physically abusive when he was married to Natalie Cole😓😶😮
Yes Whitney Houston hated him and Nick named him “tick tick boom”
@@Bahia82 Nick who? The one who allegedly abused Bobbi K?
Volatile times back then, never heard any "wife beating" stories about Andre and Nat ... I gotta tell you though, at that level of popularity and being exposed to all the crazy stuff that was available, I don't doubt that things could have gotten testy ...
“Nick named him”.
“Nick named him”.
I don’t think she should have waited. Chaka Mentioned in her book that Andre roster up while she was pregnant. That would’ve been enough right there. On top of that, she beat up Natalie. So, that to me is volatile. I’m just saying.
Hmmmm, well I can't touch any of that, so I won't try, I just analyze both Chaka & Andre from what I know and have seen .. because CK is no Angel and when on Drugs she possesses a biased memory, I'm not gonna take her side... and Andre has been said to be short tempered, I'm not going to take his side either ... Its my belief that they both will suffer Kharma from any wrongdoings and in the end learn some lessons ..
@@myvidworld1 Thanks for your reply! I appreciate your Page and how you keep it real on everything!
Thanks so much Bobby for being brave enough to tell these stories… They need to be told.. I won’t cause I don’t want no smoke from the peanut gallery… lololol
None of us are Angels truth be told if we were able to look back at all of our history there would be a lot of shameful moments. Chaka and Andre are just people who happened to have had success doing what they like to do...music. Their lives are public with a huge fan base and mistakes and mishaps they made are there for all to scrutinize and criticize. Bobby thanks for walk the down memory lane with my favorite group Rufus.
@@pynelopi Love you Penny, I am older now with nothing much to do (Lol) so I am just sharing stories ..