CHAKA KHAN & NAJEE celebrate 38 Years with JAZZ 91.9 WCLK Atlanta
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReportersJAZZ 91.9 WCLK is the longest running Jazz station in Atlanta and the southeast. Licensed to Clark Atlanta University, the station was founded in 1974 as a 501(c) 3 non profit radio station. Playing only the best in classic and contemporary Jazz, Gospel and Blues, WCLK made 38-years-old this year. Happy Anniversary!
To help commemorate 38 years of the station’s existence, JAZZ 91.9 WCLK held their 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert featuring headliner; the incomparable Chaka Khan, with special guest; the iconic Najee. The show was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
The night began with a reception for JAZZ 91.9’s VIP listeners, patrons, and supporters. During the reception, General Manager Wendy Williams thanked everyone for coming and supporting the station. “The electrifying evening celebrates Jazz 91.9 WCLK as a steadfast part of the Atlanta community and a vital resource for Jazz music lovers.”
The concert began with the smooth sounds of Jazz Saxophonist and Flautist, Najee. Known for his many musical talents, Najee wowed the audience playing three different saxophones (soprano, tenor and alto), as well as the flute. The crowd screamed & sang as he controlled them like the pied piper while the flute sang Stevie Wonder’s hit, “Knocks Me Off My Feet”. A certified Jazz Icon, Najee has two Platinum albums and four Gold Albums to his credit. And it made perfect sense that he open for Chaka Khan. Najee started his career as a member of Chaka Khan’s band. “It’s a family affair!”
Ten-time Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Chaka Khan served as the show’s Headliner. The world renown ‘Queen of Funk’ began her career in the early 70’s as frontwoman of the funk band, Rufus. The group reached star status with their breakthrough hit, “Tell Me Something Good,” which won them their first Grammy Award in 1975. Khan was introduced to Jazz by her grandmother as a child and fell in love with the genre. She also credits her love of music in general to her grandmother.
Chaka later went solo and the rest is music history (literally). To her credit, Khan released a full-length Jazz Album in 1982: Echoes of an Era. In 2004, she released her Jazz covers album: ClassiKhan. Chaka Khan currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
***After the show ended, Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond presented Chaka Khan with a proclamation honoring her performance in connection with the Jazz 91.9 WCLK 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert, her career and music accomplishments (pictured below).***
Check out live footage from the JAZZ 91.9 WCLK Atlanta – 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert:





































