Latest news with #ChakaKhan
Vogue
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
On the Podcast: Norma Kamali Loves AI and Wants to Live to 121
The words 'icon' and 'legend' are thrown around a lot these days, but Norma Kamali has truly had a fabulous career. Her use of unusual materials like sweatpant fabric, stretchy cotton Lycra, and even sleeping bags revolutionized womenswear. And that's just the beginning. Kamali created costumes for The Wiz, and outfitted Chaka Khan and Sly and the Family Stone. And as she tells Nicole Phelps and Vogue's senior archive editor Laird Borrelli-Persson, in its early days, her New York City store was the place to see, be seen, and get dressed—hosting the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the New York Dolls' David Johansen, who would pop in and 'just literally change in the store, then leave what they had on for us to throw away.' On this week's episode of The Run-Through, Kamali shares her wide-ranging thoughts on everything from the stylishness of the '70s, the flattening effect of social media on personal expression and creativity, why she wants her staff to use AI at work, and the reason she opted not to celebrate her 80th birthday. 'It's a milestone, but if I celebrate it, it makes it bigger than I am envisioning 80 to be,' she says. 'My endgame is 121, so celebrating 80 is maybe a little too premature—the dance party will have to wait 'til 100.'
Time Out
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Andy Parsons
The look is bright and fun - far more in line with modern Peckham than a fur-covered shag pad, while their list of cocktails is as tight as a Chaka Khan chorus. There are intriguing spins on familiar favourites, such as their Bananaperol Spritz (made with a banana-infused version of the spirit, plus pet-nat wine) or a Frosé Paloma, where rosé is added to a traditional tequila and grapefruit combo. You can even buy some of their cocktails bottled, to take home. Order this: A homage to their home, the Rye Lane cocktail combines rye whisky, martini, fennel seeds and olive brine. They've also got a couple of tasty zero-percent offerings, made using Everleaf Forest non-alcoholic aperitif.
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Montreux Jazz Festival And Claude Nobs Foundation: A Living Legacy In Sound And Spirit
Quincy jones presents a night of global Gumbo - Quincy Jones and Claude nobs © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin A Festival Built on Passion, Vision, and Jazz The 59th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival ends on Saturday 19th July, its final notes echoing over the serene waters of Lake Geneva. Chaka Khan's powerful tribute to Quincy Jones– To Q With Love– opened this year's festival with a soulful celebration of one of Montreux's most treasured collaborators. But as the applause fades and the stages are packed down, attention is already turning to 2026, when the Montreux Jazz Festival will celebrate its 60th anniversary–a milestone that not only marks six decades of musical excellence, but also honors the enduring legacy of its visionary founder, Claude Nobs. A Musical Pilgrimage to Claude Nobs Chalets Just one day after Chaka Khan's opening night performance, I made a musical pilgrimage to a place that many consider the spiritual heart of Montreux: Claude Nobs' chalet high in the mountains above the lake, now home to the Claude Nobs Foundation. Nestled in the quiet Alpine village of Haut-de-Caux–accessible via the quaint Golden Pass cogwheel railway, which has a portrait of Claude Nobs on the side–this site is far more than a charming retreat, it's a living museum, a sanctuary of sound, and a cradle of innovation. Mountains above Montreux © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Where Legacy Meets Innovation Led by Thierry Amsallem–Claude's lifelong partner and the foundation's President–the Chalet offers a deeply intimate window into the world of a man who changed the course of music history. The Claude Nobs Chalets–now a UNESCO-listed heritage site–house an extensive archive of recordings, and form the beating heart of projects that are redefining how music can be preserved and experienced. In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), the Montreux Jazz Digital Project is turning the musical archive of Montreux Jazz Festival into a launchpad for immersive, futuristic experiences–where the performances of legends are accessible in 3D audio and virtual environments. Montreux Media Ventures is a pioneering steward of cultural heritage, presiding over one of the world's most significant audio-visual Collection from the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. From Nina Simone to Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie, MMV has preserved iconic performances from some of the world's greatest artists for future generations. With over 17,000 hours of audio and video, MMV is seen as 'The Abbey Road of recorded live music', presiding over a cultural asset of unrivalled quality that has been inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register since 2013. Thierry Amsallem, Founder of Claude Nobs Foundation © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Claude Nobs: From Local Promoter to Global Pioneer The roots of Montreux Jazz Festival (MJF) go back to 1967, when Claude founded what was then a pure jazz festival. Within just four years, Montreux had cemented itself as an essential stop on the global music map. In 1968, a Grammy-winning recording from the festival earned worldwide acclaim. In 1969, an impromptu concert led to the best-selling jazz album Swiss Movement , introducing the world to Montreux's magic. By 1971, Claude was booking Rock legends like Santana and Pink Floyd–even as he kept jazz at the festival's core. A Personal Touch: The Stories Behind the Chalet Walls As we walked through the chalet complex, Thierry recounted stories that painted a vivid portrait of the man behind the festival. Claude, it turns out, had a passion for trains, and his collection of model locomotives runs through several rooms. Neil Young, an equally avid collector, once playfully one-upped Claude during a visit when he showed him his model train collection. Thierry stood in a sitting room of the chalet where a collection of Claude's model trains is displayed and recalled: 'Claude was here. I was there. Neil Young was here, and he was looking at Claude's train collection. Claude explained that he was a big fan of trains because his father had lived near a railway line. Claude was explaining to Neil that his trains were from a US company of the 1930s. Neil Young said to him 'Don't explain. I bought the company!' He sold the company two years ago I think. Then we became friends because of trains!' The extensive train collection also includes a model train gifted to Claude by none other than Paul Simon. Who knew that an obsession with model trains could be shared by so many music legends? Claude Nobs Foundation collection of model trains © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock A Museum of Musical Legends The chalet itself is a time capsule of musical history. In one room, David Bowie's Kimono, shoes and a bunch of fake flowers sit beside a cheeky postcard sent to Claude from San Francisco by Freddie Mercury. Quincy Jones' trumpet and Jamiroquai's signature hat add to the eclectic mix. A small chalet adjacent to the main house is–according to Thierry–Shania Twain's favorite hideaway. If these walls could talk, they would hum with stories of legendary jam sessions and home-cooked meals shared by stars, back in an era when stars weren't surrounded by a huge entourage of PR people, stylists and managers. Claude often cooked himself, offering artists a family-like refuge away from the adoring fans at the Montreux concerts. Bowie once praised the home-cooked dinner Claude made him in front of a live audience. There is also a room where the Rolling Sones hung out, which is decorated with photos and paintings of them, including some by Ronnie Wood. Claude developed a relationship with The Rolling Stones and even helped Keith Richards when he was in rehab for a year in Montreux. Thierry recalled that, when Claude invited the Rolling Stones to play Montreux, they were all enthusiastic apart from Mick Jagger who said 'But Claude, I don't play Jazz!' The Rolling Stones were due to play Montreux casino after Frank Zappa performed, but the night ended in a legendary incident worthy of a disaster movie. David Bowie's Kimono at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock From Fire to Fame: The Story of Smoke on the Water In a vintage screening room lined with 1970s Swissair first-class seats–complete with now-defunct ashtrays–Thierry showed us rare footage of iconic festival moments. Thierry told us the dramatic tale of the infamous 1971 fire at Montreux Casino. During a Frank Zappa concert, a fan set off a flare gun, sparking a fire that would burn the venue to the ground. Deep Purple witnessed the chaos, and the next day wrote the now-legendary Smoke on the Water , immortalizing the event, and Claude himself ('Funky Claude was running in and out'). Thierry explained: 'Deep Purple said 'We're going to bring the Rolling Stones mobile studio, because we would like to play Montreux but we would also like to record an album. Claude said 'OK, but this will be after the Frank Zappa Show'. And a stupid guy during the Zappa show lit a gun flare and set fire to the casino.' Thierry proceeded to show us a previously unseen film with footage of the Frank Zappa concert, the fire and the aftermath, edited to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd's track One of These Days , which led to the composition of Smoke on the Water . After the visit to the chalet, I listened to the track again and the lyrics took on a whole new meaning: 'We all came out to Montreux On the Lake Geneva shoreline To make records with a mobile, yeah We didn't have much time now Frank Zappa and the Mothers Were at the best place around But some stupid with a flare gun Burned the place to the ground Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky (Smoke) on the water, you guys are great They burned down the gambling house It died with an awful sound Funky Claude was running in and out He was pulling kids out the ground now When it all was over Find another place Swiss time was running out It seemed that we would lose the race Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky Smoke on the water.' A Vision for the Future: AI, Immersion, and Innovation Montreux is not just a music festival–it's a guardian of culture. The archive is staggering: over 17,000 hours of audio and video recordings have been preserved, with performances from Prince to Nina Simone, from Ed Sheeran to Bowie. This treasure trove is overseen by Montreux Media Ventures, which manages the festival's media and production and has earned the archive a place in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The Claude Nobs Foundation and Montreux Media Ventures are not only preserving the past but innovating for the future. Thierry revealed one of the most exciting developments in the works: an AI-assisted recreation of Claude's voice, set to debut during the 60th anniversary celebrations. This voice will guide visitors through Live at Montreux-The Experience by Claude Nobs , an interactive installation that immerses audiences in the music, the history, and the very soul of Montreux. Art Meets Sound: The Visual Legacy of Montreux Art has always been integral to Montreux's identity. Claude's eclectic tastes extended beyond music and model trains to art deco and contemporary art, and he was pioneering in his vision not only of merging pop and rock music with jazz–which some people viewed as musical sacrilege in the 60s–he was also pushing the boundaries between art and music. In 1983, Claude invited American Street artist Keith Haring to design artwork for the festival, beginning a tradition that continued with artists like Niki de Saint Phalle and Malika Favre. Haring had visited the Chalet during his time in Montreux, and several originals of his artworks are on display, many of them personally dedicated to Claude. Thierry explained that Haring had created street art around Montreux during his visits, which wasn't documented and sadly disappeared, but his designs for the festival and his artworks live on in the Chalet. For 2025, London-based artist Lakwena took inspiration from Nina Simone's 1976 performance of Stars , building her design around the lyric, 'All you see is glory.' An exciting collaboration will be announced later this year with an artist for the 60th anniversary of MJF. In the Chalet you can spot a Warhol portrait of Mao next to an original Keith Haring artwork signed to Claude, a self-portrait of Bowie, and a more contemporary painting by artist Kehinde Wahale, the official portraitist of former US President Barrack Obama. Artworks at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Quincy Jones and the Power of Collaboration Montreux has also long benefited from the influence of legendary producer Quincy Jones. After joining as co-producer in 1991, Quincy and Claude formed an extraordinary partnership, drawing artists across eras and styles. Together, they staged one of Miles Davis' final performances and brought to life nights featuring Phil Collins, Mos Def, Herbie Hancock, Jorja Smith, Jon Batiste, and countless others. This firm friendship between Quincy and Claude endured during their lifetimes, and Quincy's legacy was celebrated at the 2025 MJF with Chaka Khan's musical tribute To Q with Love . MJF Scène du LAC. Lac Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Prince, Bowie, and the Soul of Montreux 'Prince called Claude himself to say he wanted to play Montreux,' Thierry said. 'He fell in love with the place.' The late icon went on to perform six legendary concerts at the festival. The chalet still reverberates with echoes of those performances. Thierry played us a video of Bowie performing Ashes to Ashes at Montreux, and also Prince's moving rendition of Purple Rain , a performance so emotionally charged that the room fell silent. Quincy Jones' Trumpet © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Thierry gave some insight into the close relationship Quincy and Prince formed with Claude and Montreux: 'One day Claude was touring Prince in the 1980s, and that's how they met. Many years later Prince called Claude and said he would love to play Montreux. So he came back in 2007, played Montreux and fell in love with the place and the people. He could have been our best Ambassador, unfortunately he passed away – he played six concerts in Montreux. And Quincy Jones our ambassador since 1991 and he passed way last year. So we are really missing these great ambassadors who have passed away.' An upper floor of Claude's chalet contains an open-plan room where his bed is positioned above a seating area, with a huge window overlooking the mountains. Thierry gestured to a large sofa and said it was Quincy's favourite spot to sit, recalling how he and Claude bonded over their love of Crocs. One could sense the ghosts of Quincy, Claude and the other legendary musicians who sat on that sofa after a night of live of music in Montreux, and the jam sessions that took place in the rooms below. Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Looking Ahead to the 60th Anniversary As Claude's memory continues to inspire, his legacy lives on not just in festival lineups, but in mentorship programs, immersive experiences, and a holistic vision of music that spans genre, geography, and generation. Looking ahead to the 60th edition in 2026, the Montreux Jazz Festival will move into a fully redesigned Convention Centre. This transformation will reinvigorate the legendary Stravinski Auditorium and the Jazz Lab, ensuring that Montreux's magic—its potent mix of setting, sound, and soul—remains as vibrant as ever. The Festival That Keeps Reinventing Itself The 59th edition ended on a high note, with powerful performances from both legends and rising stars. From Neil Young to James Blake, from Chaka Khan to Raye, this year's lineup was a bridge between the past and the future. The festival continues to evolve, adapt, and innovate–always true to Claude Nobs' original vision. MJF Raye © Amelie Chatellard © Amelie Chatellard Claude's Spirit Lives On What began as a small jazz event by a railway-loving music promoter in a Swiss lakeside town has become one of the most influential and beloved festivals in the world. Montreux is not merely a destination–it's a feeling, a memory, a soundscape shaped by decades of groundbreaking artistry. As we look forward to Montreux's 60th anniversary, one thing remains clear: Claude Nobs' spirit is as alive as ever–in every note, every train whistle, and every flame of inspiration sparked on the Lake Geneva shoreline.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Singer, 72, Steps Into 'Special' Role as Flower Girl for Granddaughter's Wedding in Rare Family Photos
Legendary Singer, 72, Steps Into 'Special' Role as Flower Girl for Granddaughter's Wedding in Rare Family Photos originally appeared on Parade. recently attended a family event, stepping into a special role for the occasion. The legendary singer took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 1 to share the happy news that her granddaughter, Daija Jade, had tied the knot. In a surprising twist, the "Through the Fire" icon, 72, was the ceremony's "honorary" flower girl. In new pictures posted via the social media platform, the enduring vocalist appeared years younger than her age as she stunned in a flowy white boho-style dress with gold paisley stitching. A five-image photoset found the soul songstress walking down the aisle alongside an adorable ring bearer donning a cream-colored tuxedo with a bowtie. Related: The "I'm Every Woman" artist held a small white basket in her hands, consistent with flower girl duties. Following photos in the gallery showed her smiling with the newlyweds, the bride beaming as she flaunted a growing baby bump, as well as another shot of just the couple together. "A beautiful family moment worth celebrating 💐💜," the images were captioned. "Chaka Khan's granddaughter, Daija Jade, recently tied the knot - and Chaka was right there to witness the joy, love, and magic of the day. Even more special? Chaka stepped into the role of honorary flower girl for the ceremony." It concluded, "Congratulations to the radiant newlyweds!" Fans dropped into the comment section to send well wishes the pair's way. "This is beautiful! Congratulations! ❤️❤️," one wrote, while another offered, "Blessings upon blessings to the new couple. Love the ring bearer and the flower girl is looking real innocent over there!" "Congratulations! Ms Khan looks beautiful and ring bearer so handsome.😍😍," a third agreed, with several more noting things like, "She's beautiful😍😍😍 love the bump 🥹🤰🏽" and "Congrats! Seeing granddaughter get married is exciting 💐." Chaka Khan is mom to two adult children, daughter Indira 'Milini' Khan, 51, and son Damien Patrick Holland, born in the late 1970s. Next: Legendary Singer, 72, Steps Into 'Special' Role as Flower Girl for Granddaughter's Wedding in Rare Family Photos first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Chaka Khan Headlines Musical Tribute To Quincy Jones At Montreux Jazz Festival
MJF LAC. Scène du Lac. Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Montreux Jazz festival kicked off its 59th edition on Friday 4th July with Chaka Khan's musical homage to 28-time Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones. Legendary Soulstress Chaka Khan led the tribute to Quincy Jones–former Ambassador and co-producer of the festival–who died last year aged 91. Held on the stunning Lake Stage overlooking magical Lake Geneva, the emotional celebration was a joyful opening night full of music and brimming with love for the legendary Music Producer who was instrumental in shaping the soul of Montreux Jazz Festival. Chaka Khan's tribute to Quincy set the tone for an extraordinary two-week programme of live music in Montreux, which ends on 19th July. There was no more fitting way to open the 2025 Montreux Jazz Festival than by honouring the legacy of legendary American Music Producer Quincy Jones–who passed away last November–in a one-of-a-kind show created especially for Montreux and fronted by iconic Chicago-born singer Chaka Khan on the fourth of July–US Independence Day. Chaka was joined by several special guests with a link to Quincy to pay a musical tribute to their friend and mentor. The unique concert was streamed worldwide as part of the Festival's livestream programme. MJF LAC. Scène du Lac. ChakaKhan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Following Chaka Khan's show stopping tribute to Quincy Jones, legendary folk singer Neil Young took to the stage on Sunday 6th July, and a host of world-class performers–including Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Grace Jones, as well as Pulp and Alanis Morissette (fresh from standout performances at Glastonbury)–will grace the Lake Stage for a lakeside swan song before the Festival returns to the Montreux Convention Centre in 2026 for its 60th edition. After a first act featuring her greatest hits, kicking off with a storming rendition of hit I'm every woman , Chaka was joined on-stage by a host of special guests who have shared the stage or studio with Jones over the decades including; Siedah Garrett, Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, Mica Paris, SEVEN, and Marc Sway. The starry ensemble of musicians covered multiple hit songs produced by Quincy including Man in the Mirror (which Grammy Award winning singer Siedah Garrett co-wrote), Give Me the Night and The Secret Garden , as well as Chaka tracks Tell Me Something Good to Do You Love What You Feel . Chaka Khan's star wattage shone through her stage presence and powerful voice, which belied her 72 years and diminutive form, and she captivated the packed audience on the Lake Stage for an energy-filled set lasting more than three hours. The performance was titled To Q With Love –inspired by Frank Sinatra's affectionate nickname of 'Q' for Quincy–and a touching montage of archive footage featuring early performances by Chaka Khan, and images of the festival's founder Claude Nobs with Quincy, was introduced in a pre-recorded video message by Michelle Obama. MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Chaka Khan & Siedah Garrett © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Highlights of the magical evening–aside from Chaka's spellbinding performance–were emotion-filled renditions of Quincy hit records by Soul Queens Siedah Garrett, Mica Paris and Lalah Hathaway, and a joyful appearance by Swiss-Brazilian singer and percussionist Marc Sway. Set against the backdrop of a balmy July evening on Lake Geneva, the uplifting concert was a fitting homage to Quincy Jones and cemented the impact of his legacy on Montreux and on the history of music. MJF LAC Scène du Lac OST. Marc Sway performing at Chaka Khan concert. © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Chaka Khan told the crowd: 'This here tonight is a tribute to one of the most amazing men on the planet, and in music. As a father, a grandfather, an uncle, he was many things to me. And I know in your heart of hearts, where your music part lives, that he's part of it. So, we're gonna' do a little tribute–no a big tribute actually–to Quincy Jones.' This was a unique moment to witness in Montreux as iconic Soultress Chaka Khan performed her greatest hits in a one-off tribute to the late, great Quincy Jones–former co-producer and ambassador of Montreux Jazz Festival–before the performances return to a newly renovated Casino in 2026. MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Siedah Garrett performs with Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Before her rendition of Man in the Mirror Siedah Garrett recounted to the audience: 'This song changed my life. This song has opened so many doors, has allowed me to be on this stage tonight honouring the late, great, Quincy Delight Jones. So he [Quincy] was looking for one more song to round up the 'Bad' album [by Michael Jackson]. So Glen [Ballard] and I wrote this song and Michael loved it and recorded it.' Arriving by boat across the glistening water of Lake Geneva from stunning Hotel des Couronnes in Vevey was the ultimate mode of transport, the lake stage appearing above the crystal clear water of Lake Geneva in a magical prelude to an unforgettable night of life-affirming music. An Electrifying Farewell As the final chords rang out and Chaka brought the night full circle with a rousing encore of I'm Every Woman , a tangible electricity surged through the crowd and everybody danced, including the most reserved concert goers. A perfectly fitting end to an unforgettable evening of music on the Swiss Riviera. More than a concert, the performance felt like a musically spiritual communion–an expression of love for Quincy and his legacy, a joyous celebration of Chaka Khan's contribution to music history, a showcase for the talents of her supporting singers and musicians, and an ode to the natural beauty of Lake Geneva and Montreux. MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Streaming for the World, from Montreux with Love All performances from Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 are being livestreamed for free via the Festival's official YouTube channel, continuing its mission to bring live music to audiences around the world, without borders. The full and updated streaming schedule is available on the festival website. With To Q With Love , Montreux didn't just open a music festival—it opened a portal. To memory. To melody. To the spirit of Quincy Jones. And surely–as Chaka's performance unfolded under the starry night Sky of Montreux– Quincy Jones and Claude Nobs were listening from the heavens. A Starry line-up at Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 Chaka Khan's Quincy Jones tribute kicked off a two week festival programme with a a standout lineup including RAYE, Benson Boone, The Black Keys, FKA Twigs, Alanis Morissette, J Balvin, Bloc Party, Joe Bonamassa, London Grammar, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Celeste. All the concerts will be available to livestream for free on the Montreux Jazz Festival's official YouTube channel, bringing Montreux's iconic lakeside experience directly to music lovers everywhere and continuing the Festival's ambition to bring live music to as wide a public as possible. The full and updated broadcast schedule is available on the festival's website. With this extraordinary opening night, the Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 is officially underway, promising two more weeks of unforgettable moments on the shores of Lake Geneva. For more information or tickets go the festival website.
