Ain't Nobody
A funk classic that became a signature song for Chaka Khan.
"Ain't Nobody" is a song originally recorded by American funk band Rufus, led by singer Chaka Khan. Released in 1983 by Warner Bros., it became a hit single and has since been recorded by multiple artists. The song was written by Rufus keyboardist David "Hawk" Wolinski around a repeating synthesizer loop backed by a Linn LM-1 drum computer, though drummer John "JR" Robinson played real drums for the recording session.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Rufus and Chaka Khan
- Album
- Stompin' at the Savoy
- B-side
- Sweet Thing
- Released
- November 4, 1983
- Length
- 4:41 (album version); 4:05 (single version)
- Label
- Warner Bros.
- Writer
- David "Hawk" Wolinski
- Producer
- Russ Titelman
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The song was included in Rufus's album repertoire after a democratic band vote. Warner Bros. executives initially wanted another song as the album's first single, but Wolinski threatened to give the song to Michael Jackson and producer Quincy Jones for Jackson's album Thriller if it was not the lead-off single. The label relented, and "Ain't Nobody" was issued, hitting number one on the R&B chart for the week ending October 15, 1983.
Released on November 4, 1983, as one of four studio tracks on the live album Stompin' at the Savoy, the song quickly gained popularity. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards in 1984, it won Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song was included on the soundtrack to the 1984 film Breakin'.
In 2000, VH1 ranked "Ain't Nobody" number 77 on its list of "100 Greatest Dance Songs." In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked it number 403 on its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song was adopted in the United Kingdom by fans of some football clubs, with adapted lyrics praising a player.
Reader's Guide
"Ain't Nobody" remains one of Chaka Khan's most enduring recordings, recognized for its synthesizer loop, driving beat, and vocal range spanning G3 to E5. The song's success helped solidify Rufus's place in 1980s R&B and funk. Its Grammy win for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal underscored its impact.
The song has been covered by numerous artists across genres and decades. Notable versions include Jasmine Thompson's 2013 cover, later reworked by German DJ Felix Jaehn into a 2015 dance track. Jaki Graham released a cover in 1994 that reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Diana King recorded a cover in 1995 that peaked at number 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100. LL Cool J interpolated the song for the 1996 film Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, with his version topping the UK Singles Chart. In 2003, Richard X vs. Liberty X released "Being Nobody," a pseudo-mashup of "Ain't Nobody" lyrics with an instrumental interpolation of the Human League's "Being Boiled."
The song's enduring popularity is reflected in its continued use in film soundtracks, dance charts, and as a staple of Khan's live performances. Its influence extends beyond music into football terrace culture in the UK.
Track listing
CD single, US (1994)
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ain't Nobody (Radio Edit) | 4:06 |
| 2 | Ain't Nobody (Dave Way Radio Remix) | 4:20 |
| 3 | Ain't Nobody (Love To Infinity Classic Paradise Mix) | 6:34 |
| 4 | Ain't Nobody (Love To Infinity Aphrodisiac Dub) | 6:28 |
| 5 | Ain't Nobody (Nobody But You / Continuum Mix) | 7:28 |
| 6 | Ain't Nobody (Development Corporation Bentley Vocal Mix) | 6:16 |
| 7 | Ain't Nobody (Development Corporation Capri Dub) | 6:12 |
| 8 | Ain't Nobody (Dave Way Extended Remix) | 6:00 |
CD maxi, UK (1994)
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ain't Nobody (Classic Paradise Radio Mix) | 3:26 |
| 2 | Ain't Nobody (Original Album Mix) | 4:06 |
| 3 | Ain't Nobody (Love To Infinity Classic Paradise Mix) | 6:34 |
| 4 | Ain't Nobody (Love To Infinity Aphrodisiac Dub) | 6:28 |
| 5 | Ain't Nobody (Development Corporation Bentley Vocal Mix) | 6:16 |
| 6 | Ain't Nobody (Development Corporation Capri Dub) | 6:12 |
CD single, UK (1995)
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aint Nobody (Radio Version) | 3:44 |
| 2 | Aint Nobody (Album Version) | 5:23 |
| 3 | Aint Nobody (David's Extended Club Mega Mix) | |
| 4 | Medley (Love Triangle / Tougher Than Love / Tumble Down) | 3:27 |
Track listing from the source article.
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