You know it’s going to be a good day when you get to see one Grammy Award-winning artist sing their biggest hits live on stage. But when four powerhouse performers share the spotlight, the experience is downright glorious.
On Friday, May 30, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, and Gladys Knight brought their The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage Tour to the United Center in Chicago to celebrate the music that has shaped a generation and influenced many of the biggest artists today.
Gladys Knight – who had just celebrated turning 81 two nights prior – opened up the show with beauty, grace, and infectious melodies. “That’s What Friends Are For” and “Midnight Train to Georgia” were among the fan favorites the R&B/Soul legend shared and her short set that ended with a presentation of balloons in honor of her recent birthday.
Stephanie Mills followed with an impressive set full of fun – she frequently danced with her band members and back-up singers – and pitch-perfect vocals. The smooth, chill “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin” appeared early in the Broadway icon’s performance while “(You’re Puttin’) A Rush on Me” proved just how romantic setting appropriate boundaries can be.
With The Wiz – the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz inspired musical that found Mills playing Dorothy from 1974-1979 – recently marking its 50th anniversary, it came as no surprise that Mills ended her set with a rousing rendition of “Home.” She spoke the lyrics, “When I think of Home I think of a resting place a place where there’s peace, quiet and serenity. And that’s where some of my friends have gone. Friends who have traveled with me through my wonderful experience in Oz,” before belting out the classic ballad.
Next up, Patti LaBelle – wearing outfits that were perhaps also inspired by Oz as she started in Glinda pink and ended in Elphaba green – kicked-off her shoes after sharing songs like “New Attitude” and “Love, Need and Want You.” In person, LaBelle’s vocals are somehow even more impressive as she effortlessly hit every high note in “My Love, Sweet Love.” The horns came to the forefront during the funky “When You Talk About Love” and LaBelle paid tribute to several legends we have lost – including Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Chadwick Boseman, David Bowie, Angie Stone, and many more – during a touching take on “You Are My Friend.”
“There are so many things that we’re going through now, in this world. And we know who the enemy is. So when we get up in the morning we have to say, ‘Thank God I woke up,’ so I can make things a little bit better. Amen,” preached LaBelle midway through the set and it’s safe to say she absolutely made life a little better for the thousands of people packed into the United Center that evening.
Last, but certainly not least, Chicago’s own Chaka Khan closed out the night sharing percussive versions of “I Feel For You” – her vocals sweet and flirty – and “Do You Love What You Feel,” the latter of which had everyone dancing.
“It’s good to be back home. My family’s out here somewhere,” The former Rufus lead singer said, adding, “Okay, if you know any of these lyrics to any of these songs. Please feel free to sing along with us.”
You’d better believe everyone was singing when hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody” were unleashed near the end of the show.
The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage Tour wasn’t just about seeing top-tier entertainment, it also provided a chance to connect with fellow fans, fortify friendships, and sing to your heart’s content. Seeing Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, and Gladys Knight together may just have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it is a memory that will last forever.
Check out photos from the Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage Tour stop in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Blackpromoterscollective.com/thequeens.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
