Grammy winner, music legend and philanthropist Chaka Khan will soon be known as Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal.
The I’m Every Woman singer strutted in front of a bank of cameras Wednesday in Pasadena to reveal she’ll be the parade’s 2019 grand marshal.
“To think that I would ever be a part of something like this, who knew?” Khan said, according to the
Pasadena Star News. “I’m really honored.”
Our 2019 Grand Marshal, @ChakaKhan!!! #RoseParade #TheMelodyofLife ??? pic.twitter.com/BivVQmZo4K
— Rose Parade (@RoseParade) October 17, 2018
Parade organizers hinted that the next grand marshal would be a multi-Grammy winner, but the person’s identity remained a secret until Wednesday’s formal announcement.
Despite winning 10-Grammy Awards and having a string of hit songs, Khan admitted she’s nervous about the honor.
“I’m a little bit scared, I’ve got to tell you the truth. But fear, for me, has always been a good thing. If I’m scared of something, if something frightens me a wee bit, I’m all about it — I go to conquer,” she said. “I’m kind of just in a tizzy about what exactly I’m going to do — us rolling down the street there.”
The theme for the parade will be “The Melody of Life” – which makes Khan’s selection even more fitting. As part of her duties, she’ll ride along the 5 1/2-mile parade route in a customized car through Pasadena.
The 65-year-od singer began to make a name for herself in the music industry in the 1970s as lead vocalist of funk band Rufus, and later became a successful solo artist with such hit singles as I Feel for You.
On Jan. 1, Chicago native Khan will appear in the 130th Rose Parade, and participate in the festivities before the 105th Rose Bowl Game.
