On this day in music history: October 15, 1983 - “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus & Chaka Khan hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 1 week, also peaking at #22 on the Hot 100 on December 3rd. Written by David “Hawk” Wolinski, it is the fifth and final chart topper for the veteran R&B band. Wolinski will come up with the initial idea for the song when working with musician Michael Sembello. The song had been considered for inclusion on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album when the songwriter offers it to Jackson’s producer Quincy Jones, but Rufus’ producer Russ Titelman will convince Wolinski to hold on to it. Rufus will record it with Chaka as one of four new studio recordings on their final album “Stompin’ At The Savoy”. Another unique characteristic of the record is its drum pattern, played both by drummer John Robinson (live drums) and by keyboardist Wolinski on a Linn LM-1 drum machine. Not wanting to play it with a straight 4/4 time signature, the two will come up with the songs’ distinctive syncopated rhythm. “Ain’t Nobody” will earn Rufus their second Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals. 

On this day in music history: August 10, 1983 - “Stompin’ At The Savoy - Live” by Rufus & Chaka Khan is released. Produced by Russ Titelman, it is recorded at the Savoy Theater in New York City from February 12 - 14, 1982 (live tracks) and Warner Bros. Recording Studios in North Hollywood, CA, Village Recorders in Los Angeles, CA, RPM Studios, Soundworks Digital in New York City, Group IV Recording and Sunset Sound in Hollywood, CA  circa Early 1983 (studio tracks). The album is a two LP set consisting of three sides of live material and the fourth side contains four new songs recorded in the studio including the smash “Ain’t Nobody” (#1 R&B, #22 Pop), which will also win them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal in 1984. It will be Rufus’ final effort before breaking up, with lead singer Chaka Khan pursuing her solo career full time. “Stompin’ At The Savoy - Live” will peak at #4 on the Billboard R&B album chart and #50 on the Top 200.