When I first went to sign at Warner Bros. I met Etta James. She was standing outside in the hall waiting for me. I was a big fan, so I was really pleased to see her.
“She said to me, ‘Whatever you do, if you wanna be in this business…’ showing me the tracks on her arm, ‘… do not do this.’ I said, ‘Oh my God! Don’t worry, I won’t.’ And I didn’t. I snorted heroin for a good 10 years and I did cocaine, but I never injected.

— Etta James’ Drug Warning To Chaka Khan

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According to Chaka Khan, she bowed out because she decided that an appearance wasn’t appropriate. The singer took to Twitter to announce the news, tweeting, “As I grieve the loss of my friend and “little sister,” I don’t feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family.

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Why Chaka Khan Bowed Out of the Whitney Houston Grammy Tribute

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