Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Few voices were as ubiquitous on R&B radio as the 1980s bled into the ‘90s as Karyn White, who became the inaugural female artist to have her first three singles land at #1, while just as regularly crossing over to top the pop and dance charts.

Since then, she spent time focused on family, then after 18 years, resumed a double Grammy-nominated career that eventually crowned her a “Soul Music Icon” at the 2022 Black Music Honors, in addition to acting in movies and on television.

In other words, she’s a bonafide “Superwoman,” to quote the title of her signature song, which has since been covered by the triple team of Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle, plus served as an ongoing “Purple Rain”-level anthem to ladies all around the world.

And that’s exactly what the swanky and sold out City Winery saw throughout her long-awaited return to Chicago, though White and a four-piece band made the absence quickly melt away via her silky vocals and spiritual outlook.

A medley of “The Way I Feel About You,” “Romantic” and “Facts Of Love” got the grooves going thanks in part to the headliner living up to both her “Queen of New Jack Swing” nickname and platinum-plus reputation.

It turns out she could slay just as steadily when it came to the ballads “Nobody But My Baby,” “Slow Down” and “Love Saw It,” originally a duet with longtime collaborator Babyface, but featuring guest singer O’Bryan.

White went back to solo business come “How I Want You/People Make The World Go Round” prior to taking everyone on a soulful “Secret Rendezvous” and wondering “Can I Stay With You,” a rhetorical question perhaps, but one nonetheless answered by a resounding applause, including one lucky single fella who was brought on stage.

“The Way You Love Me” had some up and dancing, then practically every phone switched to filming “Superwoman,” which is clearly how Karyn White measured up to the City Winery three-and-a-half decades since it dominated the airwaves and continues to reside amongst the classics.

For additional information on Karyn White visit KarynWhite.Me.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Goapele (Sept. 15); Joyce Hurley (Sept. 16); Malinda (Sept. 17); Time Zone (Sept. 18); Ania & The Sol Starz (Sept. 19); “The Greatest Generation” Live Podcast (Sept. 20); Veronica Swift (Sept. 21); Daphnique Springs (Sept. 22); Soulbrunch (Sept. 23); Poi Dog Pondering’s Frank Orrall (Sept. 23); Bubbles & Beauties Drag Brunch (Sept. 24); The Wild Feathers (Sept. 24); Lizz Wright (Sept. 25); Eric Hutchinson (Sept. 27) and 40 Fingers (Sept. 28). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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