Mary J. Blige and Patti LaBelle help induct Chaka Khan into the Apollo Theater's Legends Hall of Fame.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (JUNE 11, 2013) (REUTERS) -  Chaka Khan's 40-year career was honored on Monday (June 11) as the Apollo Theater inducted the singer into its Legends Hall of Fame.

"Words simply cannot express how I feel tonight to be inducted into the Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame. This is really amazing," she said.

The event was held during the theater's 8th annual spring gala concert and featured performances by Chaka's friends including Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige.

Throughout Chaka's career she has released 22 albums and has snagged ten number one singles.

Past inductees into the hall of fame include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson andJames Brown.

The Apollo theater is considered one of New York's most famous landmarks and the launching pad for the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill and many others.