"Roll Me Through the Rushes" is a song written by David Lasley and Lana Marrano (née Susan Joan Gaynes), originally recorded by Rosie,[1][2] featuring the vocals of David Lasley and released on their "Better Late Than Never" album by RCA in 1976.[3][4] American R&B singer and songwriter Chaka Khan covered the song for her debut solo album, Chaka, produced by Arif Mardin and released in 1978 by Warner Bros. Records.[5]
Of Chaka Khan's recording on her debut solo album,
The sentimental ballad "Roll Me Through the Rushes" is poetically engaging, and despite never being released as a single, it became a mainstay of radio.
The song received notable critical praise and mention in numerous record reviews and reviews, with Don Shewey of the Boston Phoenix declaring it a "pop-gospel standard".[15][16]HiFi Magazine wrote "The Arif Mardin-produced album celebrates a lot of Aretha soul" citing "Roll Me Through the Rushes".[17]