Etta James lost her battle with leukemia yesterday and died at the age of 73. I saw Etta James perform in a small night club in Madison, Wisconsin. It was the Spring of 1976. The girl I was dating at that time suggested we go hear Etta James sing. I’d never heard of Etta James, but just minutes into her set, Etta James’ voice swept me off my feet. I’ve been a fan ever since. Drugs, alcohol, and health problems plagued Etta James. But, despite her problems, the power of her voice could captivate audiences. Etta James could sing blues, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, soul, gospel and jazz with equal panache. It’s hard to think of a more versatile singer. The video below demonstrates Etta James’ enormous talent.
No one will ever sing a song better than she sang AT LAST.
I thought about including one of Etta James’ other songs, Patti. But “At Last” was her signature song so I went with that.
She will be missed. I had the fortune to see her live in the late seventies when she opened for the Stones.
I’ll never forget Etta James’ performance in that small, smoky night club in Madison, Randy. She could really move a crowd with her music.
Nice. We almost got to see her with Al Green and B. B. King four years ago but a couple of weeks before she had to cancel due to poor health.
RIP
Etta James was plagued with poor health most of her life, Jeff. But when she was on, she was ON!
I saw her at a jazz club in Seattle. She wasn’t at her best, but it was still a great, if short, show.
Etta James’ health affected her performances, Rick. Sadly, she’d tire easily and have to cut her sets short.
Not just health problems, but family problems. Her husband was fighting with her kids over her estate…I’m sure now she’s gone the fighting will continue. R.I.P. Ella…I hope you’re belting out “Tell Mama” up there right now.
You’re right, Deb, Etta James had a life filled with drama. There always seems to be a greedy husband (or ex-husband) behind these great singers.
Oh, we ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait till Aretha Franklin dies (which I hope will not be soon) and see how her four kids and numerous ex-husbands will squabble over her estate (which, I assume, will be worth a lot more than Etta’s).
Why are some asumming Etta’s husband is greedy? I beg to differ, based solely on what Etta has said. Plz read her autobio, Rage to Survive. And remember that in last few yrs she was plagued with dementia. And yes, Etta’s voice could penetrate your very soul! I can’t stop thinking about her, I miss her so much.
I miss Etta James, too, 1alaskawoman. A talent like hers can never be replaced.