Over the weekend, 73-year old rhythm and blues icon Etta James passed away from complications of leukemia in Riverdale, CA. She struggled with dementia and other health issues that kept her from taking the stage for the last couple years. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, but held the stage name of Miss Peaches (as the Matriarch of R&B). Etta leaves to mourn her husband of 42 years and two sons.
Known for her great range, it enables her to tackle all categories of genres including jazz, blues, rock and roll, R&B aligned with her repertoire of Grammys, star on Hollywood Blvd, entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and ability to play the guitar. She accompanied Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and other leading acts once signed to Chess Records.
James coined the vocal performance of her signature song "At Last". May God rest her soul!
"People that can't stand to listen to the blues, they've got to be phonies."- E.J.
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