Legendary Etta James Dies at 73 From Leukemia

RIP, Etta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1uunRdQ61M&feature=

Etta James’ performance of the enduring classic “At Last” was the embodiment of refined soul: Angelic-sounding strings harkened the arrival of her passionate yet measured vocals as she sang tenderly about a love finally realized after a long and patient wait.

In real life, little about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde’s first hit was a saucy R&B number about sex, and she was known as a hell-raiser who had tempestuous relationships with her family, her men and the music industry. Then she spent years battling a drug addiction that she admitted sapped away at her great talents.

The 73-year-old died on Friday at Riverside Community Hospital from complications of leukemia, with her husband and sons at her side, her manager, Lupe De Leon said.

“It’s a tremendous loss for her fans around the world,” he said. “She’ll be missed. A great American singer. Her music defied category.”

http://music.yahoo.com/news/legendary-blues-singer-etta-james-dies-calif-163709371.html

Etta was discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis, who has passed away at the age of 90, three days ago. Otis found her singing on San Francisco street corners with some girlfriends in the early 1950s. He was also famous for recording ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’.

The world has lost a great voice. RIP, Etta.