Etta James

Who Was Etta James?

Etta James, an iconic figure in American music, was renowned for her remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth. A gospel prodigy, she relocated to Los Angeles in 1954 to record the hit “The Wallflower.” By the 1960s, her career gained significant momentum, largely attributed to timeless classics such as “I’d Rather Go Blind” and “At Last.” Despite grappling with substance abuse throughout her career, she earned a Grammy Award nomination for her 1973 self-titled album. In 2006, she released All the Way, further solidifying her legacy. Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012, in Riverside, California, but her influence endures, making her one of the most dynamic singers in the history of music.

Early Life

Born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Etta James was the daughter of a 14-year-old mother, Dorothy Hawkins, who actively supported her daughter’s passion for singing. James often recalled her mother’s encouragement, stating, “My mother always told me, even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it. I’d like to think I did that.” Tragically, James never knew her father.

By the age of five, she had already gained recognition as a gospel prodigy, performing in her church choir and on local radio. At twelve, she moved to San Francisco, where she formed a trio and began working with the influential bandleader Johnny Otis. In 1954, she returned to Los Angeles to record “The Wallflower” (originally titled “Roll with Me Henry”) with Otis’s band. It was during this pivotal year that she adopted the stage name Etta James—a shortened version of her first name—and her vocal group was nicknamed “the Peaches,” reflecting another one of her affectionate monikers. Following this, James launched her solo career, achieving success with hits such as “Good Rockin’ Daddy” in 1955.

Mid-Career

Etta James’ career experienced a significant upswing after she signed with Chicago’s Chess Records in 1960. During this period, she produced several chart-topping hits, including poignant duets with then-boyfriend Harvey Fuqua, such as “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “At Last,” and “Trust in Me.” However, James’ musical repertoire extended beyond heart-wrenching ballads; she possessed an innate ability to energize audiences with gospel-infused rock tunes. Notable tracks from this era include “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” (1962), “In The Basement” (1966), and “I’d Rather Go Blind” (1968).

Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, James maintained her collaboration with Chess Records. Unfortunately, her career was marred by struggles with heroin addiction, which took a toll on her personal and professional life. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her craft, producing new albums. A landmark moment came in 1967 when she recorded with the Muscle Shoals house band at Fame Studios, resulting in the critically acclaimed album Tell Mama.

James’ work garnered both critical and popular acclaim, culminating in a Grammy nomination for her 1973 album, Etta James, recognized for its innovative fusion of rock and funk elements. After concluding her contract with Chess in 1977, she signed with Warner Brothers Records, which helped revitalize her public image. A notable highlight was her performance at the opening ceremony of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, which further elevated her profile. Subsequent releases, including Deep In The Night and Seven Year Itch, received high praise from critics.

In 1993, James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, shortly before signing a new recording contract with Private Records.

Later Career

Etta James continued to captivate audiences throughout the 1990s with her signature stage presence and bold attitude. Her exceptional voice shone on her private label releases, particularly Blue Gardenia, which ascended to the top of the Billboard jazz chart. In 2003, after undergoing gastric bypass surgery and losing over 200 pounds, James noted a transformation in her vocal abilities, stating in an interview with Ebony magazine, “I can sing lower, higher, and louder.”

That same year, she released Let’s Roll, which earned the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Her sons, Donto and Sametto James, served as producers for this project, collaborating with Josh Sklair. This successful team reunited for her next album, Blues to the Bone (2004), which brought James her third Grammy Award, this time for Best Traditional Blues Album.

In 2006, she released All the Way, featuring covers of songs by iconic artists such as Prince, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown. The following year, she contributed to a tribute album celebrating jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, titled We Love Ella, further solidifying her legacy in the music industry.

Controversy with Beyoncé

The early history of Chess Records was depicted on screen in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, featuring Beyoncé Knowles in the role of Etta James. Knowles also recorded a rendition of James’ iconic song, “At Last,” for the film’s soundtrack.

Although James publicly endorsed the film, she reportedly expressed displeasure when Knowles performed “At Last” at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball in January 2009. During a concert in Seattle the following month, James allegedly commented that Knowles “had no business … singing my song that I been singing forever.” Despite the media attention surrounding her remarks, James remained undeterred and continued with her active performance schedule.

Later Years and Death

As Etta James entered her 70s, she began to face significant health challenges. In 2010, she was hospitalized due to a blood infection, among other medical issues. It was later disclosed that the legendary singer was battling dementia and undergoing treatment for leukemia. These medical concerns became public through court documents filed by her husband, Artis Mills, who sought control over $1 million of James’ assets, a move contested by her two sons, Donto and Sametto. The parties eventually reached an agreement.

In November 2011, James released her final studio album, The Dreamer, which garnered positive reviews. Shortly thereafter, her doctor announced that she was terminally ill, revealing, “She’s in the final stages of leukemia. She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C,” according to Dr. Elaine James (unrelated to the singer). Her sons confirmed that Etta’s health was deteriorating, and she was receiving care at her home in Riverside, California.

Etta James passed away at her Riverside residence on January 20, 2012. Today, she is celebrated as one of the most dynamic and influential singers in music history.