Etta James

Date of Birth: January 25, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 20, 2012

Biography

Etta James was an American singer whose powerful, versatile voice and emotional depth made her a defining figure in the genres of blues, R&B, soul, and rock and roll. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, California, she began singing in her church choir at a young age, which laid the foundation for her future career. Discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis, she recorded her first hit, “The Wallflower,” in 1955 at the age of 17. Etta’s career spanned over five decades, during which she released numerous albums and singles that became classics. Her most iconic song, “At Last,” remains a timeless ballad that continues to captivate listeners around the world. Despite personal struggles, including battles with addiction, Etta’s talent and resilience earned her numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards and 17 Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

5 Interesting Facts about Etta James

1. Etta James was discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis, who helped her record her first hit, “The Wallflower.”

2. Her signature song, “At Last,” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

3. Etta struggled with heroin addiction for many years but eventually overcame it and made several successful comebacks.

4. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame twice.

5. Etta’s life and career were depicted in the 2008 film “Cadillac Records,” where she was portrayed by Beyoncé.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Etta James

1. “You can’t fake this music. You might be a great singer or a great musician, but, in the end, that’s got nothing to do with it. It’s how you connect to the songs and to the history behind them.”

2. “Even as a child, I would get on stage and sing at funerals, and I was always so moved by the power of music.”

3. “I sing the songs that people need to hear, the songs that help them get through the day and get through their lives.”

4. “The blues is a feeling, a natural fact. It’s something that a lot of people don’t understand until they live it.”

5. “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.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Etta James had an estimated net worth of $16 million.

Children

Etta James had two sons, Donto James and Sametto James. Both sons were actively involved in her career, serving as her managers and musicians in her band.