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Etta James Dies At 73

The powerhouse blues singer who gave us classics like “At Last,” “Sunday Kind of Love,” and “Something’s Got A Hold On Me,” died Friday at the age of 73 after a lengthy period of declining health, including dementia, leukemia, Alzheimer’s and kidney failure. James has been hospitalized since mid-December and on Dec. 23, when her longtime manager Lupe De-Leon announced she was placed on a respirator.

James, who has served as an inspiration to artists from Janis Joplin to Melissa Etheridge and Christina Aguilera, has been inactive since early 2010, when it was announced the singer was suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Just before the Oct. 25 release of her final project, “The Dreamer,” James formally announced she was retiring from music. “I wish to thank all my fans who have shown me love and support over all these years. I love you all,” said James in her statement.

The music world is reeling from the loss of an incomparable legend. Pink, Nick Cannon, will.i.am, Adam Lambert and Cyndi Lauper were just a few celebrities that took to their Twitters and websites to express their sympathies over the singer’s passing. Beyoncé who sang the singer’s multi-generational standard “At Last” at President Obama’s Inaugural Ball and also played James in the film Cadillac Records reacted to the passing of James in a heartfelt message posted on her official website:

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playling Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

James’s six-decade recording career began at the top of the R&B charts when her 1995 single, “The Wallflower,” better known as “Roll With Me Henry,” quickly made her a national star. 

She is best known for her single “At Last,” the powerful ballad that became a hit in 1961 and has since been enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been covered by Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, and Jason Mraz, just to name a few.

Photo Courtesy: themusiccover.com 

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