Etta James, Pioneering R&B Singer, Dead at 73 - East Idaho News
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Etta James, Pioneering R&B Singer, Dead at 73

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Getty 121611 EttaJames%201?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1327077627692Michael Ochs Archives / RedfernsAgency(LOS ANGELES) — Pioneering R&B singer Etta James, who has been ailing for more than a year, has died in California.  She was 73; her 74th birthday would’ve been next week, January 25.  James had been suffering from terminal leukemia, dementia and kidney failure, for which she was admitted to a care center last year.

Best known for her 1961 hit “At Last,” James was discovered by Johnny Otis, who died earlier this week, and first hit the charts as a teenager with the song “Roll with Me Henry,” aka “The Wallflower.”  Her other signature numbers included “Tell Mama” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” 

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Throughout her career, James easily moved between soul, R&B, jazz and blues.  She won six Grammys and was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  A huge inspiration to generations of performers, Etta James was portrayed by Beyonce in the 2008 film Cadillac Records.  Adele also has cited her as one of her main inspirations. James’ song “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” was just performed by a contestant on American Idol this past week.  In addition, “Good Feeling,” the current hit by rapper Flo Rida, features a vocal sample of that same song.

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