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Etta James Dead at 73: 'At Last' Singer Dies After Leukemia Battle

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Etta James, the powerhouse singer who combined blues, gospel and R&B and emerged as a major star in the '50s and '60s, has died after a long battle with leukemia. According to CNN, the sad news was confirmed by her friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, who revealed that James died in a Riverside, Calif., hospital. She was 73.

Best known for her 1961 version of 'At Last,' James enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned more than a half-century. Her string of hits began with 1955's 'The Wallflower (Dance With Me, Henry)' and continued with such classics as 'Spoonful,' 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' and 'Tell Mama.' Over the years, she won six Grammy awards, and in 1993, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The singer's life was not without hardship, however. Her popularity declined in the '70s and '80s, and she struggled for years with an addiction to heroin. While she earned plaudits for the 1988 "comeback" album 'Seven Year Itch,' recorded after she'd completed a stint at the Betty Ford Center, health troubles continued to plague her throughout her life. In addition to leukemia, she spent recent years grappling with dementia, Hepatitis C and Alzheimer's disease, and in January 2010, she was hospitalized for sepsis.

Etta James Dead at 73

James caused a minor stir in 2009, when she criticized Beyonce, who played her in the film 'Cadillac Records,' for singing 'At Last' at President Obama's Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. She later told the New York Daily News that her remarks were made in jest, explaining that she'd "always had that comedian kind of attitude." She admitted, however, that she felt "left out" when she was not asked to perform.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins to a 14-year-old mother on Jan. 25, 1938, James grew up in Los Angeles without ever knowing her father. She spent most of her early life in the care of friends and relatives, among them her grandparents, who took her to Baptist church. She soon joined the choir, and in later years, after she'd moved in with her mother in San Francisco -- and begun to dabble in juvenile delinquency, according to AllMusic -- she formed a singing group called the Creolettes. She eventually went solo and signed with Chess Records, the label that would bring the singer her greatest fame.

A major influence on generations of singers, James placed No. 62 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the greatest artists of all time. The legendary record producer Jerry Wexler once called her "the greatest of all modern blues singers ... the undisputed Earth Mother," according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website.

Musicians have recently come out of the woodwork to pay homage to the late artist. According to TMZ, singer Beyonce Knowles released a statement, thanking James for her years of inspiration. "I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime." In 2009, James famously slammed Beyonce for singing 'At Last' at President Obama's inauguration. Prior to that, Knowles had played the singer in the film 'Cadillac Records.' Despite James' public disapproval, Beyonce remains an ever-fan of the blues maven.

"Playing 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."
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douglasspj

ETTA JAMES,YOU WERE THE BEST DURING MY TIME,ME AND THE FANS,OF OUR TIME LOVED YOUR MUSIC,HOWEVER YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER,IN OUR HEARTS AND MIND,YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED R.N.P.

January 24 2012 at 9:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
"Ms. Rose"

Etta will always be one of my favorite artist. I have all of her music, and loved her voice.
R.I.P. Another "Diva" gone home.

January 23 2012 at 11:47 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dr. J. Williams

Etta James was without a doubt a soulful singer. She would not have been known among the young people had not Beyonce sang her songs. I am a professional Gospel Singer. Etta James comments were rude and very distasteful. Bey once is a real DIVA. I love her attitude. I tell you the truth. I would not be so kind when I was her age. Be grateful for the time you had. I didn't make money like kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams nor the real exposure on T,V. However; I am grateful that I did travel and sang with some of the greatest Gospel music Artist. I loved Etta James, Her comments left a bitter taste. R.I.P. my sista

January 23 2012 at 8:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Peg

It is with deepest sadness that I bid farewell to a lovely lady with amazing talent.
I regret that I never got to thank Ms.James personally for giving us "At Last". It was once a very special "gift" to the incredible love of my life, and it is so fondly remembered and still listened to today.
To her very fortunate family: She'll be missed by so many more than you could possibly imagine. We were all blessed to know of her, you even more so because you actually knew her.
Until we meet again Etta.....

January 22 2012 at 7:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nicole

R.I.P. Etta James......forever inspirational...u will be missed!!!!

January 22 2012 at 7:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tigerlilycousin

Tell Mama, Etta. My all time favorite.

January 22 2012 at 6:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Karen

Truly one of America's treasures.

January 22 2012 at 10:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike Chivis

good night Etta and sweet drean\
ms and a wonderful voice,bye,bye R.I.P.

January 22 2012 at 10:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
getlin2

RIP Etta James, you had more talent in your little finger than all the BEYonce's and RIhanna's in the world.

January 21 2012 at 10:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Erica Miller

Our first dance song at our wedding 8.5 years ago. Love it! RIP Etta!

January 21 2012 at 8:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply