Tribute to Etta James RIP

The amazing songstress Etta James (Jamesetta Hawkins) b. Jan. 25, 1938 passed away Jan. 20, 2012. A huge charismatic talent, she knew how to move mountains and hearts with her powerful voice. I’d listened and danced to her music for years, and was fortunate enough to see her live at the Wiltern Theater some 12 or 15 years ago. While her voice in “At Last” is so soulful, it’s her interpretation of “I Want to Make Love To You” that moves me and inspires me the most.

My Facebook timeline that morning was full of tributes to the great Etta James, including this one from Bootsy Collins: “A one of a Kind, Creation in time, The Dynamimic “Ms. Etta James”has been lifted from this Hemisphere! A Job well done my friend, thank u for the memories!”

Here’s a few more thoughts by guest blogger Ron Wells on the passing of Etta James.

“Life is like a song.”

Etta James never sang a false note. Her earthy soulful voice knew nothing but truth, and sometimes those truths were hard earned.Glenn Miller may have had a hit with “At Last,” but Etta owned that song.

Rod Stewart covered “I’d Rather Go Blind,” but you only believed Etta when she sang the words, “Something told me it was over.”

Soul, jazz, blues; it didn’t matter. Etta knew them all. Etta lived them all. She took hardship and pain, joy and love, locked them within her, and then let them loose in her songs.

Another great one has left us. Be thankful her music and voice lives own. Be thankful you had the chance to listen to her share the truths of life.

At Last:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADDigK8LwyE

I’d Rather Go Blind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApNirMC9gM

Tell Mama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6d3YZbN9tI

“And here we are in heaven

For you are mine

At last”

Rest in Peace, Etta James