Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, was an iconic American singer whose career spanned a vast array of musical genres, including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel. With a career that began in the mid-1950s, Etta James is best known for her searing ballad "At Last," which has become a timeless classic. Her powerful voice and emotive performances earned her a place in not one, but three halls of fame: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Throughout her illustrious career, Etta James battled personal demons and industry challenges but continued to deliver passionate recordings and performances that solidified her reputation as one of the most commanding and versatile vocalists of her time. Her later works, such as "The Dreamer," which was her final studio album released in 2011, showcase the depth and maturity of her artistry. Her live albums from the Montreux Jazz Festival capture the raw energy and powerful stage presence she maintained throughout her career. Despite passing away on January 20, 2012, Etta James's legacy endures through her extensive discography, which has continued to be celebrated and explored posthumously, as seen in releases like "Heart & Soul: A Retrospective" and the various live recordings and remixes that have brought her timeless sound to new generations of listeners.

Genres

Jazz Blues

Soul

Soul Blues

Torch Song

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Aretha Franklin

Nina Simone

Mavis Staples

Bettye LaVette

Irma Thomas

Tina Turner

Koko Taylor

Diana Ross

Billie Holiday

Bonnie Raitt

Dinah Washington

Susan Tedeschi

Latest Release

Late Night Etta James

Etta James

Album - 13 Tracks - Released January 10, 2024