Today we have seen the death of one of the legendary leading ladies of R&B; the world has lost Etta James.
LA born Jamesette Hawkins had a troubled life from the start, stating in her biography that her mother was a substance abuser and scam artist and she often found herself left alone.
She was raised by Lula and Jesse Rogers, who owned the house her mother once lived. The pair brought up Etta in the Christian faith, but rhythm and blues lured her away from the church, and she found herself drawn to the grittiness of the jazz music.
She recalled in her book: "My mother always wanted me to be a jazz singer, but I always wanted to be raunchy,"
Johnny Otis, who also died this week, found her singing on San Francisco street corners with a couple of girl friends in the early 1950s.
When Johnny Otis heard her rendition of "Roll With Me, Henry," He asked if Etta could join him in LA but she would need her mothers permission as she was fifteen years of age.
She headed straight back home to forge her mothers signature of consent to say she could go and was also eighteen.
The year 1955 saw her tour with Johnny Otis and in 1959 she was signed to Chess Records and we saw her working alongside acts such as Bobby Vinton, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Everly Brothers.
One of coolest chicas ever on the jazz/blues scene, taking stage with her peroxide hair and feline eyes, to be hit by her deep and gritty voice made an impact on many and will continue to do so for many, many years to come.
Here's hoping she finds inner peace and blasts that eternal realm with her talents and passion!!
R.I.P Etta.
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