Etta James
R&B Singer
Jamesetta Hawkins, known professionally as Etta James, was an American singer who performed in various genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul.
About
Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins) was born on January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, California. She was an American R&B singer-songwriter who achieved great success in the 1950s and 1960s. Her style of music ranges from jazz, blues, gospel and rock and roll.
James's career began when she sang with a group called The Creolettes while attending high school in San Francisco. She signed her first record contract with Modern Records at age 16, releasing her debut single "The Wallflower" in 1955. In 1960, James released her first album At Last!, which featured her hit single of the same name. This song would become one of her most popular and enduring hits.
Throughout the 1960s she released several more albums including Etta James Rocks the House (1963), Tell Mama (1968) and The Second Time Around (1969). These albums spawned hits such as “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”, “I’d Rather Go Blind” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You” which earned her several Grammy Award nominations throughout the decade.
James also enjoyed success in the 1970s with albums such as Come a Little Closer (1974) and Deep in the Night (1975). In 1993 she became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before releasing her final album Matriarch of the Blues in 1999. She continued to perform live until 2011 when complications from leukemia forced her to retire from singing. Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012 at 73 years old leaving behind a legacy as one of America's greatest R&B singers ever.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1938</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Etta James is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 25, 1938, Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, California.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1954</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Recorded 1st Song</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">At the age of 16, Etta recorded her first song, 'The Wallflower (Roll with Me Henry)', which became an instant hit.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1960</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Breakthrough Single 'At Last'</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">In 1960, Etta released one of her most successful and acclaimed singles, 'At Last'.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1968</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">In 1968, Etta was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the first female artists.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1993</p><h3 id="" class://timeline-title">Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Etta wins a Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her album 'Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday'.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2003</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Blues Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Etta James is inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2012</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Etta James Passes Away</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 20, 2012, Etta passed away at the age of 73 after a long battle with leukemia.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> She's an Iconic Singer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Etta James is a legendary singer and one of the most iconic voices in R&B music. Her powerful voice has been an inspiration to countless singers over the years, and her unique style has helped define the genre.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> Her Music Has Lasted Through Time</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Etta James' music has stood the test of time and can still be heard today. Her songs have been covered by many artists, and her influence can be heard in today's music. She also had a very long career, spanning over five decades.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> She Was a Pioneer for Women in Music</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Etta James was a pioneer for women in music. She showed that women could be successful in the music industry and paved the way for many female artists who followed her. She was also a champion for civil rights and used her platform to speak out against injustice.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Started Singing in the Church</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Etta James began her singing career as a gospel singer in church, and went on to become an internationally renowned R&B artist.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Signed to Chess Records at Age 16</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">At 16, Etta James signed a recording contract with Chess Records, becoming one of the first female artists to be signed to the legendary label.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Etta James won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, recognizing her long and successful career in music.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Inducted Into Multiple Halls of Fame</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Etta James was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, and Vocal Group Hall of Fame, among others.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Appeared in Multiple Films</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Etta James appeared in films such as Cadillac Records, The Hunter, and Blues Brothers 2000, and also had cameos on television shows such as The Simpsons and ER.</p></div>
FAQs
