The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Etta James, R.I.P.

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Etta James, R.I.P.

By Aaron Goldstein on 1.20.12 @ 12:11PM

Legendary blues and jazz singer Etta James passed away today from complications of leukemia and dementia. Her death came five days shy of what would have been her 74th birthday.

Although her career spanned nearly six decades, she is best known for her 1960 cover of "At Last" which was written by Mack Gordon & Harry Warren and originally recorded by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra in 1941.

Of course, during President Obama's inauguration (exactly three years ago today), Beyonce Knowles sang "At Last" on multiple occasions. This did not please James who ripped both Obama and Beyonce during a concert in Seattle. James said of Obama, "He ain't my President, he may be yours." and then said of Beyonce, "I can't stand Beyonce. She has no business up there singing up there on the big old President's day. Don't be singing my song that I've been singing forever." James would later say she was only joking but no doubt she was miffed at being snubbed by the Obamas.

Well, let me leave you with a "Sunday Kind of Love."

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Shamrock Day| 1.20.12 @ 1:05PM

Etta James left behind an amazing body of work. Her version of "At Last"leaves a soft spot of memories on my heart, as I'm sure it does for many. I hope she is remembered more for her work than for her apparent feelings of disregard felt over Beyonce's inaugrual performance for the Obamas in 2009. In my opinion her feelings were as valid for her as they would be for anyone else in her position, regardless of how her public reactions came across. I remember hearing that one of her comments referenced the fact that she wasn't dead or retired at the time, which is why she felt insulted that someone else was chosen to sing a song that she originally made famous. Meanwhile, it's a sad coincidence that she would pass away on this day, being the anniversary of what appeared to the world as an insult to her & what she was last or most recently remembered for by many. R.I.P. Ms. James; your music may inspire remakes in different flavors by many others for generations to come, but your works will be no less appreciated by your fans & true music lovers!

Con Chef (NB)| 1.20.12 @ 1:37PM

G*speed, Ms. James! You will always be a true legend!

Skippy| 1.20.12 @ 2:45PM

Have mercy.
Now she's finally "Livin' next door to the blues".
Groundbreaking, original, unforgettable style.
She passes 2 days after the man who discovered her, Johnny Otis, went on tour with God.
We are richer for their gifts, and poorer for their loss.
Ave atque vale.