After news of Etta James’ death at 73 hit the media stars began paying tribute to legendary singer. Perhaps one of the most touching tributes came from Beyonce, who portrayed James in the 2008 film Cadillac Records. In a statement posted on her official website, the new mom called James’ death a “huge loss.”
“Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed,” Beyonce wrote.
James, who also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C, was surrounded by her husband, Artis Mills, and two sons when she passed away at a hospital in Riverside, California. She would have celebrated her birthday next Wednesday.
James’ close friend and longtime manager, Lupe De Leon, announced her death in a statement. "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world. She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always,” he said.
The six time Grammy winner began her music career as a teenager in the mid 50s. Her earliest success came with the 1955 hit The Wallflower, which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts. James went on to have a string of hits, including Something’s Got a Hold on Me, At Last, Call My Name and I’d Rather Go Blind.
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