Etta James – The Matriarch of R&B
January 20 proved to be quite shocking for me. Hearing of James’s death sent a ripple through my being that signifies waves of emotion colliding in an unending tempest. Really, there’s nothing that I can say about Etta James that hasn’t probably already been said in the media and more renowned artists. However, what I know is that James provided the background to moments of uncertainty, love, lust, and anger, tempering every one of my emotions with unerring grace.
Etta James was a beacon of pure elegance. She was the type of artist that shows up in your life and transforms you. Her voice made me feel alive in a way completely contrary to my surroundings. She was an inspiration for me musically and she will continue to guide my voice to a higher sense of purpose and unapologetic honesty.
Wow. That’s quite an write-up!
@stefanie, Oh, wow. Thank you… HaHa. That was a quick response :)
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Wow, this is an amazing article! I’m overwhelmed as well as a bit sad about James. She is one of those women that will forever be an icon of music.
@Julyssa, Indeed. She was one of those mythical voices and artists that’s very rare. Completely balls to the wall, but then as elegant as an empress. I really loved her… just everything about her.
Thanks. I’m glad that there are younger people who know this woman. She’s just outstanding!
I thought I would share Christina Aguilera’s rendition of At Last from Etta James’ funeral.
@amy, Christina could ALWAYS sing this song! I mean GOT DAMN!!!! I love this girl with all my soul. And THAT’S how you represent Etta!
@Camiele, I’ve always preferred Aguilera to Beyonce, but I seem to be in the vast minority. Even in things such as bad movies, which both have LOL. Coincidentally, I was watching the Beyonce clip you added when that Aguilera clip popped up in the YT stream. xD
@amy, Well, there ya go. Burlesque was just a not great movie. However, Beyonce’s just a not great “actor” who ends up in great movies. I don’t know how that works out… but anyway.
Yes, I’ve always preferred Christina over Beyonce in pretty much everything, so I completely feel you on that.
@Camiele, I didn’t think Burlesque was all that bad – cheesy, but had enjoyable elements – anyway, back to Etta. My god, she does good rock and roll.
I wonder if Aguilera can do rock and roll, she would become my dad’s favorite if she does…
@amy, You know, I don’t know if Christina has the vocal variety to do it. I mean, obviosuly I love her voice. But her voice is pretty one-note, considering how big it is. I put her in the same boat of a lot of newer incredible singers — Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia (sometimes). They have a voice for a particualr sound. What made someone like Etta great was that her voice was able to mould easily into different genres. Separating the good from the phenomenal.