Etta James

Etta James: born in 1938 she began her career in 1954. She climbed the charts with songs like “Tell Mama” “Somethin’s Got Ahold of Me” “A Sunday Kind of Love” and her biggest hit “At Last”. Her personal life threatened to obscure her career with heroin abuse, severe domestic violence and prison. Etta was subject to an abusive vocal teacher at a young age as well as a string of abusive foster homes. In spite of her tumultuous life, Etta won 6 Grammys, 17 Blues Music awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001. Her biggest hit “At Last” is still played on radio stations and is a favorite at wedding receptions. She is known for her earthly voice and soulful interpretations.