”Rest In Power To the Voice”
7:30PM ET January 20th, 2012
Contributor : Hip Hop Blog Staff
A Rocky Williform Company
Legendary soul singer Etta James died today (January 20) from complications related to leukemia. James was 73. Widely regarded as one of the great singers of the late 50s and 60s, James’ career didn’t experience the sustained popularity of later singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, but her influence has been celebrated by generations of vocalists that followed her full-throated, bombastic approach to soul singing. James was best known for the hits “Sunday Kind of Love,” “I’d’ Rather Go Blind,” “Seven Day Fool” and the popular wedding standard “At Last.”
James battled substance abuse and destructive relationships throughout her career, but became a symbol of survival for many artists that followed her. She was famously portrayed in he 2008 film Cadillac Records by Beyonce.
Several notables tweeted their condolences at the news of Ms. James’ passing.
“RIP Etta James,” tweeted Russell Simmons. DJ Clark Kent also shared his admiration for James. “Rest In Power To The Voice, The Magic, The Woman That Is Jamesetta “Etta” James.. “At Last” You are finally in The Greatest Place!”
“People sayin they know Etta James Bc of Beyonce. But don’t realize you know Beyonce Bc of Etta James. She paved the way for so many. #RIP,” tweeted Mystikal. “RIP Etta James. You will be missed tremendously,” Talib Kweli tweeted.
James passing was not only felt in hip hop circles. “RIP Etta James. A WARRIOR of a woman. A talent without equal,” posted former Guns N Roses bassist Duff McKagan, with rock legend Peter Frampton tweeting, “Etta James Your voice will always be with us and what a voice it is. RIP.”
Pop singers Pink and Cyndi Lauper, rock singer Steve Winwood, country star Leann Rimes, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, McKagen’s fellow GNR bandmate Slash and actress Sanaa Lathan were also among the celebrities paying tribute to Etta James.
James was inducted into the Rock Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001. Rolling Stone listed her at #62 on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list.
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