The lovely, earthy voice of 73 year-old Etta James has been silenced. Her death sad — though certainly not unexpected. The blues legend had been battling leukemia for some time.

Ms. James probably best known for the love ballad “At Last” was born in Los Angeles. Her given name was Jamesetta Hawkins. She was born in 1938 to a teen mom and a dad she never knew. However troubled her beginnings were — subsequent years held their own demons. James battled back from heroin addiction, cocaine, and obesity. But all the way her inimitable sound gave her a voice like no other.

Over the course of time, Etta recorded in several styles and to a growing audience. Her repertoire included, blues and soul and a “number one hit” on the R and B charts in 1955. And she adapted musically to the pop music of the day. She earned 6 Grammys and opened up for the Rolling Stones. Rocker Janis Joplin seemed to emulate her style of soul and angst. But at the heart of Ms. James’ appeal was her extraordinary talent as a blues singer.

Her friends and colleagues describe her as feisty. Longtime manager, Lupe De Leon said “Etta James is unmanageable, and I’m the closet thing she’s ever had to a manager. ” You have the feeling that James, who was known as “Peaches,” would love that depiction.

RIP: Etta James

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