Etta James, RIP

Legendary blues singer Etta James has lost her battle with leukemia just shy of her 74th birthday. The news was confirmed by James’s longtime manager Lupe De Leon to CNN. He stated, “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.”

Throughout her many personal struggles, James never missed a beat when it came to her music and still managed to win six Grammy awards and be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She had the unyielding ability to touch hearts and souls every time she graced a stage. She was always full of life and passion, and the energy was undeniably contagious. A talent as raw as hers simply cannot be replicated, and we have truly lost one of the greatest musical legends of our time. She is survived by her husband and sons, Donto and Sametto.

Watch the video above to see the late great Etta James sing one of her most memorable hits At Last.

-Brooke Benjamin