Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, was a highly acclaimed R&B singer known for enduring hits such as "At Last" and "Tell Mama." Despite a career spanning six decades and recording 30 R&B hits, she struggled to gain mainstream attention, facing personal challenges including drug addiction and legal issues.
James' career began with the singing group the Peaches in the 1950s before embarking on a solo career, signing with Chess Records in 1960. She experienced a career resurgence in the late '60s with hits like "Tell Mama" and "I'd Rather Go Blind." Despite personal struggles with addiction and legal troubles, James continued to record and perform, receiving accolades such as a Grammy Award for her tribute album to Billie Holiday. She passed away on January 20, 2012 at the age of 73 in Riverside, California.
