In 1953 Jamesette Hawkins was singing Gospel music in church. In 1954 Jamesette took the name Etta James and became a teen singing sensation. She outgrew her teens but never outgrew the sensation. A pure Blues singer, a jazz smoothie, a soulful ripper, Etta can sing it all. She takes the deepest emotion of Blues singing and administers it to any song she chooses. She has influenced Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight and countless other ledgenday vocalists.
Etta started her career with controversy. In a response to Hank Ballard's hit Work With Me Annie, she recorded Roll With Me Henry. But that was way too suggestive for 1954, so the title was changed to Dance With Me Henry. Good Rockin' Daddy followed in 1955 and Etta James became a household name.
Like most great Blues performers, Etta James is best experienced live!
In 1960 Etta moved to Chess Records and recharged her recording career. All I Could Do Was Cry, Don't Cry, Baby, and Stop the Wedding kept her on the R&B and Top 40 charts. In 1967 she recorded probably her most familiar songs, I'd Rather Go Blind and Tell Mamma. These later tunes are considered some of the hottest vocal performances ever recorded. They have become the "Emotional Standard" of Blues vocals.
Etta is a Billie Holiday fan and paid tribute to her idol in the 1994 Mystery Lady: Songs Of Billie Holiday. Her life almost became as tragic as Holiday's as the entrapments of the music business took their toll.
Etta ranks with Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick for the number of hits in the 1960's.
Etta is a survivor. Several years of her career came under the influence of heroin. Addiction was not uncommon to major artists during this time. She sobered up and just added the painful emotions to her singing.
Etta was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Etta James music career is still going strong today. Backed by her two sons Donto and Sametto (in the band and in the studio), Etta has made it a family affair. She sings at festivals and concerts around the world. Do yourself a favor and attend a show, but be forewarned, THIS WOMAN GETS DOWN.
