Nadine Blagdon
Leah Charles
Given Etta James’ unconventional start in the world, it was clear that her life would be anything but ordinary. Her music career started when she was just 15 and lasted for over five decades. Through this time James has some epic highs with well known hits such as ‘At Last’, ‘Pushover’ and ‘Something's got a hold on me’. There were also lows in which she triumphed over the adversities of addiction and theft, causing stints in rehab and jail.
Its fair to say the way she lived her life reflected her style, a mixture of diva and rock star. James herself says that her image was created for her by the ‘gay boys’, who told her to take advantage of what used to be called "mulatto" ( her light skinned) complexion by dying her hair bleach blonde.
 |
| Going for Gold |
When she asked about also bleaching her eyebrows she said,
‘Oh no honey, they stay dark, that how the bad girls look’
It was this attitude which set the foundations of her style. She was also quoted as saying
‘The bad girls were the whores who had the look I liked’
 |
| Blondes have more fun? |
She wanted to stand out and be noticed, she wanted to be unique, glamorous and took inspiration from The Cotton Club chorus girls. With her original ‘scouse brow’ and flamboyant look, some would say she was as noticeable as the most obvious hooker on the street. And she loved it.
Fiery and feisty with always something to say for herself, check out this classic 1978 interview from the Guardian newspaper vaults with Etta James.
Etta James was a rare and inspirational character, always able to overcome her troubles she went on win six Grammy awards and was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James also had a film loosely made of her time at Chess Records portrayed by singer and actress, Beyonce Knowles who he later threatened to give an "ass whipping" for Knowles' portrayal of her most famous song "At Last" at President Obama's Inauguration ball. If you don't believe us, click here to see (and hear) from Etta's own mouth what all the fuss was about!
 |
| Etta impersonation: Beyonce serenades James at Fashion Rocks 2008 |
Even if you think you are not that familiar with her music, we can guarantee that you would have heard many of her classic tunes which have been used several times in popular culture, such as this original and unforgettable Diet Coke Break advert from 1996.
Remember this?
Etta James sadly passed away from Leukaemia complications last Friday 20th January 2012.
Her family decided to allow a public viewing of Ms James laid to rest in the Manchester Chapel at Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary on Friday 27th January 2012 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A private memorial service is set for today, Saturday 28th January 2012, led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who also led a memorial service for the late Michael Jackson.
 |
| Tributes at Etta James's Hollywood star |
Her spirit and soul will live on through music artists who draw inspiration from her effortless and breathtaking voice.
Let's remember Etta James at her very best with one of our favourite songs, "At Last" which we love to listen to at Kookie LaLa HQ (we made this little video as our own tribute to her)
This video includes some great facts and trivia about the Matriarch of Blues and Soul, such as her real name, her very cute nickname and her early years in the music business....
How well do YOU know Etta James? Watch our vid to find out!
RIP Ms James.
