It is odd that I mentioned Etta James in the Soul Corner piece I wrote last night and posted this morning about Johnny Otis, then learn that she passed away today.
While her death was expected, it's a big loss. She is truly an American legend. It's hard to imagine that kind of presence, that true R&B queen, coming along again given the changes in culture and the music industry. It's a sad day for soul music.
Here are a few examples of her strong and true vocal style and monster talent.
It doesn't get more soulful than "I'd Rather Go Blind":
"I Just Want To Make Love to You", what a vocal!:
And we'll finish with a terrific 1989 live version of her 1968 signature song "Tell Mama":
Rest in peace, Etta James and thank you for being a guiding light for American music.
1 comment:
Johnny Otis "discovered" Etta James and produced "Roll with me Henry." There is a good recounting of the tale here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=f5cDxTGwBWYC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=johnny+otis+backup+singers&source=bl&ots=Ru5YBpl22P&sig=kx5xl-GubmYNBmKZBlmWVazOhQk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DNwaT9_UH4aYgwfyiLTpCw&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=johnny%20otis%20backup%20singers&f=false
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