Three-time Grammy winner singer Etta James, a pioneer of 1950s rhythm-and-blues and rock music known for her show-stopping hit "At Last," has died at age 73.
James, died on Friday (January 20) morning at a hospital in Riverside, California, of complications from leukemia. She would have turned 74 on Wednesday.
James was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and had been in ill-health for the last few months.
James had numerous ups-and-downs in her career and personal life. She struggled with obesity and heroin addiction, ran a hot-check scheme and had troubled relationships with men, including some gangsters. In 2003 she underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost more than 200 pounds.
With songs like "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin' Daddy," the three-time Grammy winner was a key figure in the early days of rock 'n' roll, and her signature song, the 1961 ballad "At Last," proved her a master of the blues.
James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 but throughout her long career she diversified into mainstream blues, soul and R&B.
John Russell, Reuters.