On January 20, 2012, singer Etta James passed away at the age of 73. This major personality of African-American popular culture was a formidable performer of the Soul repertoire, but also a strong head who did not let his choices dictate. His sometimes harsh character immediately commanded respect. His outspokenness earned him some enmities but, more often, the consideration of his contemporaries.
Born in Los Angeles on January 25, 1938, Jamesetta Hawkins had a rough childhood. She did not know her father and her mother, only 14 years old when she gave birth to her daughter, is far too young to take on her parenting role. Bringbale from nannies to guardians, little Jamesetta resists the setbacks of existence as best she can. Over the years, her temperament asserts itself and, even though her daily life is often trying, she faces obstacles with dynamism and candor. At 16, she is a turbulent teenager who manages, all the same, to seduce the conductor Johnny Otis. For 10 years, Etta James has been singing in the gospel choirs of Californian Baptist churches. Within the vocal trio, The Creolettes, her voice sparkles and convinces her first mentor to take her on tour. This first professional experience delighted the young woman who was delighted to record, in the wake, her first 45T entitled Roll with me Henry.
It was in 1960 that Etta James’ destiny seemed to accelerate. She has just met Léonard Chess, the founder of the Chess Records label, who intends to propel his new muse to the fore. He then suggested that she adapt an old blues standard composed in 1941 by Max Gordon and Henry Warren for the musical film “Orchestra Wives”. The song At last! suddenly becomes a classic of African-American culture again and raises Etta James to the rank of great black American voices. This unexpected success somewhat upsets the already fragile psychological balance of the young star who gets lost in excess that is harmful to her health. Always unpredictable and uncontrollable, Etta James acquires a reputation of “capricious diva” which damages her aura. When Léonard Chess died in 1969, she had a feeling that her future would be perilous. However, in 1973, she published an album of good quality soberly named Etta James which will confirm its undeniable place in “L’Épopée des Musiques Noires”.
The appearance of new musical trends and the evolution of the recording industry will however get the better of his enthusiasm. At the dawn of the 80s, Etta James can only note the progressive disinterest of the public for his productions and prefers to disappear momentarily. This break will last… 10 years! His name will remain, despite everything, in people’s minds and his legend will be written. At 50 years old, Etta James again accepts requests and takes the road to the studios. His image has changed. Her rebellious behavior continues to arouse the concerns of her interlocutors, but she is now a great figure in historical Soul and ancestral Blues. Her notoriety plays for her and facilitates her comeback. Thus, until her death on January 20, 2012, she will multiply the recordings and shape, with care and a few strokes of brilliance, her stature as a pioneer.