Throwback Thursday: Etta James is Born

Throwback Thursday: Etta James is Born

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On this day in 1938, legendary American R&B and Blues singer, Etta James, was born. The singer, whose real name is Jamesetta Hawkins, was born in Los Angeles California, and received her first professional vocal lesson at the age of 5. James got her big break after moving to San Francisco’s famed Fillmore district in 1950, where she formed her first doo-wop girl group, the Creolettes. While performing with the Creolettes, James met musician and talent scout, Johnny Otis, who took the group under his wing, changing their name to the Peaches, as well as giving Jamesetta her stage name: Etta James. The Peaches experienced quite a bit of success, even opening for Little Richard’s national tour. James’ debut solo album, At Last! was released by Chess Records in 1960 and included “A Sunday Kind of Love,” and “At Last,” which became the singer’s signature song. James was most recognized for her powerful, earthy vocals. In total, she won six Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Rolling Stone magazine ranked James as number 22 on their list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” James passed away from leukemia on January 20, 2012.

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