Just days away from her 74th birthday, blues performer pioneer Etta James passed away yesterday after a long battle with multiple health conditions including a bacterial infection, alzheimer’s and leukemia. 

Her career started in the mid 1950’s, a journey that would see her become one of the elite blues performers of her time performing with the biggest names and having several hit songs including “At Last” (the song performed at Obama’s inauguration by Beyonce – a crime that it wasn’t James herself performing), “I Would Rather Be Blind” (remember seeing a rendition of this performed with Dr John that was so powerful) and “Tell Mama”

No doubt about it, Etta lived the life of high’s and low’s including drug addiction, abuse, career fluctuations and subsequent health challenges. 

Paving the way for many blues women including Susan Tedeschi, Janis Joplin, and the amazing talent, Shamekia Copeland (daughter of blues great Johnny Copeland), Etta James pioneered a spot for women in what was otherwise a very male experience and outlet. 

Perhaps it took someone so rough and tumble to pave the path for others to follow, but there was no doubt she had a voice made for blues performance including power, a wide range and extremely emotional delivery that made everyone sit up to take notice. 

Like so many blues pioneers, her biggest recognition all came much later in life.  They include being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993 (it took a full 8-years later until she was added to the Blues Hall of Fame – what’s with THAT?) as well as winning Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance as well as Best Contemporary and Best Traditional Blues Album in 2004, 2005

An incredible life with a massive impact on the Blues, R&B and Jazz – she will be missed and remembered as one of the pioneers opening doors and expanding the borders of modern music.