Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins; January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) was an American singer who spanned a variety of music genres including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel. Her powerful, earthy voice bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll. She is best known for her version of the song “At Last”. She won four Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. Her signature songs include “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” and “I’d Rather Go Blind”. James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. She is considered one of the greatest blues singers of all time.
| Name | Etta James |
| Genre | Soul, Rock, R&B, Blues, Jazz |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1938 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Years Active | 1955-2011 |
| Labels | Argo, Chess, Island, Private Music |
| Awards | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
10 Best Etta James Quotes
“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”
– Etta James, from All About Jazz
“I’m just an old-fashioned girl in a modern world.”
– Etta James, from All About Jazz
“It’s not about the money; it’s about the music.”
– Etta James, from All About Jazz
“If you don’t put it out there, nobody else will.”
– Etta James, from All About Jazz
“I’m still doing what I do and still enjoying it.”
– Etta James, from All About Jazz
“I never did think of myself as a great singer, but I was OK.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“I was never trying to be a star. I was just trying to make a living.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“You just can’t give up. You just have to keep going.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“I don’t think of myself as a blues singer; I’m just an artist.”
– Etta James, from Grammy Awards
“I just want to sing the music that I like and that I’m comfortable with.”
– Etta James, from Grammy Awards
7 Inspirational Etta James Quotes
“I don’t think of myself as a great singer, I just think of myself as a messenger.”
– Etta James, from NPR
“I just wanted to be a singer. I just wanted to sing.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“The thing that I had to do and the way that I did it, you can’t teach. That comes from inside.”
– Etta James, from The Guardian
“I don’t really know what it is that I do, but I do it.”
– Etta James, from NPR
“I can’t be the same as somebody else; I have to be me.”
– Etta James, from GRAMMY
“My career has been quite a struggle. It hasn’t been rosy.”
– Etta James, from BBC
“I have to have guts to stand up there, to stand up to the music and make it mine.”
– Etta James, from GRAMMY
5 Famous Etta James Quotes
“As a human being, I’m just trying to find my way like everybody else.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“It’s the truth, whether you like it or not.”
– Etta James, from Billboard
“I’ll never be satisfied. I’m a perfectionist, and I don’t ever want to be satisfied with anything that I do.”
– Etta James, from Grammy
“I don’t sing the blues as much as I used to. I’m a feeler. I go through different emotions. I feel different things.”
– Etta James, from The Guardian
“I’ve been singing since I was 5 years old, and I just love it. It’s my life, it’s my love, it’s my joy.”
– Etta James, from Houston Press
5 Etta James Quotes About Love
“Love is the foundation of everything that we do. The whole idea of being able to love something or someone without expecting anything in return – that’s what life is all about.”
– Etta James, from Grammy.com
“Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can bring people together and make them feel connected. It can give them strength and courage to face any challenge that life throws their way.”
– Etta James, from AllMusic.com
“Love is the key to everything. It’s the answer to all the questions and the feelings that people have about each other. If you don’t have love, then you don’t have anything.”
– Etta James, from Elle.com
“Love is the most beautiful thing that we have in this world. It’s the one thing that can make us feel alive and happy, no matter how tough the situation is.”
– Etta James, from Rolling Stone
“Love is what makes the world go round. Without it, we would have nothing. It can bring people together, and make you appreciate life more.”
– Etta James, from Billboard.com
7 Etta James Quotes About Life
“I look at life as a gift, that’s why I call my autobiography ‘Rage To Survive.’”
– Etta James, from The Guardian
“You have to take responsibility for your own life and for your own actions.”
– Etta James, from HuffPost
“I’ve always said life is what you make of it.”
– Etta James, from The Baltimore Sun
“Life isn’t like a wheel, it’s more like a ball of yarn unwinding.”
– Etta James, from NPR
“The thing about life is that you have to have a sense of humor.”
– Etta James, from The Guardian
“I think you have to take life one day at a time.”
– Etta James, from HuffPost
“You have to live life like it’s a party.”
– Etta James, from HuffPost
5 Quotes About Etta James
“Etta James was one of the greatest soul singers of all time, a powerful and emotive vocalist capable of crossing musical and racial boundaries.”
– Justin Chadwick, from Britannica
“Etta James had the kind of voice that sounded like it was spent from a lifetime of hurt.”
– Matt Berlyant, from Rolling Stone
“Etta James was the epitome of soul in both sound and attitude.”
– NPR Music, from NPR Music
“She was a remarkable talent and a true original who could turn any song into an unforgettable, personal statement.”
– President Barack Obama, from The White House
“Etta James was a great singer, with all that feel, and she was a great character, too.”
– Bonnie Raitt, from The New York Times
Interview with Etta James
Frequently Asked Questions About Etta James
1. How has Etta James’s music influenced the music industry?
Etta James is an iconic and influential artist whose music has had a lasting impact on the music industry. She was considered one of the first crossover stars, blending together blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B. Her powerful and expressive vocals have been an inspiration to artists of many genres, including rock, pop, and soul.
James’s work has been covered by some of the world’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and Adele. Her influence can be heard in the music of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Amy Winehouse.
- Her sound has been described as a “soulful blend of gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B”.
- Her work has been covered by some of the world’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and Adele.
- Her influence can be heard in the music of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Amy Winehouse.
- She was considered one of the first crossover stars, blending together blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B.
- She was an early proponent of what is now called “neo-soul”, a fusion of jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
- Her powerful and expressive vocals have been an inspiration to artists of many genres, including rock, pop, and soul.
Etta James is an important figure in music history, and her influence can be felt in the music of today. Her soulful and passionate sound has inspired generations of artists and continues to be a major influence in the music industry.
2. What are some of the most memorable Etta James quotes?
Etta James was an iconic American singer and songwriter who had a career spanning over five decades. During her life, she released a number of hit singles and albums, and was a powerful influence to many of her contemporaries. James left behind a legacy of memorable quotes and insights on life, music, and relationships. Here are some of the most memorable Etta James quotes:
- “You can’t fake the feeling, you can’t fake the funk.”
- “If I can’t be free, at least I can be cheap.”
- “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
- “I’d rather go down singing than be silenced.”
- “I’m in it for the long run, not the short haul.”
- “People can be so cold, but music keeps me warm.”
- “You can’t just be a singer, you have to be a performer.”
- “Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me now.”
- “The key to success is to just keep on keepin’ on.”
- “You gotta be strong to make it in this world.”
3. How did Etta James’s Career Span Over the Years?
Etta James’s career spanned over more than five decades, beginning in the 1950s when she was only a teenager. She began her career as a rhythm and blues singer, performing in clubs and on radio shows. Over the years, she explored a range of musical genres, from jazz to gospel. She is remembered as one of the most influential blues and R&B singers of all time.
- 1950s: Etta began her career as a rhythm and blues singer, performing in clubs and on radio shows.
- 1960s: She released her first studio album, At Last!, and was nominated for the first of five Grammy Awards.
- 1970s: Etta released her most successful single, “Tell Mama”, and won her first Grammy Award.
- 1980s: Her music began to move away from the traditional blues and R&B sound, and she began to explore other musical genres such as jazz and gospel.
- 1990s: Etta released her autobiography, Rage to Survive, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 2000s: Etta released her final studio album, The Dreamer, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
4. What are the main themes of Etta James’s music?
Etta James was an influential American singer-songwriter, whose music was deeply rooted in blues, soul, gospel and R&B. Throughout her career, she explored a range of topics and emotions in her music, from love and heartbreak to pain and struggle. The main themes of her music are:
- Love and relationships
- Heartache and loss
- Pain and struggle
- Social injustice
- Hope and resilience
In her music, Etta James explored the joys and sorrows of love, the pain of loss and heartache, and the difficulties of living in an unjust society. Her music was a powerful force that connected with audiences and inspired listeners to stand up and fight for what is right.
5. What are some of the most popular Etta James songs?
Etta James has left a remarkable legacy in the music industry with her soulful blues and R&B songs. From her classic hits such as “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” to her later recordings such as “Damn Your Eyes” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” James has left an indelible mark in the music world. Here is a list of some of her most popular songs:
- At Last
- I’d Rather Go Blind
- All I Could Do Was Cry
- Trust in Me
- Something’s Got a Hold on Me
- Tell Mama
- I Just Want to Make Love to You
- Something’s Got a Hold on Me
- Pushover
- Damn Your Eyes
Conclusion
In conclusion, Etta James was an incredibly influential artist and songwriter. Her songs continue to inspire and captivate audiences generations later. Her music reflects her life experiences and her powerful lyrics have inspired many. Her quotes show her wit, wisdom, and humor and her words continue to resonate with many. Her music and words will live on as a testament to her immense talent and passion for music.
