Etta James, the legendary soul singer behind classics such as "At Last," died today (January 20) due to complications from leukemia. She was 73.
Fans already knew that the singer was in ill health. In addition to leukemia, she had battled dementia and hepatitis C in recent years. She was admitted to hospital over the holidays before being released earlier this month. James evidently was readmitted before her death, since she died in a hospital in Riverside, CA.
Born Jamesetta Hawkins, James launched her career in the 1950s, achieving success with the song "The Wallflower." She's most fondly remembered for her 1960 single "At Last," and subsequent hits including "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Something's Got a Hold on Me."
She underwent many personal struggles throughout her life, and spent stints in rehab due to heroin addiction. She has also previously struggled with obesity and a dependency to painkillers.
She is survived by her husband Artis Mills and sons Donto and Sametto, who CNN report were by James's side when she passed away.
Fans already knew that the singer was in ill health. In addition to leukemia, she had battled dementia and hepatitis C in recent years. She was admitted to hospital over the holidays before being released earlier this month. James evidently was readmitted before her death, since she died in a hospital in Riverside, CA.
Born Jamesetta Hawkins, James launched her career in the 1950s, achieving success with the song "The Wallflower." She's most fondly remembered for her 1960 single "At Last," and subsequent hits including "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Something's Got a Hold on Me."
She underwent many personal struggles throughout her life, and spent stints in rehab due to heroin addiction. She has also previously struggled with obesity and a dependency to painkillers.
She is survived by her husband Artis Mills and sons Donto and Sametto, who CNN report were by James's side when she passed away.
