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Remembering The Music Of The Matriarch Of The Blues

KUNC | By Jim Hill
Published January 20, 2012 at 10:58 AM MST
Etta James in 1990, performing in Normandie, France.
Roland Godefroy
/
Creative Commons
Etta James in 1990, performing in Normandie, France.

Etta James, the legendary singer regarded as the 'Matriarch of the Blues', passed away on Friday, January 20th. She was 73 and leaves behind an incredible legacy of instantly recognizable performances.

Many a wedding has featured what is a James' classic in "At Last". Originally written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical film Orchestra Wives. Etta James covered the song in 1960, and her version was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of fame in 1999.
http://youtu.be/ADDigK8LwyE

Her years at Chess Records saw an influence from Gospel music in her repertoire. "Something's Got A Hold On Me" was a hit both on R&B and the Top 40 charts.
http://youtu.be/WzibSiJv8hc

No other song really embodies the powerful voice Etta James wielded than "I Just Wanna Make Love To You". Strangely enough, this song will forever be linked with another James' classic, "At Last", as it was the B-side for that same 1960 single.
http://youtu.be/KUgvVAFFzN8
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Jim Hill
I’m not a Colorado native (did you know that "I'm from Missouri" means "I'm skeptical of the matter and not easily convinced?") but I have lived here for most of my life and couldn't imagine leaving. After graduating from Colorado State University, I did what everyone wants to do; I moved to the mountains and skied, hiked, and hid from responsibility! Our listeners in the mountains may know me from my time in Steamboat Springs and Vail or as the voice of the Battle Mountain Huskies Hockey team in Vail.
See stories by Jim Hill
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