Ever wondered where the voice that defined a generation of blues and soul music first echoed? Etta James's journey began in Los Angeles, a city that would forever be intertwined with her legendary status.
Born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Etta James entered a world brimming with potential, despite the challenges of her early life. Her mother, Dorothy Hawkins, was just fourteen years old at the time of her birth. In those formative years, Jamesetta was primarily raised by an aunt and later by a foster family, experiences that undoubtedly shaped her resilient spirit. By the tender age of five, her prodigious talent was undeniable, and she began singing at the St. Paul Baptist Church, a place renowned for its vibrant Echoes of Eden Gospel Choir, laying the foundation for a career that would span decades and genres. The sounds of gospel, deeply embedded in her upbringing, would later infuse her blues and R&B performances with a unique emotional depth.
| Etta James: Biographical and Professional Overview | |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Jamesetta Hawkins |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Date of Death | January 20, 2012 (aged 73) |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, Soul, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Gospel |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Years Active | 1954 2012 |
| Awards & Recognition |
|
| Signature Songs | "At Last," "Tell Mama," "I'd Rather Go Blind," "All I Could Do Was Cry," "Dance With Me Henry" |
| Early Influences | Gospel music at St. Paul Baptist Church |
| Associated Acts | Johnny Otis, Harvey Fuqua, The Roots Band |
| Website | Official Etta James Website |
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