Earlier today America lost one of its premier songbirds and the world became a quieter place with a lot less soul. Miss Etta James, aged 73, passed away today after a long and brave battle against both Alzheimer's and leukemia. Peaches, I will miss you with all of my heart.
With a career that spanned 58 years she saw unbelievable precedent setting highs coupled with crushing lows that would have broken a lesser person. She won 6 Grammy's, charted on Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Soul, Gospel and Jazz charts, had a truly groundbreaking debut album in 1960 and single handedly changed the way white bread America listened to music. Ain't nobody could wrap their heart and soul around a song and own it the way she could. She was still out on the road and touring until about 18 months ago when a little voice inside of her said, "Girl, you gotta slow down." Knowing Etta James she probably told that little voice to go fuck itself. But still, the little voice won out. That battle has been our loss.
Her eldest son recently described her in a way that made me smile. He said, "Mama never sugar coated anything. If she had an opinion you were gonna know it." I love that.
Today, we are missing a Diva but heaven has a brand new soloist. Peaches has gone home. At Last...
