Saturday, January 21, 2012

RIP Etta James

Singer Etta James, who started her career in the mid-1950s and who probably is best known for her 1961 single "At Last," died yesterday in Riverside, California.

Having met the love of my life when I was 50 years old, the lyrics of "At Last" will always have a special place in my heart, but my first memory of Etta James is hearing the 1958 version of "Dance With Me, Henry" when I was 10 years old.

youtube.com
thecountofbasie - July 9, 2010

Rest in peace, Miss Etta James. 
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6 comments:

  1. LeAnnJanuary 21, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    I love that song! I hadn't heard she passed away. I've missed visiting you. Things should settle down. Today is the big day, our son is getting married.

    xo

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 21, 2012 at 9:41 AM

      I know the wedding will be wonderful. Have a great time!

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  2. DearHelenHartmanJanuary 21, 2012 at 7:28 AM

    It's so odd but At Last used to get on my very last nerve but the last few years, when she had a resurgence in popularity, I've come to like it. Could I be mellowing with age?

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 21, 2012 at 9:43 AM

      I remember years ago when I thought I'd never let myself mellow with age. Ah, it happens to the best of us. ;)

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  3. A Modern LineJanuary 21, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Truly a musical powerhouse and she will certainly be missed! I've had the opportunity to hear many of her songs over the years on our local community 88.5 WMNF. I'm sure all the blues and R&B programmers will be doing tributes all week. You can listen on line @ www.wmnf.org.

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 21, 2012 at 2:36 PM

      I first heard "Dance With Me Henry" on WNOE-AM out of New Orleans. Back in the 50s and 60s, it was one of the "power stations" whose signal could be picked up from hundreds of miles away. I listened to it in East Texas and in Shreveport, Louisiana. Good memories!

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