R.I.P. Etta James: January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

It is storming like crazy here in the bay area of California and it is so fitting.
This morning we lost a true pioneer of early R&B music.

Etta James has passed away just 5 days shy of her 74th birthday.
Through all these years, to quote one of her songs, “the good, the bad, the hurt, the sad” she always gave to the people. She more than survived her personal demons…SHE BEAT THEM.

We will all miss you Etta.
Rest In Peace
(Ed.Note: Here is my chance to finally say it. The head honchos at Chess Records were viewed by many as ‘ruthless record company people’ to be very polite. Let me come out and say it right now, they were the ones who found Etta on the streets whacked out on smack. They bought her a house in the country and got her off junk. Hats off to Leonard, Phil & Marshall Chess)