Etta james early life
- •
Etta James
Explore This Section
Music
1938-2012
California Connection
- Los Angeles native and longtime Riverside resident
Achievements
Biography current as of induction in 2023
In a career that spanned six decades, Etta James sang in a variety of genres, notching over 30 R&B hits, thrilling audiences with her energetic live shows and earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, despite possessing one of the most powerful voices in music, she only belatedly gained the attention of mainstream audiences and appeared rarely on the pop charts.
Born Jamesetta Hawkins to a mother who was just 14 years old, James never knew her father and was raised by foster parents. She began singing with St. Paul Baptist Church’s gospel choir at age five, becoming a soloist and frequently appearing with them on local radio broadcasts.
At age 12, she moved to live with her mother in San Francisco, where she formed a singing group with two friends. The girls attracted the attention of bandleader and talent scout Johnny Otis, and when he heard their song &
- •
Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, was a musical powerhouse whose voice transcended genres, eras, and emotions. With a career spanning over five decades, she left an indelible mark on the worlds of blues, R&B, soul, gospel, and jazz. Known for her raw, emotive delivery and her ability to connect deeply with her audience, Etta James remains one of the most iconic and influential singers of all time.
Yet beneath her monumental talent lay a life filled with struggles, triumphs, and resilience. From her tumultuous childhood to her battles with addiction and eventual redemption, Etta James’ story is as compelling as the music she gave to the world.
Early Life: A Tough Beginning
Etta James was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Dorothy Hawkins, was just 14 years old when she had her, and Etta never knew her father. Speculation about her paternity lingered throughout her life, with some believing her father was the famous pool player Rudolf “MinnesotaFats” Wanderone, though this was never confirmed.
Etta’s early years were
- •
Etta James
American blues singer (1938–2012)
Not to be confused with Etta Jones.
Musical artist
Jamesetta Hawkins (January 25, 1938 – January 27, 2012), known professionally as Etta James, was an American singer and songwriter. Starting her career in 1954, James frequently performed in Nashville's famed R&B clubs, collectively known as the Chitlin' Circuit, in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1970s.[1] She sang in various genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul, and gained fame with hits such as "The Wallflower" (1957), "At Last" (1960), "Something's Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" (both 1977).[2] She faced a number of personal problems, including heroin addiction, severe physical abuse, and incarceration, before making a musical comeback in the late 1980s with the album Seven Year Itch (1988).[3]
James's deep and earthy voice is considered to have bridged the gap between R&B and rock and roll. She won fifteen Grammy Awards for her albums (2005 - Best Traditional Blues Album fo
Copyright ©backaid.pages.dev 2025