VIP News I Up close with your favorite Celebs on Allvipp.com
  • Celebrities
  • TV & Movies
  • Royals
  • Fashion
  • Retro
  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • Quizzes
  • English 
    • Español
    • Français
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Legal notice
    • Cookies
  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • Quizzes
  1. Home
  2. Celebrities
  3. In Memoriam: Etta James' Tragic Cause Of Death

In Memoriam: Etta James' Tragic Cause Of Death

Andrés Galarza / January 25, 2025 - 04:00 pm

1 / 14

Pinterest May 27 2007 Aptos CA USA Headliner ETTA JAMES performs live at the 15th Annual Santa Cruz Blu
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Etta James

She began singing in church at a young age, and by the time she was 14, she was discovered by the famed bandleader Johnny Otis, who helped her record her first single, “The Wallflower” (also known as “Roll with Me, Henry”) in 1955. The song became a huge hit, but it was also the beginning of a long and tumultuous career that would be both brilliant and marred by personal demons.

2 / 14

Pinterest Etta James Honored On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2003
(© Getty Images)

Etta James

Despite her early success, Etta's life outside the spotlight was plagued by addiction to drugs and alcohol, a battle that would continue throughout much of her career. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she spent time in and out of prison, and her addiction to heroin deeply impacted both her personal and professional life. Her struggles were in stark contrast to her raw talent, which made her one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century.

3 / 14

Pinterest Etta James performing in 1993
(© Getty Images)

Etta James

Etta James’ career truly began to take off in the 1960s. Her music was a blend of gospel, jazz, blues, and soul, and she could move effortlessly between genres, earning the admiration of fans and fellow musicians alike. She released a series of groundbreaking albums, each showcasing her ability to tackle any musical style. In 1960, her debut album, 'At Last!', was released, marking a pivotal moment in her career. The title track, “At Last,” would become synonymous with Etta James, as it was one of her most beloved songs and a signature piece in her catalog. The song’s rich, soulful delivery continues to be a standard in the world of jazz and blues.

4 / 14

Pinterest Etta James at the premiere of 'Cadillac Records' in 2008
(© imago images/ PicturePerfect)

Etta James

Through the years, she recorded multiple albums that became staples of American music, including 'Etta James Sings For Lovers' and 'Rocks The House'. Her renditions of songs like “I’d Rather Go Blind,” “Tell Mama,” and “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” solidified her as a soul legend. James’s ability to channel deep emotion into every note she sang made her one of the most respected and influential singers in the music world.

5 / 14

Pinterest Cadillac Records L.A. Premiere - Hollywood Etta James at The Sony BMG & Sony Tri-Star s L.A. Premiere of Cadillac Record
(© IMAGO/Newscom World)

Etta James

Her blend of pain and passion was evident not just in her music but in her life, as her battle with addiction continued to interrupt her career. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that James began to turn things around. She entered rehab and, with the help of friends and family, began to reclaim control over her life and her music.

6 / 14

Pinterest James_Etta_MP2 Etta James (1977) Credit all uses Retna/Photoshot., Credit:Michael Putland / Avalon PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK
(© IMAGO/Avalon.red)

Etta James

The 1980s and 1990s were marked by a significant revival of Etta James’ career. She released the album 'Seven Year Itch', which received critical acclaim and introduced a new generation to her music. Songs like "I Got The Will" and "Take It To The Limit" showcased her incredible vocal power and control. In 1994, she released 'The Right Time', which earned her a Grammy Award, further cementing her status as a living legend in the music industry.

7 / 14

Pinterest UNITED  STATES  -  MARCH  01:    Barry  Manilow  and  Etta  JamesDMI/The  LIFE  Picture  Collectio
(© IMAGO/Pond5 Images)

Etta James

One of her most notable contributions to music during this period was the Grammy Award-winning album 'Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday', which paid tribute to the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Etta James’ interpretation of Holiday's work displayed her versatility and respect for the greats who had come before her. Her voice, though weathered by years of struggle, had only become richer and more nuanced with age.

8 / 14

Pinterest R&B  singer  Etta  James  singing  on  stage  during  23-act  country-rock  crossover  concert  in
(© IMAGO/Pond5 Images)

Etta James

James’s final years saw a continued outpouring of respect from the music community. In 2003, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that marked the peak of a career filled with accolades. In 2009, President Barack Obama invited her to sing “At Last” at his inauguration, a poignant moment that highlighted how far she had come, from a troubled young girl to a symbol of American resilience.

9 / 14

Pinterest James_Et_MP3 Etta James ( 1977 ) Credit all uses, Credit:Michael Putland / Avalon PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxFRAxUSA Copyrigh
(© IMAGO/Avalon.red)

Etta James

Despite her resurgence in later years, Etta James’ health began to decline due to various health issues. Her battle with addiction had taken a toll on her body, and as she grew older, she was faced with an array of medical challenges. In 2010, James was diagnosed with leukemia, a devastating blow to the singer who had spent a lifetime battling personal demons.

10 / 14

Pinterest File Photo ETTA JAMES the powerhouse jazz blues and soul singer known for hits such as Something
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Etta James

Her health continued to deteriorate, and in December 2011, Etta James was hospitalized for complications related to leukemia. The singer, who had long been a fighter both in her music and personal life, passed away on January 20, 2012, at the age of 73. Her death was the result of complications from leukemia, though she had been suffering from other ailments, including kidney problems, in the final years of her life.

Load more

Etta James, one of the most revered and versatile singers in American music history, left an indelible mark on soul, blues, jazz, and gospel. Her voice was often described as raw, emotive, and haunting, able to convey deep sorrow, joy, and everything in between. 

Retro Blast: Etta James' Sad Cause Of Death

However, despite her immense talent and success, Etta James’ life and death were marked by struggles that made her eventual passing all the more heartbreaking. Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California. Her early life was filled with hardship. Raised by her mother, who struggled with drug addiction, and her grandmother, who was often absent, Etta found solace in music.

Share content:
Follow us: Google
News
  • More about
  • Barack Obama
  • Amy Winehouse
  • Adele
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal notice
  • Cookies
  • Copyright 2025
  • All Rights Reserved