Retro Blast: Etta James' Sad Cause Of Death

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.