Jamesetta Hawkins, better known as Etta James, was an American singer who sang in a variety of genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul. Beginning her career in 1954, she rose to prominence with successes such as “The Wallflower”, “At Last”, “Tell Mama”, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”, and “I’d Rather Go Blind”.
Before making a musical comeback in the late 1980s with the album Seven Year Itch, she struggled with a variety of personal issues, including heroin addiction, severe physical abuse, and jail.
Etta and Artis Mills were married from 1969 until her death in 2012. Donto James and Sametto James, born to different dads, were James’ two sons. Donto played drums in Montreux in 1993, and Sametto played bass guitar in 2003, among other performances and tours.
What was Etta James biggest hit?
“At Last” was her biggest hit. Etta James’ debut studio album, At Last!, was a collection of blues and soul songs.
Phil and Leonard Chess produced the album, which was released on Argo Records in November 1960. Finally! reached number 12 on the Billboard Top Catalog Albums chart.
Finally! was voted #191 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Pitchfork ranked it as the 62nd-best album of the 1960s.
