Tributes paid to soul legend Etta James
Legendary singer Etta James died aged 73
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Saturday, 21, Jan 2012 10:05
By Matt Duxbury
Legendary soul and blues singer Etta James has died at the age of 73.
The American performer was revealed to be suffering with leukaemia last year and passed away at a hospital in California on Friday.
James, who has been cited as a major influence by young female singers such as Adele, was best known for her songs At Last and I'd Rather Go Blind.
Her career, which began as a teenager in San Francisco with vocal group the Creolettes, saw her win six Grammy awards and receive an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She also struggled with long-term heroin addiction, which began in the 1960s and threatened to completely derail her career on several occasions.
Stars such as Bryan Adams, Mariah Carey, Kelly Rowland and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas paid tribute to James on Twitter following the news of her death.
"Thank you for gracing us with your incredible talent and presence," said Rowland.
The late star's manager, Lupe De Leon, said the world will miss "a great American singer".