Great and good pay tribute to music legend Etta James

Published on Monday 30 January 2012 00:00

Rhythm & blues legend Etta James has been honoured at a service by hundreds of friends, family and fans in America.

The Reverend Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist, eulogised James in a rousing speech. He described her rise from poverty to become a woman whose music became an enduring anthem for weddings and commercials.

Famously, President Barack Obama and the first lady shared their first inaugural ball dance to a version of a James song by Beyonce, who played the late singer in the film Cadillac Records.

Mr Sharpton opened his remarks by reading a statement from the president. “Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our nation’s musical heritage,” Mr Obama’s statement read.

The Grammy-winning singer died 20 January after battling leukaemia and other ailments, including dementia.

She had retreated from public life in recent years, but her legacy was on display as mourners of all ages and races converged on the City of Refuge church in Gardena, south of central Los Angeles.

Among the stars performing tributes to James were Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, who told the gathering that she has included At Last in every concert she’s performed as a tribute to her musical inspiration.