Etta James, possessor of one of the finest voices in the history of popular music, has died after a lengthy battle with leukemia, her manager has confirmed. She was 73 years old.
Lupe De Leon, James' longtime friend and manager, spoke of the loss to CNN saying: "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world. She was a true original who could sing it all - her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always."
James had suffered from a variety of ailments over the last few years, including leukemia and Alzheimer's disease.
James was the recipient of four Grammys, as well as an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was discovered singing in a church in 1954 by famous blues musician Johnny Otis and over the course of the next few decades built up a staggering array of hits. James continued touring up until as late as 2009.
James will perhaps be best remembered for her iconic version of 'At Last', as well as 'Something's Got a Hold on Me'.
