Sad news today, as R&B legend Etta James has died at the age of 73. Bobby Murray, her guitarist of 22 years wrote a nice piece for the Daily Kos where he tells the following story:
A few years back we (Etta James and the Roots Band) were doing a show at the Hollywood Bowl with Lou Rawls. (The late, great Mr. Rawls was by any account a great singer and a tremendous artist) We were backstage and Lou had asked Etta if she would refrain from doing 'At Last' on her set and maybe sit in with him (He was closing) on his take of it. He explained it was the title track of his new recording and he would really appreciate it because of it being his new release, record company pressures, etc. Now, I'm not saying this because I've played with her for 20 plus years but Etta owns the definitive version of At Last. (And while she did not write it, without doubt, it is simply her version that defines the song to millions of people.)
She sweetly smiled and said, "No problem Lou, I understand."
Mr. Rawls thanked her saying something to the effect 'I knew you would understand...' and left.
At that point Etta called over our musical director, Josh Sklair and some of the band members and said, "We're gonna open with 'At Last' guys, who the hell does that @#$%&$! think he is?" She absolutely tore it up, there was no way anyone could have followed her with that tune. We loved it and so did the crowd.
Rest In Peace Etta.
