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Etta James died today from complications of leukaemia, aged 73. Etta passed away at Riverside Community Hospital in California with her husband and sons at her side. Etta was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles on January 25, 1938 and began singing in a church choir before moving to San Francisco where she formed a group called the Creolettes with two other girls. The group were auditioned by Johnny Otis, who renamed them The Peaches and also came up with the Etta James stage name. Otis, who died earlier this week, would write and produce their number one R&B hit, “The Wallflower,” also known as “Roll With Me, Henry” and “Dance With Me, Henry.”

“The Wallflower” – Etta James

After The Peaches broke up, Etta set about trying to forge a solo career and had a number of minor hits before signing to Chess Records in 1960. Within a year she had released the album “At Last,” the title track of which would become her signature tune and one of the most enduring songs of the era.

“At Last” – Etta James

Also on the “At Last” album and on the B-side of the “At Last” single was Etta’s superb interpretation of the Muddy Waters classic “I Just Want To Make Love To You.” This would become her biggest ever UK hit when it reached number five on the singles chart in 1996 after appearing in a Diet Coke commercial.

“I Just Want To Make Love To You” – Etta James

Despite her obvious talent, Etta found it difficult to achieve mainstream success as the decade progressed, but there were real highlights, including the classic soul ballad “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which was recorded in 1967.

“I’d Rather Go Blind” – Etta James

Things would get worse in the next decade as she spent time in rehab and behind bars due to her drug problems. After a long battle, she finally beat her addiction in 1988 and began a more productive period in her career, beginning with the release of the “Seven Year Itch” album. This was followed by her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the release of an acclaimed collection of Billie Holiday songs titled “Mystery Lady” which earned Etta her first Grammy award in 1994. The first Grammy had been a long time coming, but more would follow with the albums “Let’s Roll” (2004) and “Blues to the Bone” (2005) both being recognised. She was also awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

Etta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 and leukaemia in early 2011.

Many artists have already paid tribute to Etta James, including the following:

Beyonce – “This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

Aretha Franklin – “Etta James was one of the great soul singers of our generation. An American original! I loved Pushover, At Last and almost any and everything she recorded!!! When Etta SUNG, you heard it!”

Mariah Carey – “Rest in peace to one of the world’s most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.”

Kelly Rowland – “Classic. One of a kind. Pure soul. Etta James! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence!”

Chaka Khan – “Rest in peace Etta James. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”

will.i.am – “Showing respect appreciation and love for all the wonderful music and joy Etta James brought to the world.”

Pink – “RIP to the late and great Etta James. Your voice and your fight inspired me and many. I love that through recordings, people can live forever.”

Cyndi Lauper – “Omg, we lost Etta James today. May she rest in peace and thank you Etta for all the wonderful singing you left behind for us. I’ll miss her.”

Jessie J – “Just been told the legend that is Etta James has passed. Thank you for your voice your dedication to us and your gift. Your voice is timeless and will forever live on. I will always look to you for inspiration. RIP.”

LeAnn Rimes – “RIP to the wonderfully soulful Etta James. You will always be in our heart & on our radios. What a voice, a sad loss.”

Steve Winwood – “Etta James… You’ll be missed.”

Slash – “Deeply saddened by the loss of Etta James, a true legend in our time. RIP.”

Nikki Sixx – “RIP Etta James. Your music soothed and ignited passion in so many of us.”