Etta James (1938-2012) was an American singer-songwriter known for her powerful and soulful voice, which spanned various genres including blues, R&B, rock and roll, and jazz. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, California, she began singing in church as a child and later performed in a group with her friends. In the 1950s, she signed with Chess Records and released her first hit single, “The Wallflower” (also known as “Roll With Me, Henry”). Her career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s with songs like “At Last,” “All I Could Do Was Cry,” and “Tell Mama.”
Etta James’ life was not without struggles, as she battled drug addiction and had a tumultuous personal life. However, she remained a beloved and influential figure in the music industry, with her powerful voice and emotional performances leaving a lasting impact on countless musicians.
In addition to her singing career, Etta James was also a songwriter and an actress, appearing in films such as “Cadillac Records” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and received numerous awards throughout her career, including six Grammy Awards. Etta James’ music continues to inspire and move audiences today, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
1. I’d Rather Go Blind
“I’d Rather Go Blind” is a soulful blues ballad originally recorded by Etta James in 1967. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who would rather lose her sight than see her lover leave her for another. The emotional depth and raw power of James’ vocals, backed by a stripped-down arrangement of piano, guitar, and drums, make for a powerful and moving performance. “I’d Rather Go Blind” has become a beloved classic in the blues and soul genres and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place in music history as an iconic and timeless song.
2. At Last
“At Last” is a classic song performed by American singer Etta James, originally released in 1960. The song’s slow and sultry melody, accompanied by a string section and piano, perfectly showcases James’ rich and powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics express the joy of finding true love after a long period of waiting and searching, with James’ emotive delivery capturing the song’s sense of romance and longing. “At Last” has become a beloved classic of the R&B and jazz genres, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place as a timeless piece of music history.
3. All I Could Do Was Cry
“All I Could Do Was Cry” is a classic R&B ballad by Etta James, released in 1960. The song tells the story of a woman who witnesses her lover marrying someone else, and the heartbreak and tears that follow. James’ raw and emotive vocals perfectly capture the pain and desperation of the lyrics, making the song a standout in her discography. “All I Could Do Was Cry” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B chart and solidifying James’ status as a powerful and influential vocalist in the music industry. The song has since become a classic and a staple in the R&B and soul genres, continuing to move and resonate with listeners today.
4. Tell Mama
“Tell Mama” is a classic blues and soul song originally recorded by Etta James in 1967. The song features a driving, uptempo beat and a catchy, horn-laden melody. James’ powerful and emotive vocals, along with the energetic backing of the instrumental ensemble, make for a dynamic and engaging performance. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman urging her lover to confide in her and “tell mama” about his troubles. “Tell Mama” has become a staple of blues and soul music, and its upbeat energy and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with listeners to this day.
5. The Wallflower (Dance With Me Henry)
“The Wallflower (Dance With Me Henry)” is a classic R&B song performed by Etta James, originally released in 1955. The song’s upbeat and infectious rhythm, accompanied by James’ powerful vocals and a brass section, make it a standout example of early rock and roll. The song’s lyrics describe the excitement of being swept away by the music and the joy of dancing with a loved one. “The Wallflower” became a massive hit upon its release and helped to establish James as a major force in the R&B and rock and roll scenes, cementing her place as one of the greatest singers of her generation.
6. A Sunday Kind of Love
“A Sunday Kind of Love” is a classic R&B ballad that has been covered by many artists since its original release in 1947. The song tells the story of a person searching for a love that is fulfilling and long-lasting, using Sunday as a metaphor for a day of rest and contentment. The song’s romantic and soulful lyrics, combined with its slow tempo and smooth melody, make it a timeless classic in the genre. Its popularity has endured over the years, with versions by artists such as Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin, cementing its status as a beloved and iconic song in the American songbook.
7. Something’s Got a Hold On Me
“Something’s Got a Hold On Me” is a soulful and energetic song originally recorded by Etta James in 1962. The song features a driving, upbeat rhythm and a catchy melody, with James’ powerful vocals leading the way. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being overcome by an intense and irresistible emotion, with the refrain of “something’s got a hold on me” driving home the song’s theme. “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a staple of soul and R&B music, cementing its place as a classic and beloved song.
8. Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield
“Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield” is a song by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman, originally released in 1968. The song’s haunting melody and stark lyrics, accompanied by Newman’s distinctive vocals and piano playing, create a mood of dark and brooding intensity. The song’s lyrics describe a sense of disillusionment and frustration with the world, with the chorus proclaiming a desire to burn everything down and start anew. “Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield” has become a cult classic among fans of Newman’s music, showcasing his unique talent for blending dark humor and biting social commentary in his songs.
9. I Just Want to Make Love to You
“I Just Want to Make Love to You” is a classic blues and R&B song originally recorded by Willie Dixon in 1954. The song’s lyrics, which express a desire for physical intimacy with a lover, are delivered with a powerful and seductive energy. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody, paired with Dixon’s commanding vocals, make for an unforgettable and iconic performance. “I Just Want to Make Love to You” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Etta James, who recorded a popular version in 1961, cementing the song’s place in blues and R&B music history.
10. Damn Your Eyes
“Damn Your Eyes” is a bluesy and soulful ballad originally recorded by Etta James in 1988. The song’s lyrics are a lamentation of a failed relationship, with the singer expressing her frustration and heartache at the memory of her lover’s eyes. James’ powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a slow and haunting melody, make “Damn Your Eyes” a standout in her discography. The song has since been covered by many artists, including jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson and country singer Wynonna Judd, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the blues and soul genres.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
