Etta James Special
Episode 313, 18 January 2012
During my Christmas holiday in sunny Gisborne (NZ) I had the distinct feeling to get my A into G and put an Etta James spotlight show together. I've been meaning to do this for a few years now. Its strange how things turn out sometimes. I didn't know how bad Etta's recent health condition had become. I knew she was unwell and diagnosed with terminal leukemia but I didn't realise she had declined so rapidly. Then during my holiday I heard she had been released from hospital and was recovering at home. This made me determined to get a spotlight on her music together to play on air as soon as I returned from holiday. This episode is that spotlight.
Unfortunately, Etta passed away yesterday, Friday 20 January 2012. I'm glad I got to play and enjoy her music while she was still alive. I'll continue to play Etta James music now that she has passed but it just won't be the same, it'll be more meaningful.
Let's treasure the 'older' stalwarts of classic blues / soul / R n B / funk etc, for they too, will one day, pass on leaving only memories for us to hold on to.
We love you Etta! Thank you!
1. Etta James - The Wallflower (aka Roll With Me Henry)
2. Etta James - Somethings Got A Hold On Me
3. Etta James - Baby, What You Want Me To Do (Live)
4. Etta James - Tell Mama
5. Chuck Berry - Almost Grown
6. Etta James - The Blues Is My Business
7. Etta James - The Sky Is Crying
8. Etta James - At Last
9. Etta James with Sugar Pie DeSanto - I'd Rather Go Blind (Part One)
10. Etta James with Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson - Please Send Me Someone To Love (Live)
11. Etta James with BB King - Theres Something On Your Mind
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Etta James's Son Describes Her Final Moments
By Howard Breuer
Friday January 20, 2012
Recalling his mother, R&B legend Etta James, and her final moments, son Donto James tells PEOPLE he's happy he and his brother, Sametto, got to hold her in their arms and say goodbye.
"It's been quite a day, Donto, 43, said Friday, the day Etta, 73, died from complications of leukemia, "but I'm very grateful. She basically passed in my arms, and I was able to share everything I needed to say to her, from praying to listing her accomplishments as a mother."
The goodbyes were delivered at a Riverside, Calif. hospital, where Etta James was taken Thursday night. Donto says his mother couldn't speak but seemed to understand what he was telling her.
"I asked her if she heard what I said, and she'd flutter her eyes and look at me very quickly. And she had been nonreactive before that," he says.
Donto describes the moment as "spiritual," and although he'd long dreaded seeing his mother die, he now believes "it was a true gift to be with her when it happened. I wouldn't want it any other way than for her to go in our arms."
He adds, "I told her that I loved her. I said, 'You were a wonderful mother, you did a wonderful job, your seven grandchildren love you, and they will be okay.' "
In a final tribute, he also says, "For sure, the world lost a legend today. I am very proud of her, and very thankful."
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