US singer Etta James dies aged 73

January 21, 2012



Legendary soul singer died aged 73 yesterday at Riverside Community Hospital in, California after a long battle with. She was diagnosed with in 2009.

James was born in, California as Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938. She is best known for her 1961 hit . She gained prominence following the success of ', At last, and '. She won six.

In the 1960's, James developed addiction to heroin and later to cocaine in the 1970's. Despite personal problems, James reinvented herself with the 1988 album Seven Year Itch. Actress played James in the film  in 2008.

James is survived by her husband Artis Mills, and her sons Donto and Sametto.