Etta James’ performance of the long-lasting classic “At Last” was the embodiment of refined soul: Angelic-sounding strings hailed the arrival of her passionate yet measured vocals as she sang tenderly about a love realized finally after a long and patient wait.In real life, there was not much about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde’s first hit was a bold R&B number about sex, and she was known as a hell-raiser who had volatile relationships with her family, her men and the music industry. Then she spent years fighting a drug addiction that she admitted chipped away at her great talents.

The 73-year-old passed away on Friday at Riverside Community Hospital from leukemia complications, with her husband and sons by her side, her manager, Lupe De Leon stated.

De Leon said it’s a astounding loss for her fans around the world. He added that she’ll be missed. A great American singer. Her music defied category.

James’ spirit could not be held in— perhaps that is what made her so magnetic in music; it’s surely what made her so dynamic as one of R&B, blues and rock ‘n’ roll’s underrated legends.

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