Who Is Etta James? Age, Biography and Wiki
Etta James, born on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, captivated audiences with her powerful voice and emotive performances. She had a career that spanned several decades and included numerous memorable hits. James passed away on January 20, 2012, but her influence and legacy continue to resonate in the music industry. Although we are reflecting on her life in 2025, it's essential to recognize the mark she left on blues and soul music.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1938 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 January, 2012 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Etta James's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Etta James was known for her commanding stage presence. While exact statistics of her height and weight vary from source to source, she was approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and had a robust and curvy body type, which complemented her vibrant performances. Her physicality matched the authenticity and raw emotion she brought to her music, making her an unforgettable figure in the genre.
James received her first professional vocal training at the age of five from James Earle Hines, musical director of the Echoes of Eden choir at the St. Paul Baptist Church in South-Central Los Angeles. She became a soloist in the choir despite her young age and performed with them on local radio stations.
She quickly gained attention for having a strong voice for a child. Hines often punched her in the chest while she sang to force her voice to come from her gut.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Etta James had a tumultuous personal life, which often intertwined with her music career. She was married to Artis Mills, who was her husband until she passed away. The couple navigated the ups and downs of life together, and Mills played a significant role in supporting her both personally and professionally. Etta’s relationships were often in the spotlight due to her fame, but she remained fiercely dedicated to her craft and her family.
Although her father has never been identified, James speculated that she was the daughter of pool player Rudolf "Minnesota Fats" Wanderone, whom she met briefly in 1987.
Her mother was frequently absent from their apartment in Watts, conducting relationships with various men, and James lived with a series of foster parents, most notably "Sarge" and "Mama" Lu. James referred to her mother as "the Mystery Lady".
James was raised by relatives and friends during her childhood, and she began regularly attending a Baptist church while in the care of her grandparents.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Etta James had achieved a significant level of financial success. Her estimated net worth was around $16 million, attributed to her extensive music career, concert tours, and album sales. Even today, her estate continues to generate income through royalties from her timeless tracks and compilations. Her music remains a staple on playlists and continues to introduce new generations to her unique sound.
By the mid-1960s, James suffered from an addiction to heroin. To finance her habit, she bounced checks, forged prescriptions and stole from her friends. In 1966, she was arrested for writing bad checks; she was placed on probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine. In 1969, she spent 10 days in jail for violating her probation.
Career, Business and Investments
Etta James's career began in the late 1950s with her debut album, "At Last," which showcased her impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Over the years, she released numerous successful albums and singles, earning multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades. Beyond music, Etta also dabbled in acting and made guest appearances on various television shows.
Her business ventures included merchandising related to her music, and she was known for her candid and powerful storytelling, which some may find as a potential avenue for a memoir or documentary project. Etta's ability to connect with her audience was underscored by her passionate performances, which often drew sell-out crowds.
Jamesetta Hawkins (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012), known professionally as Etta James, was an American singer and songwriter. Starting her career in 1954, James frequently performed in Nashville's R&B clubs, collectively known as the Chitlin' Circuit, in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
She sang in various genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul, and gained fame with hits such as "The Wallflower" (1955), "At Last" (1960), "Something's Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" (both 1967).
She faced a number of personal problems, including heroin addiction, severe physical abuse, and incarceration, before making a musical comeback in the late 1980s with the album Seven Year Itch (1988).
Social Network
Etta James embraced the music industry and her fans through various forms of social networking during her life. Although she didn’t have a significant digital presence during her time, her legacy continues through social media platforms where fans celebrate her music, share tributes, and discuss her impact on blues and soul. Additionally, music streaming services keep her songs alive, allowing new audiences to discover her work.
At the age of 14, she met musician Johnny Otis. Stories on how they met vary. In Otis's version, she came to his hotel after one of his performances in the city and persuaded him to audition her.
Another story was that Otis spotted the Creolettes performing at a Los Angeles nightclub and sought for them to record his "answer song" to Hank Ballard's "Work with Me, Annie". Otis took the Creolettes under his wing and helped them sign to Modern Records, at which point they changed their name to Peaches.
At this time Otis also gave James her stage name, transposing "Jamesetta" (her given first name) into "Etta James." In 1954, James recorded and was credited as co-author for "The Wallflower" (a title change to the aforementioned song, "Work with Me, Annie"), which was released in early 1955.
The original title of the song was actually "Roll with Me, Henry", but it had been changed to avoid censorship at the time (roll implying sexual activity). In February 1955, the song reached number one on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Tracks chart. Its success also gave the Peaches an opening spot on Little Richard's national tour.
Education
Etta James faced significant challenges in her early life, but her passion for music shone brightly despite these obstacles. While formal education may not have been a significant focus for her, her real-life experiences and the trials she navigated significantly influenced her artistry. She learned from various artists, mentors, and her own personal experiences, which contributed to her growth as an artist and a performer.
