Etta James

Etta James January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

It is wonderful to have made one heart-stopping classic but to have made three is a claim to greatness. This is not an obituary, most of what you want to know about Etta James can be found on Wiki which will do for now.

Here are the three I mean:

At Last (1960)




I Just Wanna Make Love to You (1961)




I'd Rather Go Blind (1968)



There may have been more beautiful voices but few as heart-breaking, as convincing, or as perfect in its own chosen terms. (The arrangements for all three are part of the perfection)