Etta James, a legendary rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, and musician, passed away on 2012-01-20 at the age of 73. A powerful vocalist and notable rock 'n' roll pioneer, she was well-known for hits like "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind". James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in 1938, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. She was a teen prodigy, making her first recordings at the age of 14. By the early 1960s she had become a star, with success on the pop, rhythm and blues, rock, and jazz charts. Her style and influence spread in the 1970s, and she continued to record and perform well into the 21st century. In 1993, James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. James will be remembered and appreciated by her devoted fans and music-lovers of all genres for her powerhouse vocals, exceptional musicianship, and incomparable style.