Sic of Elephants

There are few female singers who truly changed music history, and Etta James was one of those women.

To the dismay of family, friends and fans, the great James passed away Friday. She had been diagnosed with leukemia in early 2011, but her death still comes as a shock.

Her life was full of soul, blues and making some of the most influential music in American history. Her balance of raspy belting and calm vibrato has created a standard in singing today.

Her iconic vocal styling shook the music of the 1960s and instantly put her on the charts. Etta was the winner of multiple Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Grammy, and she held the 22nd spot on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list.

She even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

James’ roots were in gospel and doo-wop, but her versatile voice allowed her to break through the set genres of music.

She began her career in a doo-wop group called the Creolettes, which was signed to Modern Records in 1954. Then, in 1960, she split from the Creolettes and was signed to Chicago record company Chess Records.

It was at Chess Records that her career took off.

Her debut album with Chess Records, “At Last,” became extremely successful and a staple of classic rhythm and blues albums. Etta James’ soulful voice carried over the airwaves as a chart topper not only on the R&B Billboard, but the Top 40 as well.
“At Last” blended jazz standards with blues, gospel and rock ’n’ roll in a manner that truly set James above the rest.

On Dec. 10, 1960, one of James’ most famous songs, “My Dearest Darling,” peaked on the Billboard Top 40 at number 34. “My Dearest Darling” showcased her deep voice crying out to her loved one.

Like many other songs of hers, it begins with the shrill of a string section and the bellows of horns. The backing instrumentals would sound like any other slow ballad of the time if it weren’t for her strong vocals.

James’ voice dips low, resonating against the high violins.

When she reaches higher, her singing turns to wailing, pushing past the previously clean vocals.

This style of heavy, emotional singing has influenced many artists since, including Janis Joplin and Beyoncé — the latter played James in the movie Cadillac Records.
“Something’s Got a Hold On Me” is a song of James’ that college students may be more familiar with. Flo Rida samples this infamous song in his latest single, “Good Feeling.”

James’ chilling voice begins the song with the catchy line “Oh, sometimes / I get a good feeling” and has everyone singing along until the beat drops. The original song begins with the same line, but instead of a beat dropping, a gospel choir chimes in.

So, next time you’re listening to “Good Feeling,” really listen to that sample and make sure to take in the beautiful voice of the late Etta James.

­— bafinkel@indiana.edu