Etta James voice should be a national treasure. The matriarch of R&B blessed audiences for 60 years with remarkable tunes! Etta gets her flowers because her voice bridged the gap between R&B & Rock & Roll.

Beyoncé portrayed Etta James in the 2008 biopic “Cadillac Records,” and vocally slaughtered Etta’s classics!

Etta has influenced so many of the artists that came after her, like Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, Amy Winehouse and countless others! Christina especially, speaking that Etta is her favorite singer. She paid homage in so many beautiful ways, especially at Etta’s funeral.

The 50s:

Albums Released: N/A

In the 50s, she was motivated to form a girl group when she was a teenager named “The Creolettes.” At 14, Etta was introduced to Johnny Otis..where he took the group under their wing, changed their name to “The Peaches,” & got them to sign to Modern Records.

The 60s:

Albums Released: At Last, The Second Time Around, Etta James, Etta James Sings for Lovers, Etta James Top Ten, The Queen of Soul, Call My Name, Tell Mama.

Etta later signed with the legendary Chess Records, & released her classic album “At Last!” Nearly every song on this record is timeless! From the title track to the heartbreaking “All I Could Do Was Cry,” Etta earned her dues with her very first ALBUM! Period.

Throughout the 60s, Etta continued to give us gem after gem! Like a Queen SHOULD. One of my favorites is Something’s Gotta Hold On Me!

Etta’s 1968 album “Tell Mama” is everything okay?! EVERYTHING.

The 70s:

Albums Released: Etta James Sings Funk, Losers Weepers, Etta James, Come a Little Closer, Etta Is Betta Than Evvah, Deep in the Night.

Etta was in demand when it came to touring in the 70s! Her sound transformed to more of a rock & funky kind of vibe..but Etta’s soulful voice still made her music sound so beautiful.

The 80s:

Albums Released: Changes, Seven Year Itch.

Etta did not really record during the 80s, but for the albums she did release, our Queen came WITH IT!

The 90s:

Albums Released: Stickin’ to My Guns, The Right Time, Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday, Time After Time, Love’s Been Rough on Me, Life, Love & the Blues, Heart of a Woman.

Etta had some bops during the 90s era! Before the 90s, it was noted that Etta was one of the most overlooked artist in music, until the people started giving her the accolades and acknowledgment she’s BEEN deserving of.

The 00s:

Albums Released: Matriarch of the Blues, Blue Gardenia, Let’s Roll, Blues to the Bone, All the Way.

The Matriarch of the Blues continued her reign into the 2000s, getting paid her dues along the way!

The 10s:

Albums Released: The Dreamer.

Etta’s final album is a wonderful album. She still had it, despite of everything she was going through!

Etta will always reign supreme for being one of the best to ever do it.

Her voice had so much soul & grit..she made you FEEL every lyric in that song. & if it’s another ballad? MAN. She was just everything. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! Rest peacefully, legend. -MJ