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Remembering Etta James (Blues)

About Remembering Etta James

The "Matriarch of the Blues" had grit in her voice that could melt like sugar or rub like salt in a wound. The great vocalist, whose turbulent life broke through in her affecting delivery, has died at age 73.

  • Blues
  • English
  • United States
Update show info (Last updated 126 days ago)
Date Description  
Sat, Jan 28

Your Letters: On Propaganda And Appreciation

Last week we spoke with Christian Bale who stars in the new film, The Flowers of War. Also, Gwen Thompkin's personal appreciation of Etta James moved many listeners to tears, laughter and reflection. Host Scott Simon reads listener reaction to last week's program.
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Tue, Jan 24

Letters: Winter Songs; Etta James

Melissa Block and Robert Siegel read emails from listeners.
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Mon, Jan 23

Remembering The Late Singing Legend Etta James

James passed away on Friday from leukemia-related complications. She was 73 years old. She's best known for the 1961 rendition of 'At Last,' but her dynamic voice found success in many genres, including blues, jazz and pop. Host Michel Martin looks back on James' storied career.
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Sat, Jan 21

Good Times Or Bad, Etta James Kept Love Going

Singer Etta James died Friday. She started belting out gospel in church as a little girl, made her first pop record as a teenager, became Chess Records' first female R&B star and released her last album just a few months ago. Writer Gwendolyn Thompkins grew up listening to James and has this remembrance.
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Fri, Jan 20

Etta James: The 1994 Fresh Air Interview

Etta James, the legendary vocalist who is perhaps best known for her version of the song "At Last," has died. She was 73. Fresh Air remembers the singer with excerpts from a 1994 interview about her lengthy career.
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Fri, Jan 20

Singer Etta James Has Died

Her hits included The Wallflower, Something's Got a Hold on Me, and the wedding favorite At Last. James had leukemia. She would have turned 74 next Wednesday.
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Fri, Jan 20

Remembering Etta James, Stunning Singer

The "Matriarch of the Blues" had grit in her voice that could melt like sugar or rub like salt in a wound. The great vocalist, whose turbulent life broke through in her affecting delivery, has died at age 73.
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Mon, Nov 28 2011

Etta James: Still Singing Her Song

Fresh Air on Etta James as R&B singer Beyonce was set to portray the singer in a new movie, "Cadillac Records." Commentary on her life and career, excerpts of past interviews and music clips shed light on this important musical figure.
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Wed, Nov 23 2011

Marty Duda on Radio New Zealand

Blues and R&B singer Etta James had just released a new album called The Dreamer. Marty took listeners to 1954 and her first recording, and also featured her rendition of "I'd Rather Go Blind."
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