Etta James, one of the most powerful voices in blues and soul, left an unforgettable mark on music history. Her timeless hits continue to influence generations of artists across genres.
Etta James was discovered by Johnny Otis when she was only 14 years old, leading to her first hit 'The Wallflower' (aka 'Roll with Me, Henry') being recorded in 1954.
Practice Questions
Q:What was Etta James’s birth name?
A:Her birth name was Jamesetta Hawkins.
Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles in 1938. She reversed her first name to create her stage name, a clever move that added personality and memorability to her identity.
Q:Where and when was Etta James born?
A:She was born in Los Angeles in 1938.
Born on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Etta James grew up in a challenging environment but found refuge and expression in singing from a young age through church and gospel music.