Beyonce, pictured with Etta James and her family at the Cadillac Records L.A. premiere in November 2008, posted a message in remembrance of the “At Last” singer on her official site:
“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”
And celebs are also remembering Mrs. James and tweeting their thoughts:
Janet Jackson: Today we lost a Remarkable Woman, Etta James. Your music and legacy will live on forever. Etta, I love u.
Alexandra Burke: Omg. RIP Etta James… I’m so sad . So so sad. I have no words.
Slash: Deeply saddened by the loss of Etta James, a true legend in our time. RIP.
Tia Mowry: Etta James may you rest in peace. Your soul will never be forgotten! XoxoT
Rosario Dawson: The great Etta James has left this earth… RIP Miss Peaches
Russell Simmons: our contributions to this earth are never erased…the spirit lives on… RIP Etta James
Mariah Carey: Rest in peace to one of the world’s most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.
Cyndi Lauper: Omg, we lost Etta James today. May she rest in peace and thank you Etta for all the wonderful singing you left behind for us. I’ll miss her
Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou: RIP Etta James! One of the best to ever do it! #OftenImitatedNeverDuplicated. I luv u 4ever! #Fabulosity #fb
Chaka Khan: Rest in peace Etta James. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Rowland: CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence!
Anthony Hamilton: Etta James helped pioneer the heartbeat of a new generation w/ a musical style that allowed people 2 feel outside the box. She’ll be missed.
Niecy Nash retweeting Sheryl Lee Ralph: Etta was my neighbor for many years. RT @thesherylralph: “At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over.” RIP Etta James
Amber Riley: RIP Etta James 🙁 such a unique & beautiful voice
Latoya Jackson: RIP Etta James One of the greatest voices we ever had! You will definitely be missed! The way you sang#AtLast was so moving!!! #TooSoon?”
Tracie Thoms: I’m so sorry to hear about Etta James’ passing. We lost a LEGEND today. #ripettajames. Nobody did it like you did.
Flo Rida: I’m deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with.
Jason Derulo: R.I.P Ms Etta James. You put a piece of yourself in each and every song you sang… so a piece of you will remain…
Mystikal: RIP to the late great Etta James.. God has called you to share your beautiful voice with him. People sayin they know Etta James Bc of Beyonce. But don’t realize you know Beyonce Bc of Etta James. She paved the way for so many. #RIP
Jordin Sparks: RIP Etta James. <3
Pink: RIP to the late and great Etta James. Your voice and your fight inspired me and many. I love that through recordings,people can live forever
R.I.P.