Etta James & Johnny Otis

It’s been more than a week since the deaths of those two giant figures of American R&B: Johnny Otis, and his greatest discovery, Etta James. My initial comments on Otis’ death are in a post below, and they’ve both received significant media coverage, especially James, although Lynn Crosbie in the Globe & Mail this week wondered why it took her death for James to receive such wide recognition. “But if she is such a legend, why was she not pushed forward more in her life?” There was nothing simple, or easily mainstreamed, about the way James sang. Pure soul is … Continue reading

Etta James: Last chance to catch radio documentary

One of the greatest R&B singers ever is now dying. Last week, the BBC rebroadcast an excellent 2006 radio documentary about her life & career. I highly recommend it. There are 3 30 minute episodes; Part 1 will be taken off line about 8pm EST Monday (Dec 26), and Parts 2 & 3 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Catch it if you can: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xynwv For some more of Etta on You Tube: With Dr. John, in a memorable duet of one of her greatest songs, “I’d’ Rather Go Blind” Also live, from 1962, “Something’s Got A Hold on Me“ “Rock n … Continue reading