Etta James' Funeral Arrangements Announced

re-posted from Noise11.com (breaking music news and interviews)

R&B great Etta James, who passed away last Friday from leukemia, will be laid to rest on Saturday after a public viewing on Friday night.
James’ family announced on Tuesday that there will be a public viewing on Friday night from 5 to 10 PM at the Manchester Chapel of the Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary in Inglewood, CA.
A private funeral for “immediate family and friends” will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena, CA. Security is expected to be on hand and there will be “limited media access.” The Reverend Al Sharpton will present the eulogy and there will be performances by a number of artists; however, they have not been named.
The family has asked that donations be directed to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Legendary Etta James Dies

The great Etta James passed away this morning just five days short of her 74th birthday. She had battled leukemia and dementia for some time.

I’m proud to be one of her biggest fans. I was privileged to see her six times in concert, and I’ve read her autobiography twice. The best concert experience I had with her was at the LA House of Blues with Niece Shannon. We stood about 10 feet in front of the great lady and could see every wink, grin and eye rolling by Miss James. She gets pretty raunchy in live performance. She can slip gracefully from suggestive jokes and motions into the silky sounds of ‘At Last’ and ‘My Funny Valentine.’

I also had the opportunity to see her at LA’s House of Blues when she was being filmed for a DVD. I looked hard at the finished product and found myself a few times in audience shots. I doubt that anyone else could spot me, but it was a thrill nonetheless.

Miss James had a turbulent life – heroin addiction, alcohol, bad men, obesity, and other health problems. Her voice got huskier and more edgy, but it only made her better. She received four Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I’ve said it before and am doing so again: Someone needs to make a movie of her life and Jennifer Hudson should play the lead. Beyonce played Etta in the movie Cadillac Records and didn’t even come close. She just doesn’t have the attitude.

The following link leads to a CNN story that provides more biographical information.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/20/showbiz/etta-james-obit/index.html

Naturally, I have to post a few of her songs, but if you only have time for one, this is it, my very favorite.
Damn Your Eyes - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INrYDcQCoxs

My Funny Valentine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt7eqkPXO8A

You Can Leave Your Hat On (a raunchy great)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01L21HayIcU

At Last – This is a wonderful concert video of probably her most famous song. We used her original recording of this as our wedding march when Mike and I married in ’04.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADDigK8LwyE

I join the rest of the world in condolences to Miss James’ family and friends. I will miss her, too.

'The Most Dangerous Chef in America"

I was completely offended earlier this week when I heard that Paula Deen has Type 2 diabetes. Yes, I'm sorry that she has this disease, but it's sort of like when a heroin junkie od's. Didn't they see this coming?

I was even more offended when I learned that she's known about her condition for three years while she continued to push recipes dripping with butter, cream, grease and sugar. I just think that's evil. So now she's hooked up with a big drug company as a paid spokesperson -- yes, now she's telling the truth and perhaps will back away a bit from the dangerous foods she touts. One of her own sons has a cooking show titled "Not My Mama's Meals."

She might as well be hanging out at playgrounds offering free tastes of her food to get our children hooked. Oh, excuse me. They're already hooked.

Anthony Bourdain, who once called Deen "the most dangerous chef in America," also had this to say: "When your signature dish is hamburger in between a doughnut, and you've been cheerfully selling this stuff knowing all along that you've got Type 2 Diabetes ... It's in bad taste if nothing else," he said.

Read the rest here:

http://www.idontlikeyouinthatway.com/2012/01/paula-deen-has-type-2-diabetes-officially.html

Legendary Etta James Nears The End

Lengendary Etta James -- Grammy winner, blues and R&B superstar -- has been termed terminally ill in Riverside, CA. Sadly, her husband and sons have been battling over her estate for some time as can happen in families. Here is the latest in her amazing, yet tragic story. God bless her. An incredible talent is slipping away from us.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/etta-james-christmas-in-hospital-.html

God Bless Us Every One

Merry Christmas

Etta James Sinking

Beloved blues singer Etta James is on her final journey. God bless her and comfort her family. Please ease her on her journey.

http://www.latimes.com/health/healthcare/la-me-1221-etta-james-20111221,0,915087.story

A Christmas Song

A good friend shared this link with me today. It's a beautiful Christmas song that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Mary, Did You Know?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXK50lsrdq4&feature=related