Etta James

ETTA JAMES – One Of The Greatest Voices In Music Ever Had Her Debut LP ‘AT LAST!’ Out This Day 65 Years Ago

Posted on by JL

Significant longplayers from yesteryear

15 November 2025

Legendary blues and soul heroine ETTA JAMES (1938-2012), born in Los Angeles,
released her debut album AT LAST! this day, 65 years ago, on 15 November 1960.
The record was produced by Phil and Leonard Chess, the founders of her Chess
Records label.

It was originally issued as a 12-inch LP consisting of ten tracks, five songs on each side of the LP. The Chess brothers believed that James‘s voice had crossover pop potential, so with this debut album, they backed her with orchestral arrangements on many of the tracks.

The album is ranked at #191 on Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

The album’s title track has been covered by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé,
Joni Mitchell, Leela James, Cyndi Lauper, Randy Crawford, Celine Dion, Connie Wilson and Christina Aguilera. Other LP’s tracks also got covered over the ears. It all says enough
about her influence on modern day artists/voices.

Rolling Stone quote: “James bloomed into a fiery interpreter on this spellbinding LP.”

SINGLE

ALBUM


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Biography – All Albums

Best Cover Of 2022 (So Far) – Astonishing Voice SAM CASEY Shines On ETTA JAMES Classic

Posted on by JL

2 July 2022

SAM CASEY is a Toronto-based artist,
blessed with a astonishing voice.

Last May she shared her cover of the 1967 Etta James classic
I’d Rather Go Blind written by Ellington Jordan and co-credited
to Billy Foster and James.

Casey about her cover choice: “My producer, Joe Thompson, and I have always wanted
to cover Etta James’ tune, “I’d Rather Go Blind.” The way James speaks so directly about the struggle of losing someone is such a genuine act. At the time of recording this song and
video, I was going through a challenging time in my life. It feels so vulnerable to see the results of my raw emotion and struggle that this is almost difficult to watch. As soon as we started filming, the lyrics (and most likely, the fact that I was crying between takes) took everyone to this dark yet loving place where tears were being shed, but there were hugs and kisses floating around all night.”

Here’s her heart-and-soul touching version, sending shivers down your spine.

Original Etta James performance…

SAM CASEY: Facebook – Twitter

Goosebumps Voice SAM CASEY Impresses With ETTA JAMES Cover

Posted on by JL

3 May 2022

SAM CASEY is a Toronto-based artist, blessed with a goosebumps voice.

She just shared her cover of the 1967 Etta James classic I’d Rather Go Blind
written by Ellington Jordan and co-credited to Billy Foster and James.

Casey about her cover choice: “My producer, Joe Thompson, and I have always wanted
to cover Etta James’ tune, “I’d Rather Go Blind.” The way James speaks so directly about the struggle of losing someone is such a genuine act. At the time of recording this song and
video, I was going through a challenging time in my life.

It feels so vulnerable to see the results of my raw emotion and struggle that this is almost difficult to watch. As soon as we started filming, the lyrics (and most likely, the fact that I was crying between takes) took everyone to this dark yet loving place where tears were being shed, but there were hugs and kisses floating around all night.”

Here’s the heart-and-soul touching interpretation sending shivers down your spine…

Original Etta James performance…
(Grandiose live version)

SAM CASEY: Facebook – Instagram