The Etta James Story to be told at Birmingham Town Hall tonight
Etta James didn't just sing the blues. She lived them.
During a long and tumultuous career that saw her win six Grammy Awards and a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Etta influenced a vast array of artists from Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart.
She's acknowledged as inspiring the careers of a new generation of singers from Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Adele and the late Amy Winehouse.
Her frantic recording and touring schedule coincided with her ever-growing addiction problems.
Mercifully, her passion for life and strength of character saw her conquer her demons and she continued to record and perform into her seventies.
Her story is told in the smash-hit show, At Last – The Etta James Story, which will be performed at Birmingham Town Hall on Sunday.
It features the sensational Vika Bull in the lead role.
The production tells the story of soul legend James' turbulent life and features some of her most beloved songs including Tell Mama, Something's Got A Hold On Me, Sugar On The Floor, the heart rending I'd Rather Go Blind, her iconic signature song At Last and more.
Vika says: "The Etta James Story is a narrative concert. I tell Etta's story and in between, sing her songs. There are 23 in the show – all great and her story is fascinating.
"I take it very seriously. I have a lot of respect for her. When I started in this business at 17 she was the one I listened to everyday. I liked the way she sang with power and honesty.
"The first song I heard as Roll With Me Henry. I was instantly hooked. I loved the duet, I loved the voices, I loved the song. Her music has influenced my career greatly because of the way that she sang and I liked the fact that she could sing a lot of styles."
