[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 12 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING ETTA JAMES

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the life and artistry of Etta James, the legendary 
singer and entertainer who moved and delighted music lovers for more 
than half a century. She died in her hometown of Riverside, CA last 
week at the age of 73 after a long and valiant battle with leukemia.
  Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles in 1938, she began singing in 
the St. Paul Baptist Church choir at age 5 and recorded her first hit 
record, ``The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry),'' when she was just 15. 
Etta James was equally at home singing rhythm & blues classics like 
``Something's Got a Hold on Me,'' soulful ballads such as ``All I Could 
Do Was Cry,'' and passionate love songs including the incomparable ``At 
Last.''
  I was fortunate enough to grow up with her music, dancing to ``The 
Wallflower'' in high school, ``At Last'' as a newlywed, and ``Tell 
Mama'' as a young mother. As she continued to tour and record, later 
generations marveled at her talents, reveled in her exuberant 
performances, and admired her indomitable spirit.
  Through her music, Etta James brought the joys and sorrows of life 
home to millions of fans all over the world. She will be deeply missed, 
but her music will live on in our hearts and souls.
  On behalf of the people of California, I send my deepest condolences 
to her husband, Artis Mills; her two sons, Donto and Sametto James; and 
her four grandchildren.

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