At Last!

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From the MUSIC section: Etta James



Etta James

Etta James is an American legend. She’s a soul, R&B, gospel, blues and even rock & roll singer. Her real name is Jamesetta Hawkins. In an attempt to better promote her, a man named Johnny Otis suggested a more showbiz name by inverting her first name: Jamesetta became Etta James and Etta James became a star.

Often compared to Aretha Franklin, she’s best known for the ballad “At Last!” which was the first song that U.S. President Obama and First Lady Michelle danced to at the Neighborhood Ball held on Inauguration night. This time, however, it was performed by Beyoncé.

Etta James began her career when she 16 years old and life on the road was rough. Despite forming a heavy drug habit and enduring several abusive relationships (she carried a gun in her purse!), she survived and today she continues to sing the songs that define the life she has lived.

Here she’s singing “At Last!” Her voice is deeper today than it was in the past, but just listen to that vocal range!

Vocabulary:

Showbiz. Mundo del espectáculo. The word is used colloquially and is a combination of “show” + “business.”

To perform. Interpretar

Rough. Difícil, duro

Purse. Bolso. The word “purse” is used more in the United States than “handbag.”



Published by: Drew Crosby