At Last Introduction
In a Nutshell
The world mourned when jazz, soul, and blues legend Etta James died in January of 2012 from leukemia and ongoing health problems. Stevie Wonder performed at the funeral. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, complete with a praise of her "swagger." Barack Obama even made a cameo by way of Sharpton reading a statement.But Etta didn't go down without a fight. Literally.
It was unsurprising, though, as James' career has been filled with drama and controversy. In fact, "At Last" was Barack Obama's song of choice for his inaugural ball. But it was performed by Beyoncé. In true Etta fashion, the "original diva" (source) lashed out, knocking Obama's big ears and cracking that Queen Bey was in for a whooping.
Sure, James laid a forceful claim to the song in 2009, when America's R&B sweetheart got blasted by R&B's spitfire. But the song's a classic, and it had been covered by countless singers, both before and after James recorded it in 1960.
So, "At Last," her signature song, has the honor of being one of the most popular wedding songs, a presidential inaugural ball song, and a song at the center of a potential divas-of-all-divas match-up.
TL;DR: Obama forgave James for the jab at his ears, Beyoncé didn't get punched, and James got over it. And to be honest: we wouldn't have Queen Bey without Etta James.
About the Song
| Artist | Etta James | Musician(s) | Etta James (vocals), Chess Records house band (instrumentals) |
| Album | At Last! | ||
| Year | 1961 | ||
| Label | Chess Records | ||
| Writer(s) | Mack Gordon, Harry Warren | ||
| Producer(s) | Phil Chess, Leonard Chess | ||
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Learn to play: Chords Buy this song: Amazon iTunes |
Try Listen and Learn (BETA) | ||
Shmoop Connections
James has been a bit possessive of her most popular hit in the past, but she really doesn’t need to be.Sure, she hasn't enjoyed quite the success and recognition that her soul contemporary Aretha Franklin has, but her influence is easily as great. Everyone from Janis Joplin to Christina Aguilera to Adele has tried to imitate her perfect capture of heartbreak, joy, and straightforward sexual energy.
The history of soul, rock, and blues wouldn't be the same without Etta James.
On the Charts
"At Last" hit #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. It was #1 on the Hot R&B Chart.Etta James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. She has also been honored in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
James' version of "At Last" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Rolling Stone named Etta James #22 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.