Etta James was born January 25,1938 and died January 20,2012. Early life Born in Los Angeles, California Etta James by age 5 was a gospel prodigy, singing in churches and on the radio. Her mother Dorothy Hawkins encouraged her daughters career the whole way. At age 12 James moved to San Francisco where she began a trio. Soon she began working with bandleader Johnny Otis. Four years later in 1954 she moved back to Los Angeles where she recorded “The Wallflower� with the band. Soon after James launched her solo career.
Interesting Facts Etta James’ mother had her at 14 and she never knew her father. Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins. She had a drug problem but still continued to make music. I think Etta James deserves to be in the Black History Hall of Fame because she was a role model. Most girls that want to be singers should want to look up to her because she was a positive influence and had an amazing voice. She actually had talent and didn’t have to get half naked to be recognized. Most people these days don’t have any talent but their famous. James was a classy and elegant woman. She didn’t have to say explicit things, or wear little clothing, or dance any type of way for her music to be good