U.S. President Barack Obama send a message to be read at the memorial for Etta James earlier today.
Etta James
The statement from the President read, “Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our nation’s musical heritage.”
The President and First Lady made their first dance at the inaugural ball to Beyonce performing Etta’s classic ‘At Last’.
Etta James died on January 20 about a battle with leukemia.
The memorial was conducted by the Rev. Al Sharpton and featured a performance by Christina Aguilera singing ‘At Last’ and three songs from Stevie Wonder including ‘Shelter In The Rain’.
“The genius of Etta James is she flipped the script,” Sharpton said in the eulogy. “She waited until she turned her pain into power. You beat ’em Etta. At last. At last. At last!”
Etta leaves behind Artis Mills, her husband of 42-years and two sons Donto and Sarnetto.
