Etta James

Etta James

Exploring the core elements of Etta James—read on to discover the main takeaways.

Etta James has a net worth of $16 million USD as an American singer and composer. Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins but better known by her stage name, was born in January 1938. She had a streak of successes that spanned blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel.

James began her career in the music industry in 1954 and went on to write the lyrics for songs including At Last, Tell Mama, Something’s Got a Hold on Me, and I’d Rather Go Blind. However, more than just her songs, James is credited for bridging the gap between many musical genres.

She earned six Grammy Awards and 17 Blues Music Awards over her career. Then, in 1993, she was admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, followed by the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

James battled a heroin addiction for years until being forced to seek treatment in 1974. She was treated for painkillers again in 1988 and 2010. Donto and Sametto are her two sons. She died of leukemia in 2012.

Chloe Bennett
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Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.