google news nz: Etta James Remembered By will.i.am, Hayley Williams

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Etta James Remembered By will.i.am, Hayley Williams

Late blues singer also mourned by Flo Rida, whose latest hit, 'Good Feeling,' samples James' 'Something's Got a Hold on Me.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Etta James in 1965
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

As the world mourns the loss of Etta James, many of her celebrity fans are taking to Twitter to remember the soul singer, known best for songs like "At Last," "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "Tell Mama."

Adam Lambert, Mya, Keri Hilson and Russell Brand kept their reaction to a simple "RIP," while others decided to remember the singer in more personal ways. "Showing respect appreciation and love for all the wonderful music and joy #ettajames brought to the world...#ettajamesforever," Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am tweeted.

"Rip [to] Etta James," the Roots' ?uestlove wrote. "I will hold the torch high for The Roots name in your honor."

Photos: The life and career of Etta James.

Proving that her soulful voice and influence spanned generations and genres, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams recalled how James' music influenced her. "#EttaJames, I will be forever grateful for your voice and your soul. Rest in peace."

British pop singer Jessie J reacted to the news as well, saying, "Just been told the legend that is Etta James has passed. Thank you for your voice your dedication to us and your gift. Your voice is timeless and will forever live on. I will always look to you for inspiration. R.I.P."

Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill tweeted, "RIP Etta James. One of the greatest voices of all time. Thanks for the many romantic moments your music created."

Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan called James "a WARRIOR of a woman. A talent without equal."

Rapper Flo Rida — whose latest hit, "Good Feeling," samples James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me" — added, "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with."

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe noted how "inspirational" James has been to young singers. "One of the #IDOL finalists just sang 'I'd Rather Go Blind' yesterday," he tweeted. "We were saying how great Etta James was and now we've lost her."

It's not just the music community bidding the singer a fond farewell. "Pretty Little Liars" star Shay Mitchell wrote, "R.I.P Etta James. I'll keep playing your records over and over again, especially this song," tweeting a link to her iconic track "At Last." "Vampire Diaries" actress Candice Accola tweeted, "Oh Etta, you live on in our hearts and leave us dreaming of a Sunday kind of love. Rest in peace."

"Glee" diva Amber Riley added that the jazzy singer had "such a unique & beautiful voice."

James died Friday (January 20) after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She was 73 years old.

Share your condolences with Etta James' friends and family on our Facebook page.

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