January 28th, 2012
01:27 AM ET

Etta James remembered as an authentic voice at funeral

About 300 mourners remembered legendary singer Etta James on Saturday as an authentic voice whose velvety vocals bridged genres from blues to rock.

Another legendary singer, Stevie Wonder, gave a musical tribute to James at her funeral: He played the electronic keyboard and sang his "Shelter in the Rain." He then performed on the harmonica and sang The Lord's Prayer.

Also performing at the service was Christina Aguilera, who sang James' signature song "At Last" and ended her rendition to a standing audience with a farewell directed at James' casket: "May you rest in peace."

The Rev. Al Sharpton presided over the funeral in southern California where James was raised, and he began the service by reading aloud a note from President Barack Obama, who said that James' talents transcended genres.

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  1. rooney©

    R.I.P. Ms. Etta James.
    You will live on forever through your music.

    January 28, 2012 at 2:14 am | Report abuse |
  2. Brittania

    Another great loss to the music world. My condolences to her family, and may she rest in peace.

    January 28, 2012 at 3:21 am | Report abuse |
  3. marcus

    Etta never fails to touch me right where I live, she takes me to the heart of every love i have ever had. For me this is a great personal loss, Etta is and wukk be the Queen of my soul. Sing on Etta ... I'm listening.

    January 28, 2012 at 9:54 am | Report abuse |
  4. RUFFNUTT

    was this lady rick james mom?

    January 28, 2012 at 10:15 am | Report abuse |
  5. banasy©

    What a voice!
    My condolesnces to her family, and to all of her fans.

    @Ruffie: Not to my knowledge...

    January 28, 2012 at 11:02 am | Report abuse |
  6. Tim

    Loved her, rest in peace!

    January 28, 2012 at 11:30 am | Report abuse |
  7. Jj

    Rev. Al never misses a photo op. RIP Etta even tho I live in a hole and don't know who you are

    January 28, 2012 at 11:43 am | Report abuse |
  8. Big Game James

    Rent 'Cadillac Records.' Beyonce plays Etta in the film.

    January 28, 2012 at 4:20 pm | Report abuse |
  9. rooney©

    I heard Etta James didn't like the the way B portrayed her in that movie and she was saying some not very nice things.

    January 28, 2012 at 5:59 pm | Report abuse |
  10. fernace

    I love this womans voice & love to sing her songs! She had that melting quality in her voice that put truth in every lyric! I sang "At Last" at my sisters wedding last Feb., but my fave is "Sunday Kind of Love"! She will be missed, not only in the music community, but to any1 who has ever heard her exquisit vocals! RIP Etta, I'm sure you'll be singing in a Heavenly Choir along w/Teena Marie & Amy Winehouse w/ Clarence Clemmons on sax & Gil Scott Herron on guitar! What a concert that will be!!

    January 28, 2012 at 7:32 pm | Report abuse |
  11. The Morgan La Fey

    Reblogged this on themorganlafey and commented:
    The loss of a Unique

    January 28, 2012 at 10:27 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Philip

    Hogwash what a voice, Hogwash

    January 28, 2012 at 10:54 pm | Report abuse |
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