Etta James Near Death

[jon]

Singer Etta James terminally ill: doctor
Reuters
December 17, 2011 10:45 AM

Dr. Elaine James, who is no relation to the singer, told a California newspaper in a video interview that the 73-yearold At Last singer has leukemia, dementia and kidney disease among her "many, many illnesses."

"At the present time, Etta is considered terminally ill," the doctor told the Press-Enterprise newspaper in Riverside, Calif. east of Los Angeles. Dr. James added that the diagnosis was made about two weeks ago by three medical specialists including an oncologist and an internist from a local hospital where the singer is frequently treated.

James's two sons, Donto and Sametto, told Reuters Friday that they were not sure the terminally ill diagnosis was accurate and it was announced without the family's agreement.

The singer's sons are involved in a court battle with their stepfather Artis Mills over conservatorship of James's $1 million estate.

With songs like The Wallflower and Good Rockin' Daddy, James, a three-time Grammy winner, was a key figure in the early days of rock 'n' roll and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

The singer has battled obesity and heroin addiction throughout her life. She lost more than 200 pounds after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2003.

In November, she released an album entitled The Dreamer.

ref. - http://www.edmontonjournal.com/health/S ... story.html

[hagopian]

Ms. James could BRING it.

Her story of abuse and craziness robbed her of more glory - but, she is a VERY seminal figure in Music.

Sad - and hope they are keeping her comfortable.

[CubbyCam]

I've only REALLY started to appreciate Etta James in the last ten years or so. I find myself picking up more and more of her music. Two cds in particular you should pick up if you run across them are "Love's Been Rough on Me" and "Seven Year Itch" From the former... "If I Had Any Pride Left at All" and "Cry Like a Rainy Day". From the latter... "Come to Mama" and "Damn Your Eyes" among many more from both great albums. I always truly feel her heartbreak and pathos when she sings. Rest easy Etta, and thanks for all the years you shared it with us.