Beyonce: Etta James Inspired Me
Singer Beyoncé, who famously played Etta James in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, is speaking out on the legendary singer’s passing and says she will be missed.
"This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time,” she wrote on her website.
“I am so fortunate to have met such a queen," she continued. "Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."
Etta famously slammed Beyoncé and President Barack Obama when he picked the new mom to sing Etta’s famous hit At Last at the inaugural ball in 2009.
At the time Etta said, “Your President, the one with the big ears … he had that woman singing my song. She gone get her ass whipped. The great Beyoncé … I can’t stand Beyoncé,”
And today Etta’s pal Roseanne Barr slammed Beyoncé and Obama for the snub.
“I lost ALL respect for Obama when he dissed Etta James in favor of Beyoncé,” she wrote adding that she stopped listening to Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z’s music because, “their arrogance was disgusting.”
