Three-time Grammy winner singer , a pioneer of 1950s rhythm-and-blues and rock music known for her show-stopping hit “At Last,” died on Friday from complications of leukemia, age 73. She would have turned 74 on Wednesday.
James died at a hospital in Riverside, California, east of Los Angeles, said her manager and friend of some 30 years, Lupe De Leon. She would have turned 74 on Wednesday.
The R&B singer saw numerous ups-and-downs in her career and personal life. She struggled with obesity and heroin addiction, ran a hot-check scheme and had troubled relationships with men, including some gangsters.
Etaa was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and had been in failing health for a number of years.