‘At Last: The Etta James Story’ is a captivating show that shares the life and music of the late Etta James.
If you’re not familiar with her work, here’s our top five Etta James recordings.
Vika Bull delivers a passionate performance that brings the music of the late soul and blues singer to life in ‘At Last: The Etta James Story’. Catch the show at The Regal Theatre from July 23-27 2014.
At Last
James’ signature tune has been performed by many singers including Beyonce, who sang it at President Obama’s inauguration and Cyndi Lauper. Nobody does it better than Etta James herself. The song was originally written for a 1941 musical called ‘Orchestra Wives’. It was first recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, who delivered it as an instrumental. Etta James claimed the song as her own with her definitive 1960 recording.
I’d Rather Go Blind
Written by Ellington Jordan and credited also to Billy Foster, this blues tune is an Etta James original. James actually wrote the song herself with Jordan, but allowed the tune to be credited to Foster, her partner at the time. Since James laid down her version in 1968 it’s also been covered by Rod Stewart, Paul Weller, BB King and even a dubious ‘90s dance version by Sydney Youngblood.
Sugar on the Floor
When Vika Bull performs this song in the show it’s a show stopping moment. The tune was recorded by James in 1978. The track was written by Elton John’s sidekick Kiki Dee for her 1973 album ‘Loving & Free’. Elton John has also recorded this tune. In 2008 Kiki Dee recorded a second version of the song. The lyrics of the song are particularly poignant when Vika Bull delivers the song during the show.
Something’s got a Hold of Me
James wrote this song in 1962 with Pearl Woods and Leroy Kirkland. Recently this track has been in sampled by both Avicii and Flo Rida with Etta James vocal call of “Sometimes I get a good feeling, I get a feeling like I never ever felt before” echoing across nightclub dance floors. Christina Aguilera and Jessica Mauboy have also record this song.
I Just Want To Make Love to You
Etta James recorded this Muddy Watters song for her debut album in 1961. The recording got a second lease on life when it was featured in a Diet Coke advertisement in the mid-nineties. The advertising campaign was so popular the song got a second release 35 years after it was first recorded.
