Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: Etta James is upset
Okay this is pure catty mindless dish but I couldn’t resist. Hopefully Beyonce has good security because Etta James is ticked off and looking to beat someone down. Seems the blues legend is upset that the singer, who portrayed her in the movie Cadillac Records, did a rendition of the James’ hit “At Last” for President and First Lady Obama the night of the Inauguration.
“I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song, she gonna get her ass whupped,” James told a Seattle audience. “I can’t stand Beyonce….Going to be singing my song that I’ve been singing forever.”
James also isn’t that pleased with the Commander-in-Chief either.
“You know your President, right? You know the one with the big ears? He ain’t my President.”
If Sean Hannity were a smart fella (smile) he would call her people and book James on his show to find out what the deal is.
Now the anger of Ms. James contradicts everything that has come before. Beyonce and James acted liked best buds during the premiere of Cadillac Records and James’ son reported to the Daily News that his mom saw Beyonce’s Inauguration performance and was pleased.
Inconsistency though is one of the rules of diva hood. Glad I listen to divas like James as opposed to writing about them. That would be too much pressure.
I have loved Ms. Etta forever, but damn! Why did she have to go and say that?! When I read it I thought she had to be kidding, especially talking about our President like that! Who knew? Bitter is ugly on you Ms. James, and I am about to dump your music from my files…maybe. I love the old stuff, but after Love’s Been Rough on Me she has kind of gone downhill in my opinion. She also left her audience (myself included) sitting in the Ryman Auditorium for an hour with only canned music for entertainment while she did whatever she does backstage. I thought that was really rude, but she is a diva after all. This story just pisses me off! I can’t believe I am actually thinking of getting rid of some of my favorite music of all time!! I think she lost some fans with this latest.
Sounds like Ms. James just wants her name in the spotlight one last time and there is no better way that a little self-created drama to accomplish that.
Love Etta … Not so keen on “That” Beyonce Chick – So I can understand Etta’s frustration. What’s with the “Big Ear” comment? How old is this woman? Perhaps the years are catching up – I know that my grandmother thought it was a rite of passage to say WHATEVER was on her mind – good, bad or indifferent – no matter what the social response would be.
I dont know it must be an age thing not only black. Ertha Kitt was the same way,, all goo goooy on stage and a B_ _ _ ch in person.
It was good to hear Dolly Parton when she heard that Whitney’s version was better than Dolly’s and Dolly wrote it,, She simply said,,, whelll dumplin,,, I’ve made more money on it than she ever will,, and I’d be happier and richer if everyone wanted to sing my songs.
love and laughter
odannyoh@hotmail.com
She did not get paid. always follow the money.
I found the entire thing very suspicious, and lo and behold, just a few hours ago she cleared up the whole thing; she was joking and playing her live Seattle audience. That’s more in keeping with her persona. So, in effect, she pulled one on everybody – press included. Good for her!
“At Last” isn’t “owned” by Etta James, or otherwise “hers” – c’mon. It was not written by Etta James. It was sung by somebody else when it originally appeared in the 1942 movie “Orchestra Wives.” And Stevie Wonder made a hit out of it, too. It’s been sung by lots and lots of people. It’s, like, a “standard,” you know what I’m sayin’?
Either this is a joke (or untrue), or somebody’s bein’ catty! And slamming Obama — yuck!
While maybe Obama should have had Beyonce and James sing it as a duet — if James would have tolerated it!
Sounds like an old biddie squawking and clucking loudly about the new upstart chick. Girl, get over yourself, despite what you and apparently much of her fans think, Woman, thou art human!!!
Tavis Smiley had Etta on his show about a year ago, where she did At Last.
I have always loved the song, and Etta’s original version of it, but when she did it on Smiley’s show (her latest version) it sure wasn’t the same.
Yes, she’s a lot older now but Beyonce did the song amazingly.
Ms. Etta needs to get a grip. Does she think she should have been there singing instead of Byonce? You’ve got to be kidding.
Love Ms James’ At Last and several other songs by her. Bouncy did ok but she doesn’t have the grit in her voice.
I’ve seen Ms. James in concert. She sounded good but not great. That happens with age.
I think it was an offhand comment that made the press. Good from Ms. James if it sells more concert tickets. It’s not like she ever made a lot of $$$ from the songs she made classics.
I was more disappointed that Ray Charles didn’t live long enough to sing America at the We Are One Concert. I can’t hear that song without hearing his voice singing it.
I love Etta. She’s just crusty. I would take her version over anybody elses myself.
Instead of painting over a Picasso I would just stick with my own works. Beyonce doesn’t write all of her own music but has a herd of lawyers to jump all over anybody who would dare take a penny out of her mega vault. I like Beyonce but aren’t some of her own songs just as appropriate? Haven’t her songs been even bigger than Etta’s?
One day Miss Knowles wil be the elder songbird and some tart will be doing her songs. Instead of whining jokingly she’ll probably sue them. The Obamas are in their late 40’s and not club kids. I’ll bet they would have been thrilled to have Miss Etta do it.