My freshman year in college I went to see Etta James perform live at the Masonic Temple in San Francisco. She was rolled out in a wheelchair. I remember acknowledging that I was about to witness a legend perform and being in awe of the fact that she was still doing what she loved in spite of her waning health. That was over a decade ago. She was a fighter. She had endurance. She was passionate about her work. When you listen to her sing, you can hear all of that. When you listen to her music you want to say, “Sing, Etta. Sing.” You want to hear her fight and struggle against all odds.

Really, a voice like Etta’s can never stop singing and we will never stop listening to it. It’s the stuff of legend and genius.

RIP ETTA JAMES.