Etta James, age 72 has been diagnosed with dementia and leukemia. It breaks my heart to see so many vocalists and musicians and artists go who have influenced so many people.

Letter to Etta :
Etta, I love you. If you need to go, go with God in peace and without pain. I remember when I first saw you in concert at Carnegie Hall in a show called "Divas of the Blues". It featured you, KoKo Taylor and Ruth Brown. You stole the show. There you were, on stage, hair slicked back, big hoop earrings, with a big blond ponytail, weighing over 300 pounds and by the time you were done, there wasn't a man in the hall who wouldn't have given his left testicle to make love to you. You had a way with phrasing that made us all just want to cheer you on through every word. Here is one song you sang that night.



Then you had us all in thepalm of your hand with "Sugar On The Floor".


And when you in later years turned out a ballad, it was like being rocked in your sweet arms. "How Deep is the Ocean?"


But you always had such a talent for innuendo. You really rocked this one: "You Can Leave Your Hat On"


Etta, while you yet live, I hope you feel the love so many of us have for you, and that when we pray, you feel caught up in our comforting arms.

Love to you.
Only love.
At Last.