Success Story
Transcript: Jamesetta hawkins- "Etta James" was born on January 25th, 1938 in Los Angeles, Ca. While living with her grandparents, she began to reguraly attend St. Paul Baptist Church. At the age of 5 she became part of the church choir and a soloist. Her grandfather, "Sarge" would make her sing for his friends while they played poker in the early hours of the morning. If she refused she would get "beatings". This caused mental trauma to Etta, which caused reluctance to sing on demand for the rest of her life. When "Mama Lu" passed away, Etta moved back to San Francisco with her biological mother. Due to segregation at the time as well as scarce adult supervision Etta never recieved a formal education. Etta teamed up with two other girls and formed a group named "The Creolettes." They came upon the name due to their light skined complexions. A musician named Johnny Otis approached the trio after hearing them perform at a nightclub. He liked what he heard and helped them get signed to "Modern Records." Eventually the group split and Etta then started a career as a soloist. Her solo career didn't sky rocket like she thought it would. She didn't sell many singles and toured to small clubs. Since she experimented with drugs as a teenager she was a heroin addict by the time she was 21. She did petty crimes to support her habit and was cout ordered to go to rehab in 1973. A sober Etta prevailed and got her life back on track. 1989- Rhythym & Blues foundation: Gave her the pioneer award 1990- NAACP: Image Award 1993- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2001- Rockability Hall of Fame 2003- Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood Walk of Fame: Lifetime Achievement Award 2006: Billboard R&B founder Award "I like to shop, but I don't like to go out to the dances." Etta James passed away on January 20th 2012 from leukemia. Her funeral took place in Gardena, California where Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera gave a musical tribute. Quote~ OBSTACLES Her family was not an "ideal family" at all. Etta never knew who her biological father was, although she had suspicion that it was a well known pool hustler named Rudolf Wanderome. As for her biological mother, Dorothy Hawkins she wasn't the maternal type. She gave birth to Etta at the age of 14. Her grandmother, "Mama Lu" took her in. Family situation In my eyes she was an amazing resillient women, that could bounce back from any obstacle with a "go get em" attitude. Childhood Jamesetta Hawkins Death Education Significant experiences & Influences She was an American blues, soul, R&B, rock & roll, gospel, and jazz singer as well as song writter. Awards & Achievements