Etta James was remembered at a service Saturday attended by
hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed
against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a
style that was unfailingly honest.
The Rev. Al
Sharpton eulogized James in a rousing speech, describing her
remarkable rise from poverty and pain to become a woman whose music
became an enduring anthem for weddings and commercials.
Perhaps
most famously, President Barack Obama and the first lady shared
their first inaugural ball dance to a version of the song sung by
Beyonce. Sharpton on Saturday opened his remarks by reading a
statement from the president.
“Etta will be
remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our
nation’s musical heritage,” Obama’s statement read.
