Etta James has been on record on at least ONE site saying that she was "overcome with pride" at Beyonce's singing "At Last" at Barack Obama's inauguration. Apparantly she's changed her mind, since three days ago she lit into Beyonce at a concert she did at the Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam, BC.
Saying, among other things, "she gonna get her ass whipped", James pulled no punches and even took some shots at Obama.
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28 comments:
I was at the concert and agree with Etta's comments! What a slight to have someone else sing your song on such an important day! Etta should have been asked to sing her song for the President and an apology should be forthcoming for the oversight. How would you feel if you were in her shoes especially since she is still touring!
I disagree with you denise.Etta(who) I never heard of that lahatdy until Beyonce play her in the movie. you are not the frist person song that song so you do not have rights to at last.What I think you are a one hit wonder or maybe not you maybe jealous her her because she sound better then you so get over it I think the DRUGS has a lot to do with yor brains damage. be proud of this young lady that honored you why so bitter toward her she song the song better then you.
I disagree with you Denise, Etta(WHO) I never heard of that lady until Beyonce played her in the movie.Etta James does not have rights to AT LAST so how can you be upset over something that's not even your's you should be happy someone as big as Beyonce would honor Etta . I think all the drugs she did in her past just caught up with her at last!!!!! get over it ETTA JAMES you do not own the rights to that song.....
Ok Crystal, Boo-Boo, spell checker is a wonderful friend. Anyhow, I do agree with you on what I could understand of your comments. James is so vividly jealous of the "Queen B". The old has been needs to get a life and let "B" shine. You go Beyonce girl, so what if the hag can't stand you, we love you. Keep doing what you do. Ms. James would be considered as a great if she had stooped to such a low and immature state. She's what? 71? Come on now. Give me a break. And who does she think she's gonna whoop, honestly?
Beyonce, song that song beautifully. Besides I thought Etta James was dead, She should be ashamed of herself for making such a statement at a concert, and for the ppl. that attended the concert should be asking for their money back, I'm sure they didn't come there for drama.She's just an old washed up hagg that no one really knows and she's letting everyone know she's still around.
Well Ladies Etta James was very well know "in her time". But that time has come and gone. I do not listen to Beyonce but I can say that she did a WONDERFUL job with the song. It was the perfect song for the President and First Lady's first dance. That being said, at 71 was Etta up for task? She should be proud of how well and tasteful the song was done. Because I knew that she was the 'original' singer I did think of her so I think that Beyonce made her look good too.
I am sorry Ms. James feels the way she does. I don't have a problem with not liking B. Haters will hate. That is their job. But, the comments she made about Pres. Obama are shameful and disgraceful. If she feels this way about him maybe that was the reason she was not asked to sing for. Now, she will probably never get that opportunity. Besides, has anyone considered the fact that this a televised ABC event. They were looking for rating. Nielson Rating has no idea who Etta James is, along with more than 75% of the population under 40. Ms. James, I am ashamed of you!!!!
The shame is too all. Eta James is a living legend who's work in the industry (whether you know her or not) is the reason why so many can can do what they do. Out of courtesy, Beyonce could have called to let her know she had been asked to perform; not ask permission but rather as a courtesy. In turn, Eta should understand that these things happen and that what she has in Beyonce is someone who has exposed her historic work to a new generation and that, in turn, will ensure that her music and her historic work will live on. In short, their is such a thing as professional courtesy and a new generations LACK of knowledge of who came before us is no excuse for to fall into the trappsings of blame. Take some time to learn about your history and culture before you demonize those who came before you.
The truth of the matter is that Beyonce was not asked by Obama to sing, she called and volunteered to sing for free. Who could say to know to that offer?
Point well taken but no one knew that she didn't have premission until Miss James started talking about whooping up on some body. Isn't Beyonce playing her character in the movie? Did she give premission for her character to be played in it? No Miss James should be ashamed of herself for being so bitter. But you know I would be a little hurt too if I turned on the tv and saw that pretty lil young thing singing my song too. Don't hate celebrate. The President deserves her respect and she should not have talked about him like that. People her age are all saying that they are so glad to live to see the day when there was a Black man in office. Miss James! It's not about you.
The funny thing about it is...IT IS NOT ETTA'S SONG! The song was covered by the Glen Miller orchestra and by Nat King Cole (20 years and 4 years respectively) before Etta sung it, and none of the aforementioned artist wrote the song, it was written by Mack Gordon and Henry Warren, so if they aren't mad then why is she? No one was mad at her in her hay day for singing their song. Older people want respect from the younger generation, but they demand it, they don't feel like they have to earn it and they SURELY don't return the respect that they want to receive.
Thanks everyone for your comments. This is my view on this (for what it's worth).
Etta James is a legend. No one who knows anything about her would dispute that. You can debate whether or not she was right to say what she did, but what is not really debatable is her legacy, that's set in stone no matter what.
That said, I think this came about because Beyonce sang "At Last" @ the Inauguration. Obviously. But the thing that irritated Etta, and I'm just guessing is that while Etta did not write/originate "At Last" when you think of that song most people who know their history tend to think of her. That song has been associated with her for YEARS.
And seeing as how Obama had someone else sing "her" song, when she was still willing/able to sing, perhaps rubbed her the wrong way.
Should she have said all that about "B" and Obama? Probably not, although she was within her free speech rights to do so.
Imagine a music festival asking Fabolous & Alicia Keys to perform "If I Ruled The World" when Nas and Lauryn Hill were available?
It would be seen as a slap at Nas/Lauryn.
Just my opinion
Does Etta James look like the Joker or is it just my overactive imagination? She needs to get over getting old and do it gracefully. She needs to give the next generation their due in their limelight. Even if Beyonce is "not all that" it is her turn to shine. Like it or not, Etta, step back.
lol...you wrong for that Joker comment, but on the real, I just told the dude I do this blog with that very thing earlier that she looked like the Joker without all the makeup on.
lol
I have issues with Etta spouting off like this. She is 71 years old, act like it. Did she ever consider volunteering to sing at our President Obama's Neighborhood celebration party? Or, was performing for free not an option? Also, do we know if the President chose the song that "B" was going to perform or was that the song she wanted to sing for them? Etta get over yourself and "B", keep doing your thang!
Poor Etta! Unfortunately, many of the older black artists were screwed out of much of their money due to bad record contracts and bad managers. That's probably the reason she still has to sing now....She also had to fight through racism...so for the first black president not to honor her hurts...I can understand her bitterness. B is benefiting from Etta's trailblazing.
Etta, Etta, Etta. I have been a fan for years. I can not believe you said those mean things about the President or Beyonce. At last we have a President that is color blind that has love for all man kind. He requested Beyonce to sing your song. You should be jumping with joy, out of all the songs in the world, he requested
At last. Free at last free at last thank God we are free at last. Keep your unkind comments to yourself this is what some people want to hear. Why can't we grow old gracefully and let the youngsters do their thing. I love you and Beyonce. Remember we lead by example and you are not setting a good one. Beyonce please keep up the excellent work.
I can't believe the comments. Yes, Etta has every right to be upset, she's one of the legendary artist that should be respect at all cost. Just has we are proud to have a black President we must continue that respect and honor to everyone that struggle to create this day. Black artist in pass was disrespected, cheated, so why should this be tolerated today. Yes, their should be a apology from Beyonce an the staff that coordinated this "Community Party", however, we must continue to do whats right and stop the nasty comments it just shows how much we "HATE" each other. Look how easy it was for you to response in such a nasty manner.
If many of you assholes have never heard of Etta James, it's because YOU are out of the loop and don't know what is going on. Etta was around during a time when it was IMPOSSIBLE to even THINK about being anything because you were black. I think an invitation should have been extended for Etta to perform that song...her song. F*&k Beyonce...she's over-rated and under-talented...and Etta should whoop the BUTT PADS OFF OF BEYONCE'S FLAT ASS!!
GO ETTA JAMES....AT LAST...SOMEONE'S GONNA KICK B'S ASS...AT LAST!!!
PS. Etta looks like B's mother!!
Damn.... ! I love Etta James.... You Go Girl.
I truly feel Etta Jame should have been more professional in how she responded to Beyonce's performance. She sang the song well in her day. Beyonce sang it well that day. Etta needs to GET OVER IT!
After reading the responses from the other people; I strongly suggest they get hooked on phonics before they respond pubicly again.
Thanks,
Jr. Gray :)
I think that Etta James should have performed the song with Beyonce because it would have given the movie more hype and I Honestly think that Beyonce can't sing that song the way that it was suppose to be song....I do give here credit with the live version which is much better than the recorded version. Every time I hear Beyonce's version on the radio I turn the station. Some classics can't be remade..like a whitney houston song...hard to remake it.
I think that Etta James should have performed the song with Beyonce because it would have given the movie more hype and I Honestly think that Beyonce can't sing that song the way that it was suppose to be song....I do give here credit with the live version which is much better than the recorded version. Every time I hear Beyonce's version on the radio I turn the station. Some classics can't be remade..like a whitney houston song...hard to remake it.
to think that people could say the things they say. Well Etta I am from the younger generation and I know you well have many of your cds and love them all. The first time I heard At Last on a TV commercial I googled it and found you. Loved you ever since...B could never be you and I am sorry your heart is angered by her singing for the president. Maybe he just did not think or never even had anything to do with her singing that song. Just like our new President is a 1st you too were once and today you still hold that title. Let not your heart be troubled Mssss.. James you still are the best At Last singer not even B can come close.
To Jr.Gray - Your comment was hilarious!! (and correct) However, you need to re-read your comment before ripping someone else's comment. I think you meant publically. "Pubicly" gives your comment a whole other meaning. LOL!!!
I disagree, Etta(WH0) should be happy that Beyonce sang that song and star in that movie that's about her. Nobody even new her until Beyone made that movie so Etta needs to stop with all the drama and move on. Beyonce is singing that song now,not you ok. I am a big fan of Beyonce and i would do anything for her, even if a old woman talk stuff about her...... Beyonce is female singer ever now, not her, and if anybody wonts to talk stuff, then you guys are just haters.
YOU GO BEYONCE, LOVE YOU
Etta James is upset at the wrong people! First, shes mad because she didnt get asked to sing?!?! r u kidding me?!?! Etta is jealous plain and simple. Second, she looks like she and death are dating and about to get married, third Beyonce was asked to sing at the white house. Also, Etta could barelt hold up the mic...how is she going to whoop somebodies behind? Etta should be grateful it was here song. As u can see im highly upset with Etta's behavior. U r 120 yrs old act yur age and not yur shoe size!!!
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