Singer Etta James Dies At 73

A longtime friend of singer Etta James has confirmed reports that she died early this morning. According to Lupe De Leon, her confidant and manager, James passed away from complications with leukemia. Her husband, Artis Mills, and her sons were said to be by her side. The soul singer who was portrayed by Beyonce in the film ‘Cadillac Records’ was diagnosed with the disease in 2010, and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C.

She would have turned 74 Wednesday.