Feb 06 2009
What’s Wrong With Etta James?
I’m a little confused.
Beyonce´ portrayed Etta James in the movie “Cadillac Records”, which was released in December 2008. Beyonce´ sang James’ song “At Last” in the movie and gave many praises to James for being a living legend. All was well. You can even see the first video below for yourself:
Then, Beyonce´ sang the same song for President Obama and wife, Michelle’s first dance at an inauguration ball. Ever since, James has been quoted as saying she “can’t stand Beyonce´”. What??? See this next video:
All this is making me wonder what’s wrong with Etta James. Not only what’s wrong with her, but people in general. Why can’t people be happy for the success of others?
Beyonce´ has won ten Grammy Awards and is awaiting the results of recent nominations. She has her own fashion line, House of Dereon. She endorses Pepsi, Hilfiger, and L’Oreal. She is also married to rapper/mogul Jay-Z, making the couple, the highest earning couple of 2008, according to Forbes magazine. She has donated time and money to charities, is good friends with members of her Destiny’s Child singing group, and has a good relationship with her family. This singer, song-writer, producer, actress, and fashion-designer seems to have it all. What’s not to stand? Or is that the problem?
I won’t get in to the string of issues James has encountered throughout her lifetime. You can click on the link above and read for yourself. However, I think it’s safe to say that she hasn’t had the same success that the Beyonce´ has enjoyed in such a short period of time. Does this have something to do with why James can’t stand Beyonce´?
Beyonce´’s interpretation of James’ song has brought new audiences to this old classic… and new fame to old James. I think James should be thankful for that.
Is there something you are admiring about someone? Maybe you admire something they have? Money, fame, power, or love? Instead of wishing bad on them, thinking of ways to undercut them, or trying to dissect whether they deserve it, be happy for them. Being happy for someone else is a far better state of mind than envy or jealousy. I think we would all be so much happier by just being happy for others.
Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, I thought you may also enjoy Beyonce´’s beautiful rendition of the song “At Last” (in first video).
I don’t get it either. Etta James is a living legend. She has her fame and success. I think there may be some envy there. I know that is her song “At Last” but, there are thousands of artists who have sung and recorded that song including a dear friend of mine who is a local jazz artist here in San Francisco. She sings it like no one else I’ve ever heard. In any case, I presume that James may have been a little put off because Beyonce was asked to perform for the inauguration instead of James. Who knows. I think Beyonce did a great job, though my friend would have blown everyone away
Jodapoet–I think there may be some envy there too. Just because she was first to sing the song doesn’t mean it’s off limits to everyone else. Like you said, others have sung it and there’s not been a problem. What’s worse is that James was ok with Beyonce’ singing it in the movie, but broke bad when Beyonce’ sung it at the ball. I would love to hear your friend’s interpretation of the song. It has been one of my favorite classic love songs of all times.
Matt–Beyonce’ is pretty fly. Anytime someone appears to have it together like that, I want to get out a notepad and pen to take notes. Tell me how you do it, B! What’s the secret? I’m certainly not going to hate on her.
TheFitnessDivap–You wrote about this too? I didn’t steal it–promise. I would have given you credit for sparking the idea at least. My husband drops the cards for me while I visit and comment on my favorite blogs (your fitness blog happens to be one), post on this blog, and respond to comments here. I just want to make sure you know that since someone has stolen from your blog in the past.
I think she was probably hurt too. You can see in the video that she is speaking so reverently of and to Etta James. She’s looking up to her and wanting her respect back. James appears to give it to her at first and then turns like a bitter old woman. I didn’t even want to start with the comments she made about the President. She ought to be ashamed. Maybe it was a drunken stupor. Maybe she felt empowered by the laughter from the crowd. I don’t know. I think she should stop hating and apologize to Beyonce’.
Davida
In my opinion, it takes a certain amount of ego to be a successful performer. Unfortunately, that same quality that allows you to go out and put your talents to the test in front of an audience can make you act very ugly, too.
I though Beyonce did a fine job and I admire Beyonce’s beauty and abilities. I don’t covet them, but I definitely admire them. I thought this was a lovely tribute. Truth is, though, Beyonce does need to ride anyone’s coattails for fame and fortune.
People from Fanny Bryce’s family said the same things about Barbra Streisand when she played Funny Girl and Funny Lady. Instead of gratitude for reminding the world about some remarkable people who made remarkable achievements, they were petty and critical because of the attention the stars got doing so.
Life is too short to be hating anyone. And, even if you do hate someone for whatever reason, it’s too short to pass it along. Hate does no one any good. Negativity can be very effective at controlling people, but it never makes anyone happy, it never brings anyone joy, it never enriches someone’s life. How sad if Ms. James’ past accomplishments ended up overshadowed by her contemporary hatred? In the end, if you’re a hater, that’s what people will remember most.
My daughter rolls her eyes now (’cause I’m such a square), but she had introduced me to Destiny’s Child several years back and they had a song: “Survivor” I really really like. Watching this reminded me of the line, “You know I’m not gonna diss you on the internet, ’cause my momma taught me better than that.”
Good advice Ms. James should have taken.
Wow, I didn’t hear about this but then again, I’m really trying to stay away from the media… Anyway, people don’t get the fact that their gifts, whatever they maybe (singing, writing, performing, etc) are not their own. They are just that gifts to be shared. Sounds like Etta got way to tangled in her own ego to claim the song as her own, etc, etc, etc!
Thanks for all the comments and support on my blog Davida! I so very much appreciate all that you do
Kara
My guess is that Etta might be jealous for not having been invited to sing at the Inaugural Ball.
Funny thing is, a friend actually went to see Etta perform live in concert recently, and, well, her voice and delivery were awesome, but, ummm, her “performance” was quite shocking - you can read more here. Maybe it’s a good thing Etta wasn’t invited to the ball! :p
Etta is working on getting notice, that escaped her during her “beyonce years”. she did alot of things to people in the business to alienate herself, and now it looks like she’s being portrayed as what she’s coming off as - “Bitter and Out of Style”
It’s A sad testment indeed to such a great singer,
Etta, Grow Up Finally.. Please
I heard on the radio that Etta James didn’t even write the song, she just made it popular, so she truly has no rights to it. What’s funny to me is that she didn’t have any issue with Beyonce’ portraying her in the movie Cadillac Records. She didn’t get upset (and ignorant) until the inauguration happened. I’ve heard that she recanted her statements but the damage has been done.
I will admit that I don’t really care for Beyonce. I used to like her, but the bigger she gets and the more exposure she has, the more tired of her I get. That’s just me with all artists that are plastered everywhere I look. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, for me.
No denying she is hugely talented. I am sure Etta James felt snubbed. I honestly would have preferred hearing Etta James sing it at the inaugural ball. I have loved her and that song since I was a teenager. I feel like why get an impersonation when you can get the real thing?
It is sad though, because it seemed like Etta James approved of Beyonce’s portrayal of her in the film and the tribute she did for her, but now is feeling jealous.
I agree with you about people tearing others to pieces. If I don’t like someone for whatever reason, I just don’t watch or pay attention. Unless they are vile and damaging to others, I just don’t comment. We, as women, knock each other down too often.
~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/