Features
Still Rolling
Half a century since her first single came out, and at least a decade more since she began singing, Etta James has put in as much work as anyone. But retirement is no option for the singer, who toured through much of 2003 and is set to do it again this year.
Etta James & The Roots Band kick off their latest jaunt April 17 at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, N.M., after which they’ll hit the Midwest and South. The West Coast gets them in May and June, with more dates across the nation stretching through August.
Last year was a rewarding one for James, to say the least. In February she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, and a few months later received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Refusing, as usual, to rest on past accomplishments, the R&B legend released a new album – the self-produced Let’s Roll – in May, and played sold-out concerts throughout the year.