Etta james biography muddy waters biography chess

They changed what America listened to; the artists they promoted planted the seeds of rock 'n' roll and are still influencing music today. The story of the Chess brothers and the music they made captures the rich and volatile mix of race, Jews and music. Cohodas takes us deep into the world of independent record producers, sometimes abrasive and always aggressive men striving to succeed.

Leonard and Phil worked hand-in-glove with disenfranchised black artists, the intermittent charges of exploitation balanced by the reality of a common purpose that brought them fame. County, The Family at Tarzana had a reputation as the marines of rehab. Basic training was hell. While she was still in rehab, her counselors allowed James to record.

One of her first songs was "Feeling Uneasy," which James said captured her at rock bottom. This would later appear on the album Come a Little Closer. While still in treatment, she became romantically involved with a man who had been in and out of rehab. Within a year of leaving Tarzana, both were once again using drugs. Her problems with substance abuse continued into the s.

She found a new manager, Lupe De Leon of Oakland, who trained for handling James by working as a probation officer. James sought to regain her raw sound for this album, and she had another goal: "I wanted to make an album that was saying a woman is no different than a man," she stated in the New York Times. She can be just as raunchy and just as weak.

And I like the whole challenge of a woman standing up there and telling a man where to get off. Wexler produced two of James's albums, including 's The Right Time. Like Aretha [Franklin], Etta is a church in herself, her voice a mighty instrument, her musical personality able to express an extraordinary range of moods. In a career retrospective of the artist, Billboard 's Jim Bessman noted that "her drug abuse didn't get in the way of her magnificent vocalizing, as demonstrated by her recordings throughout the '70s and '80s.

The collection of Billie Holiday songs earned James her first-ever Grammy in In the same issue of Billboard, Don Waller tallied her impressive year-career as having produced "23 individual albums, a two-CD hits package, and a three-CD boxed set Booklist called the book "a typical black pop-music as-told-to bio, though better than many of the others.

James continued recording, and anything was fair game for interpretation as shown on 's Matriarch of the Blues. Late in her career, James was struggling with her weight, once estimated at about pounds. The excessive weight was impeding her ability to tour and was causing serious health issues. James underwent a gastric bypass procedure and lost, according to some accounts, about pounds while continuing to work.

She told Essence in that she "didn't want to be fat anymore. I couldn't walk, and my doctor couldn't operate on my knee until I lost some weight. I was thinking that pretty soon they were going to have to bring me onstage with one of those harnesses they use for horses. I should have been dead a long time ago, but I am still here, and I am the happiest I've ever been.

James was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in And though her voice, never a nuanced instrument, has now frayed and roughened James remains a powerhouse. Selected discography At Last Cadet, Etta James Sings for Lovers Argo, Etta James Argo, Rocks the House Chess, Top Ten Cadet, Queen of Soul Argo, Etta James Sings Funk Chess, Call My Name Cadet, Tell Mama Cadet, Losers Weepers Cadet, Etta James Chess, Leonard Chess, the visionary behind Chess Records, played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the studio.

With a sharp ear for talent, he began signing emerging artists who would redefine music genres, treating them with respect and dedication. Leonard signed renowned songwriter Willie Dixon, whose contributions would become foundational to the success of Chess Records. Dixon's songwriting prowess not only enriched the catalog of the label but also influenced countless musicians that followed.

Another significant artist at Chess Records was Howlin' Wolf, known for his powerful voice and emotive performances. During a turbulent time, Leonard Chess discovered another remarkable talent, Etta James. As she stepped into the spotlight, her soulful voice and emotional delivery brought a fresh sound to Chess Records, further diversifying its music catalogue.

Chuck Berry faced significant legal troubles that threatened his career and the stability of Chess Records. Leonard Chess worked hard to navigate these challenges, seeking to protect his artists while ensuring the studio's legacy continued. As music tastes began to shift in the late sixties, the once-dominant sound of Chess Records began to wane.

The changing musical landscape posed challenges for the artists and the studio, forcing Leonard Chess to reconsider his path. Ultimately, Leonard Chess decided to exit the record industry as the popularity of Chess Records' unique sound diminished. This decision marked the end of an era for the studio and showcased the cyclical nature of the music industry.

Despite facing numerous trials, Chess Records left a lasting legacy that transformed the music landscape, influencing generations of artists. The innovative sounds that emerged from this studio helped shape rock and roll, blues, and beyond. Meet the characters that bring Cadillac Records to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Muddy Waters is a pioneering blues musician whose powerful voice and guitar skills played a crucial role in the birth of rock and roll. His artistry and struggles with fame capture the essence of the music industry's challenges during the era. Waters' influence is palpable as he sets the stage for future artists. Leonard Chess is the visionary founder of Chess Records, known for his keen ear for talent and dedication to his artists.

His familial approach to management contrasts with the chaotic lifestyles of musicians, showcasing his commitment to nurturing their careers amidst personal trials.

Etta james biography muddy waters biography chess

Chess' legacy is intricately tied to the success of the artists he represents. Chuck Berry is a revolutionary rock and roll artist known for his energetic performances and innovative guitar style. Always soulful, her extraordinary voice was showcased to great effect on her recent private releases, including Blue Gardenia , which rose to the top of the Billboard jazz chart.

In , James underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost over pounds. The dramatic weight loss had an impact on her voice, as she told Ebony magazine that year. That same year, James released Let's Roll , which won the Grammy Award for best contemporary blues album. This team regrouped for her next effort, Blues to the Bone , which brought James her third Grammy Award — this time for best traditional blues album.

She participated in a tribute album the following year for jazz great Ella Fitzgerald , called We Love Ella. Knowles also recorded her own version of James' signature song, "At Last" for the soundtrack. While James publicly supported the film, she was reportedly miffed when Knowles sang the song at President Barack Obama's inaugural ball in January James allegedly told concert-goers in Seattle in February that Knowles "had no business As she entered her 70s, James began struggling with health issues.

She was hospitalized in for a blood infection, along with other ailments. It was later revealed that the legendary singer suffered from dementia, and was receiving treatment for leukemia. Her medical problems came to light in court papers filed by her husband, Artis Mills. The two parties later worked out an agreement.