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Etta James performed at the Vine Street Bar & Grill in Hollywood on April 6, 1987.

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Tina Knowles and singer Etta James arrived at the premiere of "Cadillac Records" held at The Egyptian Theater on Nov. 24, 2008 in Hollywood.

Horst Faas/AP

On Sept. 22, 1974, Muhammad Ali played a few notes on the piano as singer Etta James looked on.

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Etta James, Rick Hall, and Bow Legs Miller during a recording session at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

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James got a hug from fellow singer KD Lang as she was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Jan. 13, 1993.

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James performed at the 26th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood on June 19, 2004.

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Etta James displayed her star during a ceremony honoring her on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 18, 2003, in Hollywood.