Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James
October 22, 2008 | Music
Really? Maybe I underestimate Beyoncé Knowles’ talent. Or maybe it would be different if Etta James didn’t have such a distinctive voice that nobody can touch. Because this certainly doesn’t touch it, blond wig and warm sentiments aside.
Etta James recorded At Last in 1961 when she was 23. Just listen to that voice.
Even James, with a voice worn with time, does Etta James better than a 27-year-old Knowles.
I don’t know. Just seems that Knowles singing James is as jarring as if, say, Barry Manilow started singing with AC/DC.
Posted by Becky @ 5:06 pm
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Becky, we are kindred spirits. I LOVE Etta. I got to meet her at a show she did in San Jose CA a while back. She is one cool cat. (My attempt at 60’s lingo).
I have her greatest hits compilation and I love it. Sorry, but Byonce is NOT even close to Etta’s caliber. Never will be either.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I agree completely. Beyonce has a great voice but Etta has great soul. There is no comparison.