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Etta James, Legend Of Chicago's Chess Records, Dies At 73

xRIVERSIDE, Calif. (CBS) -- Singer Etta James, who gained her greatest fame while recording her with Chess Records in Chicago, has died at the age of 73.

James, who would have turned 74 on Wednesday of next week, died Friday in California of complications from leukemia, according to published reports.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports

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James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, and was initially discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis while living in San Francisco as a teenager. She recorded with Los Angeles' Modern Records in the 1950s, before arriving at Chicago's Chess Records in 1960.

While at Chess, James recorded her signature songs, "At Last," and "Something's Got a Hold on Me." An Associated Press report says label owners Leonard and Phil Chess regarded James as their first soul singer, on a label that up until that point had been known for delta blues and early rock and roll.

James also struggled with heroin addiction for many years, but was ultimately able to beat the habit.

James was famously portrayed by Beyoncé in "Cadillac Records," the 2008 dramatic film about Chess Studios. Beyoncé also performed "At Last" at President Barack Obama's inaugural ball.

James retired from recording in October of last year, CBS News reports.

Alligator Records founder and blues historian Bruce Iglauer said James stood out for her versatility.

"Etta was able to move between a very melodic, sweet, big voice, and a really coarse, raw kind of singing," said Iglauer said.

She was an artist, and a battler, Iglauer said.

"She took guff from nobody," Iglauer said, "not from other musicians, not from record people, not from critics, not from club owners."

But, Iglauer said, she could back up everything she had.

"When she decided to deliver that performance, boy she just knocked it out of the park."

James retired from recording in October of last year, CBS News reports.

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