On this day in 1938, musical icon Etta James was born

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Singer Etta James performs at the Vine St. Bar & Grill in Hollywood, Calif., April 6, 1987. (AP PhotoAlison Wise)
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Born on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, Etta James, a gospel prodigy and musical icon, began her remarkable musical journey at the age of five.

Raised by her young mother, who was only 14 years old when she was born, she showed extraordinary talent, forming her own band at the age of 12. By 16, she had relocated from San Francisco to Los Angeles to embark on her recording career.

Singer Etta James, left, gets a hug from fellow singer K d Lang as she is inducted to the Rock and Roll hall fame, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1993 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

With a soulful voice and a career spanning decades, Etta James left a mark on the music industry. Her signature song “At Last” became an enduring classic, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.

In recognition of her immense contributions, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Muhammad Ali plays a few notes on the piano while visiting black American artists that perform in the Zaire 74 music festival in Kinshasa, Zaire, Sept. 22, 1974. At right is the American rhythm and blues singer Etta James. Musicians and artists were rehearsing at Kinshasa Hotel. The festival lasts from September 21-23. (AP Photo/Horst Faas)

Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012, at 73 years old. She left behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to resonate with generations.

Flowers honor the star of Etta James, the seminal rhythm and blues singer, on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Jan. 20, 2012. James, the feisty rhythm and blues singer whose raw, passionate vocals anchored many hits and made the yearning ballad “At Last” an enduring anthem for weddings, commercials, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 in San Bernandino, Calif. James had been suffering from dementia and kidney problems, and was battling leukemia. She was 73. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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