LEGENDARY AMERICAN SOUL singer Etta James has passed away in California at the age of 73.

Her husband, Artis Mills, and sons were by her side as she died, according to her friend and manager Lupe De Leon, CNN reports.

James was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, and died from complications stemming from the illness.

De Leon described her passing as a “tremendous loss” for her family, friends and her fans across the world. “She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category,” he said.

James enjoyed her first success in her tender teenage years, securing a number one hit with “The Wallflower (Roll With Me, Henry)” on the R&B charts.

The singer faced personal problems during her life, battling with heroin addiction and health problems, but was also widely celebrated for her talents – winning six Grammys and taking a coveted place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2009, James’ hit “At Last” was sung by singer Beyoncé Knowles during the first dance of Barack Obama and his wife Michelle after he was sworn in as the first black president of the United States.

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Watch Beyoncé’s version below:

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