Etta James Defends Herself, Truth About “At Last” Revealed
February 6, 2009 by Lauren Croteau
After insulting Beyoncé’s Inauguration performance of “At Last”, Etta James claims that she wasn’t trying to be offensive.
She tells New York Daily News, “I didn’t really mean anything. Even as a little child, I’ve always had that comedian kind of attitude…that’s probably what went into it.”
However, when asked if she could have done a better job singing the song, she replies, "I think so. That’s a shame to say that".
The topic of her comments toward President Barack Obama, in which she refers to him as “the president with big ears” was also discussed. A topic which she explains by saying, "I still had my joke about him. That may be horrible. He’s got other stuff (to worry about) besides Etta James."
Also, TMZ figured they’d try to write an article putting down Etta, by revealing that the song was done first by Glenn Miller in 1942 and then by Nat King Cole in 1957. Then, Etta’s was recorded in 1961. I thought I’d put this info into the post, but I just have to say that it doesn’t matter to me much. I mean, no doubt Etta shouldn’t necessarily have called it “her song”, but let’s give her some credit. I think her version is the one the world knows the most.
But I do have to ask, do you think Etta was really just joking, or do you think there’s more to it then just that?
Image: Bauer-Griffin
Etta was not only kidding I think it’s very clear that she think she’s the one who should have been there at the ball! she probably doesn’t hate Beyonce but she went too far by saying those things! think about it we haven’t heard from our girl Bee since days she didn’t even go to one game with Jay wich is not like her! I think she’s hurt & Etta should be ashammed! even if it was a joke it’s not apropriate! it’s not her song & everybody knew that! she did a cover of it just like Bee did,& Bee gived her way more credit than she deserves! she was dead wrong for saying those things & now she runed her image & also runed a beautiful moment in history now everytime we will think of the first black president of usa first dance we will think of Etta james stupids comments!
I think she had a HUGE mouth for saying all the things she did towards Beyonce. If you got nothing good to say, then don’t say nothing. If I were Beyonce i’d be hurt as well. Etta should be honored that it was “her” song performed for the first Black President! Also Etta doesnt understand why Beyonce sang it. In a recent interview of Beyonce after performing At Last for Barack & Michelle, Beyonce said she chose to sang “At Last” because change has come to america “At Last”, Etta was very cocky for saying that. Even Kanye West Wouldnt Diss Bee.
Stop the argument. The whole Beyonce´s production is totally insignificant compared to any Etta´s song. You should improve your musical culture instead of saying nonsense about. Etta is the real deal, Beyonce is completely irrelevant.