Recorded in 1968 at the FAME Studio, this incredible single was said to be written by Ellington Jordan and her abusive ex, Billy Foster. However in truth, Etta herself wrote these lines with Jordan. Even though Etta didn’t considered herself a “professional” songwriter at the time, this song heralded the depths of her experience with undeniable emotion which very well paralleled a violent relationship she didn’t know how to leave and a drug problem she didn’t know how to kick. In addition to her personal problems, she also suffered with tax issues which motivated her decision to give her writing credit to Billy Foster. Unfortunately, when this choice was made and the song was rerecorded by artists like Clarence Carter, Rod Stewart, B.B. King and Beyonce for the movie soundtrack, Cadillac Records, they all went to Jordan and the estate of Billy Foster. Though this song has made a musical impact with its torturous cry of love lost, the first tears that fell for this song privately were truly that of Leonard Chess, head of her recording label, Chess Records in his intial hearing of the song.
Hope West is a music enthusiast and music photographer who has captured artists like B.B. King, Janet Jackson, Teddy Riley and many others. A life long lover of music, Hope is a graduate of Full Sail University where she studied music engineering. She’s also a proud “Florida Girl” born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and currently resides in Atlanta, GA as a “Georgia Peach”. Hope is known for her creativity, sense of humor and quirky perfectionism. Artist(s) that make her freak out as a music fan: Sheila E., Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones.
[…] During Etta’s early days at Chess, she was very open in having a relationship with Harvey Fuqua, member of the Moonglows and later played a pivotal role in the formation of Motown Records. With Fuqua, Etta went on to sing songs like “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, “If I Can’t Have You” and later became the duo “Betty & Dupree” on Kent Records while also recording on Chess due to the lack of money they were paid on Chess. Unfortunately, his role and importance wasn’t highlighted in the script of Cadillac Records. […]
All I can say is. I didn’t think Beyonce could pull it off playing Miss Etta James. But I gotta give her her props. All hat’s off to Bet for that outstanding performance in Cadillac Records. She did that one!!. I even came to like Beyonce after that one performance. Miss Etta’s songs have Loved and played in my families homes over the year’s, including mine. I remember as a Lil girl listening to my grandmother’s, Aunt’s, and my Momma’s stereo’s blasting Miss Etta’s Song’s they loved so much. Rest in Heaven Miss Etta James, We Love You..