Etta James obviously had a “drank” before going on stage. Apparetnly, she’s not happy that Beyonce took the initiative to serenade the President with her song. She’s mad at both Beyonce and President Obama. At 71 years of age, she is unapologetic about how she feels about Beyonce:
You guys know your president, right?” she asked the crowd amid cheers (listen to it here. “You know the one with the big ears? Wait a minute, he ain’t my president, he might be yours, he ain’t my president. You know that woman he had singing for him, singing my song — she’s gonna get her a– whipped. The great Beyoncé … But I can’t stand Beyoncé. She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol’ president day … singing my song that I’ve been singing forever.” [Source]
You don’t believe me, check out the audio below:
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Cheryl
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 09:20
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Etta James is notorious for speaking her mind, and Beyonce probably had it coming.
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Princess
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 09:27
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I just saw this on CNN headlines, and my mouth dropped. I agree, it’s about time that it’s been said.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 09:31
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Cheryl:
Etta James did say she wasn’t a lady. She said she swears, cuss, and drinks, and Beyonce was too lady like compared to Etta.
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Kitt
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 09:35
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I know that this is “her song”, but to say it in the the manner she said it was just wrong. The media eats stuff like this up, and Beyonce did her favor by keeping her name and song alive.
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TEE Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 09:33
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@Kitt, Etta Jameswas completely right for cusing her out for singing her song on presidents day, she should song her own songs or asked Etta could she have permission not just do what the fuck she wanted. When Etta made that song it was hard for black woman to get out there so there was struggle , so for beyounce to do that without asking her first was disrepectful period.
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Byron
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 09:41
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I ain’t going to lie, Beyonce sang that song, and sounded great, but I wonder if she got permission from Etta James first. If not, that’s just inconsiderate.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 10:28
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Princess:
I don’t mean to hate on Beyonce. It was an emotional performance, but did she ask Etta James. Did Etta lend her blessing? Who owns the right to the song? I need some background info. So I’m going to give Etta James the benefit of the doubt, until I find out more.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 10:30
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Kitt:
I wouldn’t go that far, I think the song has never died. Maybe Beyonce brought it to a younger audience, but in my opinion she doesn’t do the song any justice compared to Etta. Stand alone, Beyonce’s song is good, but once you hear Etta’s original, you know who really owns that song.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 10:31
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Byron:
My sentiments, exactly.
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LA DIABLA
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 12:25
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ETTA JAMES DID NOT WRITE “AT LAST”. IT WAS ORIGINAL SANG IN 1940 SOMTHING AND THEN NAT COLE SANG IT. SO ETTA JAMES CAN SUCK IT.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 12:44
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I looked it up, and the song was written in 1941, Etta James didn’t record it until 20 years later in 1961. She is not the first to sing it or apparently the last. So, I guess she was wrong for going off on Beyonce like that.
I guess she fills she gave life to the song, and song it the best, and don’t need anyone trying to take over…
Or maybe she just really can’t stand Beyonce, and just wanted it to be known…
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jjac
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 13:29
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I think a lot of folks are wondering why Etta James didn’t do the performance, but do I think that Beyonce sang “At Last” very very well – (and I am not a huge fan of Beyonce).
I also think they should have re-considered Aretha being on the earlier agenda.
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Clnmike
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 14:59
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Man that old bird was out of pocket for that, senility must be setting in.
Aint even her damn song.
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jheart
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 15:21
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wow. I dont think Sasha Fierce is gonna like that. I saw her NYC the other day, and got this pic. shes flawless. Take that Etta James!
http://meetthefamous.com/photos-videos/details.php?story=2939
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Sharon P Andrews
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 15:56
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Sharon P. Andrews – Editor
While watching “THE VIEW”, a morning talk show on ABC, on February 5th, 2009, the women in charge of that program commented on Etta James “fallout” over, Beyonce’s performance of her song, “AT LAST.” One of the women on “THE VIEW” said that it has been reported that Etta James publically said that she (Etta) wants to “Kick Beyonce’s “ASH” for performing her (Etta James) song at the Presidential Inauguration Ball.
According to Elena Gorgan, Life & Style Editor, on February 5th, 2009, at 13:31 GMT, and I quote, Etta James said “You know, YOUR President, the one with the big ears-he ain’t my President – had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. She’s going to get her [expletive] whooped. How dare Beyonce sing MY song that I been singing forever. Now I’m going to sing it for y’all…” Etta told the crowd. “The great Beyonce… I can’t stand Beyonce,” she added, to the applause of the audience.”
President Barrack Obama “named it and claimed it”. Beyonce named it and claimed it. Obviously Etta James wanted her story portrayed by Beyonce or she would not have given her permission for Beyonce to portray her in “Cadillac Records.” By the way, when the three little pigs said to the Big Bad Wolf, “My what big hears you have Grandma,” in the story of “Little Red riding Hood,” the Big Bad Wolf said, “The better to HEAR you…” In my opinion, Etta James owes President Barrack Obama and Beyonce Knowles an apology.
Sharon Parrish Andrews 2009 Editor for Nutshell Research and Development L.L.C. Publishing
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TEE Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 09:42
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@Sharon P Andrews, Etta James does not owe anybody an apology first off yes she did get permission to portray etta on “Cadillac Records” but theres a big difference in acting like me and trying to be me. See the difference
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Summer
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 19:22
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It’s a matter of respect. Etta James is iconic you can’t use someone elses material like its yours. She has every right to be pissed. If you like Beyonce enough to request her presence, then let her sing her own material. Oh, Put a ring on it or Diva just isn’t much to choose from!
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Sam77
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 19:26
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I believe Beyonce did a wonderful job. I just want to know why she had to go out the country to say that and why didn’t she say anything when Christina Aguilera sang the song. Sounds like etta a little jealous of Beyonce and her singing for Mr. President B. Obama and if she don’t like him stay out of the country… And maybe stop drinking before going on stage…
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stephanie
Comment made on 02/05/2009 @ 22:53
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Wow… first off the president of the u.s shud have more sense than to let something like that happen… and as for beyonce… she’s got a great voice but nobody has nothing to say about her manners…in my opinion ms. James would have sang it better now with her age then beyonce ever could.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 09:26
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jjac:
I thought it was Beyonce’s best performance of the song, and think that’s what tick Etta James off.
Beyonce because of that moment will forever be associated with the song, even if doesn’t sing it better.
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 09:27
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clnmike:
You would be mad too if someone tried to steal your swagger. Beyonce didn’t remake the song because she liked it, she did it because she was playing Ettta James in a movie, now she playing her in real life. i think I feel Etta; that and she probably had a little bit of Crown Royal before she hit the stage…
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Sage and Wise
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 10:45
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Kitt,
I’ll forgive your ignorance and chalk it up to the fact that you’re young. But honey, Etta needs no assistance, certainly not Beyonce’s. Etta is eternal. Etta is quality. Etta may not have created, At Last, but she ‘made’ it. It was Etta who branded that song into our hearts and in our fond memories.
Beyonce didn’t sing At Last with her own flavor. She attempted to recreate Etta’s soul when she sang it for the movie. That’s something dear Beyonce will never be able to tap into.
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Quick
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 15:00
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Etta needs to be thanking B, not dissing her. B is putting money in her pockets! Every time someone buys a Cadillac Records soundtrack, or download B’s version of At Last, Etta is getting paid. She needs to sat down and be grateful. gosh old people are a freakin trip sometimes, lol
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 15:58
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Sage and Wise
Yes, school them. Tell them what’s up!
I’m sorry I’m on Team Etta with this one…
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/06/2009 @ 15:59
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MrsGrapevine I guess no one cares she called Obama big-eared!
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Maria
Comment made on 02/07/2009 @ 03:36
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I LOVE Etta for this! It’s about time someone stood up to Beyoncé
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MrsGrapevine
Comment made on 02/07/2009 @ 11:16
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Stephanie:
I think Beyonce chose “At Last” because she doesn’t own a better song. I guess she could have sang “Crazy In Love”. I’m sure Mr. President would have enjoyed that. Oh oh oh – o – no no
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Louise
Comment made on 02/07/2009 @ 18:27
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Beyonce is doing something to upset these divas, first she did it to the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin and now she has done it to Etta James.
Beyonce should stick to hip hop she is not a diva. Beyonce made it showing her raw flesh, sex sells and her parents were her pimps.
My advice to Beyonce is to leave these divas alone and stick with your own party!!
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coffee
Comment made on 02/08/2009 @ 03:13
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Beyonce could take Etta James in more ways than one
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J.D
Comment made on 02/08/2009 @ 21:26
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First Off, Etta James is out of line. Etta James was just jealous because Beyonce sang that song on a higher stage then Etta ever will be able to. And of course Beyonce cant sing the song like Etta. Duh, Its Ettas Song!! Thats like asking Martin Luther King Jr. To Give A Speech Like His Father. But I Guarantee Etta Cant Sing Beyonces songs like her… Listen, Flaws and All, Halo, Did Yall Forget About those… If Beyonce was not so famous and beautiful and had the exact same songs then noone would hate. Its only because she really is the shyt that people hate. If Jennifer Hudson sang beyonces songs, she would get nothin but praise. Shes good, Great, get over it, there are too many musicians out there for people to respond to someone that doesnt have any talent. Shes great, she has received more grammy’s and sold more records then the Great Aretha Franklin and Etta James, GET OVER IT. No matter wut u sai, shes still gonna b B. And as far as the Barack Obama comment???? How Can Anyone of you respect a lady for her struggle when she completely underminded the struggle of the Civil rights movement and many other great black and white pioneers who fought and died for the Barack Obama election. Whats respectable about that? Becuz God Blessed her with a voice and she sang someone elses song with it? Thats someone that you honor. And compare to Beyonce???? Give me a break
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deon
Comment made on 02/11/2009 @ 16:16
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Etta certainly is not wrong for what she said. I think most people say she was wrong because of the way it came out. She has every right to be upset and disgruntled—not with President Obama ,but certainly with Beyonce. Even if the President had requested that Beyonce sing this song,Beyonce should have asked permission to move forward. What is even more upsetting to me is that noone had the common courtesy of at least inviting Etta James to the ceremony ,if that was too much ,acknowledge her in some wat at last. I can clearly see why she(Etta) was so upset. Etta keep your head up.
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Truth
Comment made on 03/04/2009 @ 18:04
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Etta james should flattered, shes just hating on Beyonce.
If she really wanted to the song she should of but she never asked so why should she complain when its done and over with. Stupid old woman shes just trying to get attention. And those people who cheered with her are out of order. I bet they wernt doing that when beyonce sang !
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Honesty
Comment made on 01/25/2010 @ 10:19
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Etta does not own this song. She was just covering it like so many before and after her. Before her outrageous outburst at Beyonce (who helped ensure her legacy) and the President, I held her in high esteem. Beyonce nor the President deserved to be disrespected by her. But she also lacks respect for the original female artist was Pat Friday and the writers, Mack Gordon (Jewish/Polish immigrant)Lyrics and Harry Warren (Italian).
Nat King Cole was the first black singer to record it, 4yrs before Etta. The original artist was Pat Friday, the Ghost voice of WWII PinUp Girl, Lynn Bari in the musical/film ‘Orchestra Wives’. Released as a single 78rpm record, it rode the “Hit Parade” for two months prior to the beginning of the WW2. Then she volunteered and sang on military bases, Armed Forces Radio, the L. B. Pike Ballroom and Hollywood Canteen. It has been covered 1000′s of times since by such artists as, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Nora Jones, Lena Horn, Doris Day, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and others. A movie about Ella Fitzgerald would be more appropriate or the unsung hero of this song Pat Friday!!!
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yunqbott
Comment made on 06/01/2010 @ 09:04
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LISTEN DUDE, ETTA WASNT WRONG. B THINKSHE COULD DO WHAT SHE WANT N ETTA AINT HAVIN IT. ITS NOT ETTAS SONG ORIGINALY BUT ITS HER THEME SONG N SHE BRANDED IT. ALSO, B NEVER SELL MORE THAN ARETHA. WITH THE GROUP PROBABALY BUT NOT SOLO. GRAMMYS WERE THROWN AT HER BECAUSE HER FATHER PULLS A COUPLE STRINGS.LOL. B IS GOOD BUT LAMEE. GROW UP N SHE SHOULD RESPECT THE ICONS N LEGENDS THAT CAME BEFORE HER. SHE EVEN WANTED TO REMAKE AALIYAHS SONG ONE IN A MILLION, BUT PEOPLE WASNT HAVING IT N PLUS CAUSE SHE CANT HIT THE NOTES OR GOT THE SWAG LIKE LIYAH. SO ANYWAY B WAS WRONG N OBAMA INNOCENT, B CHOSE THE SONG. N BY THE WAY, OBAMA GOT IT EASY, SHE DISRESPECTED HIM NOT THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. SHE DNT GOTTA KISS HIS ASS, HE AINT MARTIN LUTHER KING, CORETTA, ROSA PARKS, OR HARRIET TUBMAN OR MALCOLM X. THEY DESERVE RESPECT. OBAMA JUST HAD A DOOR OPENED FOR CUHH. SO THEREFORE, SHE WAS RIGHTTTT!!!!!!!!!
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