‘It’s an honour every time I hear her voice,’ Adele writes of the late singer. By Jocelyn Vena Adele Photo: Andreas Rentz/ Getty Images Days after legendary songstress Etta James passed away from complications of leukemia, Adele took to her blog to recall the great influence the singer has had on her. “What a lady Etta James was. She was the ultimate original,” she said, recalling her own encounter with the icon. “Her voice was breath taking and her songs are reflections we all recognise in some way or another. It’s an honour every time I hear her voice. I saw her at BB Kings in New York a few years ago, and it was something I will remember forever. Thank you to Etta James. And I send all my love to her family and friends.” Since the news broke of James’ death, many big-voiced divas have opened up about the influence she had on them. “Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage. Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career,” Christina Aguilera said in a statement. “She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.” Beyonc
