Remembering R&B Legend Etta James

Riverside - R&B legend Etta James died today at a Riverside hospital of complications from leukemia at age 73. Flowers will be placed on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 11 a.m. today.

The Los Angeles-born artist was best known for such hits as "At Last," "Tell Mama" and "Loser Weepers,"

Born Jamesetta Hawkins, Etta began singing gospel in her church choir as a child and recorded her first album in 1954, at age 16.

She had a prosperous solo career through the 1950s, and despite battles with drug addiction, hit her peak in the 60s, recording popular ballads that included her signature "At Last."

During her 40-plus-year career, she won four Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards, touring with such notables as Little Richard and Otis Redding. She earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Her early career was depicted in the 2008 film "Cadillac Records," which portrayed the lives of some of America's music legends. James was played by Beyonce Knowles.

James retreated from stage appearances in 2009, appearing on national television for the last time that year in an episode of Dancing with the Stars, during which she sang.

She made her home in Riverside for the last two decades.

The singer's $1 million estate has been the subject of a legal tug-of-war between her son, Donto James, and husband of 42 years, Artis Mills, who is not the young man's father.

James was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. She also had dementia and a kidney deficiency and exhibited symptoms of organic brain syndrome.

James' health problems have been at the center of the suit, which Mills filed last year, seeking to have his wife's savings accounts declared community property, thereby removing any barriers he otherwise would face in using the funds. Donto James is challenging the action on the grounds that his mother gave him power-of-attorney to govern her affairs.

A Riverside County Superior Court judge ordered that $350,000 be used exclusively for her medical care in December.