Etta James update: Judge rules to release funds
In a story that doesn't have much room for purely "good" news, a Riverside County Superior Court judge on Friday ordered the release of $60,000 from Etta James' savings account to tend to the singer's failing health.
James' husband and sons have been engaged in a dispute over James' finances stemming from the singer's decision to grant power of attorney to her son Donto James in 2008, and her husband of 41 years has been attempting to gain control over James' money to defray the costs of her care.
The 72-year-old James is undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a form of leukemia and described by her physician as also suffering from a form of dementia. Here's to hoping this helps ensure the jazz and blues legend receives all the care she needs.
Read more about the ruling on L.A. Now
-- Chris Barton
Photo: Etta James onstage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2009. Credit: Skip Bolen / EPA
Wow. It's awful that this talented woman's family is fighting over her unfairly meager savings account. Very sad.
Posted by: SteveFBS | January 14, 2011 at 06:15 PM
I Luv Mrs. James Its Awlful That Familys Can't Seem 2 Come 2gether During This Time My Prayer Is 4 The Family 2 Stay Mindful That Mrs. James Is N The Hand Of The Man Peace B With Her
Posted by: kayla | January 14, 2011 at 06:29 PM
I remember hearing her in the 80s at the Long beach blues Fest when she was making her comeback. my God that woman has a voice, there is nothing like her now. Even Christiine Aguilera is overwhelmed, and she is far better than the rest, yes, including Beyonce. Who is more about marketing adult music to preteens than making music relevant to adults themselves. Etta had reason to be peaved at the White House for overlooking her. NAACP image awards? OMG!
Etta was the real deal, perhaps the last of them, blues aint what it used to be. Caant learn it in music school anymore than contempt art. Cant teach to be the three kings, Albert, BB, and Freddie. Gotta live to be a true creative artist. Having something to say makes one take ones skills seriously. dont want to be a clown afterall. Gotta nough of them
Posted by: Donald Frazell | January 14, 2011 at 07:19 PM
I'm so sorry to hear Ms. Etta is so ill. She worked so hard to lose weight and get better, only to have this happen. My Mama always played her music when I was growing up, and I knew all her songs before I was 8. I saw her in concert in 2009, and I was pleasantly shocked at how precise, powerful and clear her voice still was. There's no one else like her, that voice touches the soul. I hope for the best for her.
Posted by: Leslie C | January 15, 2011 at 04:56 AM
I've singing Ms. Etta songs since I was 5 yrs old and now 59yrs old. I've had the blessing t0 been able to see her the two times I did in San Francisco. My older silbing listening to the blues. I pray she is comfortable and that Lord keep His hands on her and her caregiver's. No comment on Family flueding,
Posted by: Roberta Chew | January 17, 2011 at 09:29 PM