Etta James is alive, son says, despite Twitter, Internet reports

Etta James is not dead, her son said Thursday, contrary to a flurry of Twitter and Internet reports that stated that the great blues and R&B singer had passed away.

“She’s fine. I just saw her last night and she was fine," said son Donto James.

The 73-year-old singer remains seriously ill and is being cared for at her suburban Riverside home.
James has been diagnosed with dementia and is undergoing treatment for leukemia; she has been in and out of the hospital over the past two years.

Hollywood Star Walk: Etta James

James’ husband and sons currently are locked in a court dispute over control of the singer’s medical care and her $1 million in savings. All parties involved have said their only concern is providing James with the proper medical care.

James is best known for her bluesy riffs and smoky nightclub ballads, including "At Last" and "Tell Mama." She overcame drug addiction and weight problems and was on tour just three years ago. She is credited with being an inspiration for a vast lineup of singers, including Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt.

RELATED:

Etta James hospitalized with infection

Judge orders medical evaluation of ailing blues singer Etta James

-- Phil Willon

Photo: Etta James Credit: Los Angeles Times