Public invited to Etta James viewing

A public viewing will be held Friday in Inglewood for R&B great Etta James, who died last week, a family representative said Tuesday.

A private memorial service will be held Saturday for the singer.

The viewing will be at Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Manchester Chapel.

James’ family said donations in the singer’s memory may be sent to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Flowers also will be welcomed.

Lupe De Leon, James’ longtime agent, said other possible tributes are being discussed but nothing has been planned for the time being.

James, 73, had been seriously ill for the last year and died of complications from a long battle with leukemia while receiving care at a Riverside hospital.

She is best known for her bluesy riffs and smoky nightclub ballads, including "At Last" and "Tell Mama."

ALSO:

Longtime Glendale Rose Parade float-makers quit

Serial arson suspect faces 100 counts related to 49 fires

Man sentenced to 25 years in online child-pornography case

-- Phil Willon in Riverside

Photo: Etta James in 2006. Credit: Jeff Christensen / Associated Press.