Public viewing for Etta James in Inglewood

A public viewing will be held Friday in Inglewood for R&B legend Etta James,  with a private memorial service Saturday, a family representative has announced. James died last week at age 73.

The viewing will be held 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 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 as of yet.

PHOTOS: Etta James | 1938-2012

James had been seriously ill for the last year and died of complications from leukemia.

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

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Photo: Etta James. Credit: Tribune file photo.