There are so many artists who defy the march of time to become essentially immortal thanks to their incredible contributions to society. I'm talking about legends like Elvis Presley, whose extensive catalogue of hits remains just as popular today as it was when they premiered decades ago. The same goes for The Beatles, who caused almost as much pandemonium as they did back in the '60s when their entire discography was recently released on streaming radio.
For this artist, however, it only took one song for her to make an unforgettable impact on our hearts. Etta James debuted her stirring version of "At Last" in 1960 and it soon became her signature tune. Though it was written for the musical film Orchestra Wives nearly 20 years earlier, it wasn't until she performed it with her emotional vocals that the song really found its audience. It was immediately played at countless weddings and can still be heard as the first song for several happy couples to this day.
James had other hits, of course, but this remains her most recognizable over the years. Before her passing in 2012, she gave one final televised performance of the hauntingly beautiful tune as a guest on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. While two of the professional dancers sway around the stage, she sounds just as wonderful as her original recording. Born on January 25, 1938, I can't think of a better way to celebrate what would have been this amazing woman's 78th birthday than with this wonderful rendition.
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