All Photos: Alan Mercer Make-up: Rudy Calvo
American Music Legend Etta James passed away today after a lengthy illness. The news was not unexpected, but I still felt the pain of loss, along with a slight sense of relief that her pain was now over and she was home.
I can’t say I knew Etta very well but what I did know of her I truly loved. She was as warm as the afternoon sun with a smile that had real calming power. It was easy to see the Goddess within her. Etta was always real. She didn’t like phoney and could see right through it. Her dressing room was never a social spot but rather a sanctuary where she could be at peace until the show. She didn’t need to meet people. Celebrity didn’t impress her. The only reason I got access into her private world was because of Rudy Calvo and I will always be grateful to him. Rudy was Etta’s long-time friend and make-up artist.
I met Etta the day she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I documented the ceremony starting with her getting out of her Bentley and then took some candid shots in the Roosevelt Hotel. Etta fell in love with that picture and Essence magazine published it.
A few months later she played the House of Blues in Los Angeles and I got one portrait of her in the dressing room. Etta also loved this portrait so when it came time to shoot her next album cover she chose me to photograph her. The album was titled ‘Blues To The Bone’ and won a Grammy! The publicity shots that went with the CD were used on billboards and posters all over the world and in People magazine.
I was blessed again this past fall when Etta’s final album ‘The Dreamer’ was released with another of my photographs gracing the cover.
Good-bye sweet songstress......thank you for blessing us with your talent and beauty...Have fun singing with the Angels!
This is a very touching and beautiful tribute to an amazingly talented woman! May she RIP. She is no longer in pain. It is those left behind who hurt. I'm sorry for the loss you feel, Alan. She will be missed by many. Her music will live on forever.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job Alan for a beautiful lady! She will be missed, but her music will live on for ages to come. Thank you Etta for sharing your blessing with us, you have soothed feelings, lifted hearts, brought tears to eyes, smiles to lips, and lights to our souls! May you rest in peace, free from pain, smiling down on us like the angel we all know you to be!
ReplyDeleteExceptional, Alan! Thank you for publishing such a fine, sweet sentiment to Etta, one of music's greatest icons! You did Etta proud and she would be proud of you, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteAlan, the photos are BEAUTIFUL! The music world has lost an angel, but as a friend told me earlier she's up there singing with the rest of the musical legends that have departed us. As always, thanks for the blog and take care my friend!- Darryl Pressley
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and touching tribute to an amazingly talented woman! Her photographs are gorgeous! Her music will live forever! May she rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteAlan, your tribute would make Etta proud.. Her life was not an easy journey.. Etta was a strong willed woman who could care less what other's thought .. I loved her voice.. Like Marilyn Monroe.. There will never be another Etta James ! I knew she was quite ill. Etta is now singing with angels. Alan, thank you for sharing.. Love & continued success .. CHER POE
ReplyDeleteToday I dug up the only Etta James cd I have and played it. I miss her. You are very lucky to have met her, and also, I think she was very much lucky to have met you. I imagine you touched each others lives greatly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute to a lovely talented lady. Your photos captured her soul, and will live on forever.
ReplyDeleteAlan, it is not surprising that you paid homage to Miss James in SUCH a beautiful way...this is so very befitting to her, and I am sure she would LOVE IT...I know I do! As always, that you for sharing your beautiful artistry Alan! Love, Peace, and Blessings to you always~~
ReplyDeleteThank you for making such a wonderful tribute. God Bless You!
ReplyDeleteVery Very Beautiful tribute to her Alan....You are a great man.....Much Love and many BIG HUGS to you....Bobby
ReplyDeleteYou took beautiful shots of her Alan, as you always do of everyone. This is a sweet tribute to the great lady.
ReplyDeleteYou captured her beauty...the inner beauty ....the essence of her....royalty that's what I see.
ReplyDeleteI will always treasure the brief time that we shared, a moment in my life hanging out with you. Young that I was, I was blessed with your presence. I will always remember you, You talk to me in Love and school me in things to come. Thank you. Rest in Peace Beautiful Spirit!
ReplyDeleteNANA NAZARIO
Alan, such wonderful photos !! We'll always have these excellent shots to recall her later life and you captured her so beautifully. A fitting tribute to her, to go along with her timeless music.
ReplyDeletePraise God for the amazing tribute and BEAUTIFUL photos of Miss ETTA JAMES! I had some great times at her shows at the Vine Street Bar and Grill and she was so cute to watch...singing, I'd Rather Be A Blind Girl...wow, she was true to the bone! I learned a lot watching her...and listening for the story between the lines and her vocal depth and simplicity. He heavenly choir has added another mighty voice to give Praise unto God who blessed us here on earth, for just a little while with the voice of Miss Etta James. Alan Mercer, you are a gem in our lives. Thank you for honoring a true Diva.
ReplyDeletexo Charlo