Released: 1960
There are self imposed rules here, edicts like if possible don’t include songs with familiar, high profile cover versions released beforehand, or where other songs later are on a similar pedestal (James’ 1967 rendition of I’d Rather Go Blind could make a strong man weep in an instant). Rules however, are made to be broken and in the case of At Last they might as well not exist at all.
Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, Etta James began singing professionally at fifteen and already boasted a modestly successful career which included a relationship with BB King and performing with a young Elvis Presley in 1955. Touring the country though was still a hand to mouth existence and after arriving flat broke in Chicago four years later she was taken under the umbrella of Chess records, a move that would would shape her ultimate destiny.
At Last had already been recorded several times, firstly by the unfortunate Glenn Miller, and later by Miller associate Gene Watson in 1952. It was James’ that became the signature version however, it’s opening peal like a Broadway musical, a tune with the heat and sex of the Deep South rooted in it, from the wanton strings to her blues-laden, lustful voice. On the surface a pop hit, the singer’s life was equally wild enough underneath, a rawness and hedonistic rollercoaster that somehow welled up into every note. Rules are made to be broken, and god damn this one’s getting broken right here.
The Voice Of Unreason 