By Eleanor Harley Jan 25, 2012, 15:15 GMT
Etta James' funeral has been arranged for Saturday 28th January at the Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena at 10am, where Reverent Al Sharpton will preside.
Spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger said the funeral “is private for immediate family and friends.” She stated that preventative measures were being put in force for “limited media access,” CNN reports.
However, the family have said a public viewing has been arranged for Friday evening. It will be held at the Inglewood Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
Any donations as a tribute to James may be sent to The Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
James died on Friday 20th January at the age of 73, after losing her battle with leukemia and dementia.
The Grammy award winner is best known for her 1961 song At Last. Some of her other hits included Dance with me, Henry, Tell Mama and I’d Rather Go Blind.
James struggled with personal problems throughout her life, including drug addiction. In the late 1980’s she made a comeback with the album The Seven Year Itch, which music critics said was one of her best.
Beyonce played James in Cadillac Records, a film about the success of the label company, Chess Records.
Tributes have come pouring in on Twitter with fans wishing to express their gratitude and sorrow to the singing legend.
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