Rhythm & blues legend Etta James was remembered at a service attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest.

Rhythm & blues legend Etta James has been remembered at a service attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest.

ETTA JAMES, the soul singer whose passionate vocals anchored many hits and made the yearning ballad At Last an anthem for weddings, ads and even US President Barack Obama, died yesterday. She was 73.

Etta James has passed away aged 73 after a battle with leukaemia.

Etta James has been released from hospital, it has been confirmed.