A few days before inauguration, my BFF and I were talking about the song-choice, and Beyonce's role to sing the first-dance song. Neither one of us woulda had a problem with it, had they not had Beyonce sing "At Last". I mean, it's NOT like Etta James is dead. Why wouldn't she sing it? Some people say "Maybe she's too old". BS. If Pavoratti, and all these other opera legends can sing until their last breath, than so can anyone. It's about hard work, and training your voice-- period. Sinatra sang til his last days. Gimmie a break! D-Listed hooked it up with a direct-quote from Etta James after the inauguration:
Etta told the audience, "You know, YOUR President, the one with the big ears-he ain’t my President–had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. She’s going to get her ass whooped. How dare Beyonce sing MY song that I been singing forever. Now I’m going to sing it for y’all….”
Honestly, besides the rude "big ear" comment, I totally agree with Etta. She has a right to feel that way. That's HER song. She's still alive, and she certainly has earned the credits to deserve that role. She was around to see civil rights unfold, and as a great contributor to Black art, she is certainly a big part of it as well. SMH.
OMG, you KNOW we called this! I mean, If nothing else, why didn't beyonce at least give Etta a shout out? I mean, she just went on singing it like it was her song. I am so glad this day arrived, I was afraid that you and I were the only ppl who thought it wasn't the best idea for her to sing a song like that when the person who it belings to is alive, kicking and touring I might add. I mean, its Etta's signature song! Beyonce has so MANY song (Single Ladies, Irreplacable, Crazy in Love), but this woman has one sig song, and she had to have that moment too. Beyonce might be on top, but you should never disrespect your elders. Ella wasn't right for talking smack about my President, but she was right on target against Bey. You don't run everything sweetie, show some humility!
ReplyDeleteI agree totally. I like Beyonce but for real we should be giving props to all of our older artist who are alive Especially those who are still performing. Why didn't Beyonce insist that Etta perform at the dance. Beyonce is at a point in her career where she could have made that happen. Beyonce had already performed earlier in the ceremony. You didn't see Jennifer Hudson doing Aretha Franklin. You saw Aretha. From personal experience I can say that Etta is somewhat of a bitch. Her sons are always attempting to cover for her. Still on this one I have to agree with her. We are so fickle.
ReplyDeleteFirst, elder or not, Ms. James showed bad form in her remarks. Second, yes, Beyonce has always come across as arrogant and self-absorbed, so no one should really be surprised at her self serving actions. But riddle me this, Batman: If Etta James does not consider President Obama HER President (and did not vote for him) then why would she want to perform for him? I guess any publicity is good, in her case.
ReplyDeleteI dunno, I still think Etta's justified-- regardless of circumstances, because Bey coulda sang a lot of songs. BUt get this-- NOW she's saying she was just "JOKING".... Word, Etta? LOL, nah-- she meant that shit. She was hot!
ReplyDeleteAs for her "views" on Obama-- that's a whole 'nother story, but if y'all follow my blog, you know how I feel about him.