necessitous phylys: Etta James Remembered By will.i.am, Hayley Williams

Late blues singer also mourned by Flo Rida, whose latest hit, 'Good Feeling,' samples James' 'Something's Got a Hold on Me.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Etta James in 1965
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

As the world mourns the loss of Etta James, many of her celebrity fans are taking to Twitter to remember the soul singer, known best for songs like "At Last," "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "Tell Mama."

Adam Lambert, Mya, Keri Hilson and Russell Brand kept their reaction to a simple "RIP," while others decided to remember the singer in more personal ways. "Showing respect appreciation and love for all the wonderful music and joy #ettajames brought to the world...#ettajamesforever," Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am tweeted.

"Rip [to] Etta James," the Roots' ?uestlove wrote. "I will hold the torch high for The Roots name in your honor."

Photos: The life and career of Etta James.

Proving that her soulful voice and influence spanned generations and genres, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams recalled how James' music influenced her. "#EttaJames, I will be forever grateful for your voice and your soul. Rest in peace."

Christina Aguilera, who clearly picked up some tips on fierce singing from Ms. James, sent a statement to MTV News: "Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage. Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career. She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come."

British pop singer Jessie J reacted to the news as well, saying, "Just been told the legend that is Etta James has passed. Thank you for your voice your dedication to us and your gift. Your voice is timeless and will forever live on. I will always look to you for inspiration. R.I.P."

Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill tweeted, "RIP Etta James. One of the greatest voices of all time. Thanks for the many romantic moments your music created."

Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan called James "a WARRIOR of a woman. A talent without equal."

Rapper Flo Rida — whose latest hit, "Good Feeling," samples James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me" — added, "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with."

And like Flo, EDM artist Avicii uses the same sample, on his song "Le7els." That song's executive producer, Ash Pounouri, sent a statement to MTV News about James' death: "She had one of the most amazing and standout voices in the world and we are so glad she got to hear our interpretation of her work. 'Le7els' will always be a big milestone in not only our career, but for Electronic Dance Music as a whole genre — so many people around the world have embraced her lyrics in this track, especially the generations that would otherwise have risked missing out on acknowledging her incredible vocal talent."

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe noted how "inspirational" James has been to young singers. "One of the #IDOL finalists just sang 'I'd Rather Go Blind' yesterday," he tweeted. "We were saying how great Etta James was and now we've lost her."

It's not just the music community bidding the singer a fond farewell. "Pretty Little Liars" star Shay Mitchell wrote, "R.I.P Etta James. I'll keep playing your records over and over again, especially this song," tweeting a link to her iconic track "At Last." "Vampire Diaries" actress Candice Accola tweeted, "Oh Etta, you live on in our hearts and leave us dreaming of a Sunday kind of love. Rest in peace."

"Glee" diva Amber Riley added that the jazzy singer had "such a unique & beautiful voice."

James died Friday (January 20) after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She was 73 years old.

Share your condolences with Etta James' friends and family on our Facebook page.

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