Etta James began her career in a doo-wop group called Peaches at the age of 14, achieving her first hit in 1955. In 1960, she signed with the Chess Records subsidiary Argo Records, and released her two most acclaimed albums, “At Last!” and “The Second Time Around.” She has continued to record and perform, releasing 30 albums and 58 singles, although in the ‘60s and ‘70s her output was erratic, mainly due to her addiction to heroin. She kicked the habit in 1974, slowly rebuilding her career in small clubs and music festivals, eventually opening a tour for the Rolling Stones before releasing her major-label comeback in 1989.

She’s ranked #22 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Now, at the age of 73, James has released what may be one of her finest moments, “The Dreamer.” With the caveat that it will be her final album, Etta James has put her all into this record, reaching back to her deep rhythm and blues roots and pulling out all the stops. Covering classics from King Floyd, Otis Redding, Bobby Bland, Bob Montgomery, Ray Charles, Johnny Watson and James Milton Campbell, Jr., she breathes new life into many of these classics. Surprisingly, along with all these R&B greats, she throws us a loop in her cover of Guns ‘n’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” as only she could do it. James’ voice is as powerful and moving as ever, and the choice of material could not be more satisfying. Her sultry voice takes “Groove Me” to another level of excellence, and “Let Me Down Easy” could not be more expressive and emotional.

“The Dreamer” is a fine and apropos coda to the career of one of the greatest vocalists of all time, and will serve as a fitting epitaph to this beloved performer’s body of work.

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