Jamesetta Hawkins, known professionally as Etta James, was an American singer who performed in various genres, including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel.

Was Etta James White or black?

*Etta James was born on this date in 1938. She was a Black singer. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles to 14-year-old Dorothy Hawkins. James' father was white and has never been identified but James speculated that he was the pool player, Rudolf "Minnesota Fats" Wanderone.

How old was Dorothy Hawkins when she had Etta James?

James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, to a 14-year-old mother, Dorothy Hawkins, who encouraged her daughter's singing career.