By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
"You guys know your president right? You know the one with the big ears. Yeah, wait a minute, he ain't my president, he might be yours. I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song, she gonna get her ass whipped. The great Beyonce! Now like I said, she ain't mine. I can't stand Beyonce! She had no business up there singing. Singing on a big ole, big ole president day and going be singing my song that I've been singing forever."
– 71-year-old Blues legend Etta James dogged both President Barack Obama and singer Beyonce Knowles during a recent concert performance.
James, who Knowles played in the film 'Cadillac Records,' apparently felt snubbed by not being invited to sing her own song, 'At Last,' at the Neighborhood Ball during the Presidential Inauguration where the president and his wife Michelle Obama had their first dance.
Jay-Z and Beyonce Pictures
WASHINGTON - JANUARY 20: Singer Beyonce Knowles and husband Jay-Z arrive on the inaugural stage ahead of the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America on the West Front of the Capitol January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama becomes the first African-American to be elected to the office of President in the history of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jay-Z and Beyonce try to find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
AP
Diddy talks to a friends as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration ceremny in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. At far right is Jay-Z, Beyonce, second right and Solange Knowles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
AP
Jay-Z, Beyonce and Solange Knowles, left, stop for a photo as they try to find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
AP
Jay-Z and Beyonce try to find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
AP
Singers Beyonce Knowles (C), Jay-Z (R) and Bobbie Brown (L) attend the inauguration of US President-elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States at the US Capitol January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/ TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Singers Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z attend the inauguration of US President-elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States at the US Capitol January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/ TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Entertainers Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z await the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States, in Washington January 20, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Musicians Beyonce Knowles and Jay Z arrive at the 66th annual Golden Globe awards in Beverly Hills, California January 11, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Beyonce, left, is joined by husband Jay-Z, as she arrives at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
AP
Beyonce even performed 'At Last' in a tribute to James during the TV taping of Conde Nast's 'Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks' at
*****
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES** AP In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES** AP In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES ** AP In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES** AP NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images ) Getty Images
Mel B Pictures
Comments: (299)
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By: Lady Di on 2/04/2009 5:18PM
Why print that trash! Now we know WHY she didn't get invited to sing.... Ignorance referring to the President in that manner. Move over Etta, it's your song but this is a "NEW " day. Spreading bitter venom like this only makes sales for the story tellers/reporters.
Shame on you and shame on blackvoices for considering it news worthy!
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By: m.e.b. on 2/19/2009 4:33PM
t agree with you 100% this is a newday you should be thanking ms.b. because she sang that song you dont have that range.
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By: Pamela on 2/26/2009 12:26AM
I totally agree,when I was growing up in Chicago,I revered Ettas style,her growl,and strong gospel blues delivery.This was in 1962.For her to stoop to such a low level,its sad,and dissapointing.I am glad that I dont know her personally,but I still listen to her oldies but goodies.Beyonce honored Etta in covering the song,and she did it beautifully.Etta looks very small behind this
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By: Dan on 3/01/2009 8:32PM
You hit the nail right on the head. I couldn't say it any better.
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By: Tai on 3/02/2009 8:46PM
I agree and Etta should be greatful to Beyonce, because her portrayal of her in Cadillac records made Etta look a hell of alot better than she REALLY did. I think Etta was talented in her day but face it Beyonce sounds abetter singing her songs. Just my opinion Beyonce did get Ettas song heard to the new generation and I think for that she should be greatful. Old bag lol!
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By: mahalala on 3/04/2009 5:55PM
thank youuu! kno one wuda recognized her anyway.
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By: shrlwat on 2/04/2009 5:49PM
Who cares? Etta, your time has come and gone. Enjoy your retirement. Don't diss other culturally relevant icons, it's unbecoming and unprofessional.
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By: Anthony on 2/04/2009 5:55PM
I agree with schrwat. Etta needs to relax!! If it wasn't from Beyonce, alot of people wouldn't even know who you are.....so take a chill pill and thank Beyonce for bringing your name to light!!
I love me some B!!
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By: avonlady256 on 2/04/2009 6:10PM
Right on Etta!!!! Although I don't think it was the President's doing, I do think she was snubbed. Who better to sing At Last than Etta James. Frankly, I thought the same thing when I say Beyonce doing a terrible rendition of the famous tune. We all know Beyonce begged to do it! Give respect where respect is do. The hip hop generation has no respect. Etta James is a legend and should be treated as such!
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By: ydub on 2/15/2009 9:21PM
i agree with anthony nobody even heard of etta james until beyonce and im sure she wasnt tryna step on anyones toes so to keep it real she was actually better than etta to me
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