Has anyone else noticed that on several occasions lately Beyonce seems to have been guilty of being an “innocent bystander”. This whole “Kanye/Taylor/Beyonce thing” reminded me of the “Beyonce/Etta James thing” a while back. Through all of this Beyonce just presents herself a s a real “stand up” classy sort of lady.
Because of my profession as a wedding photographer I’ve became exposed to many versions of “At Last” through the years. Etta James recorded a version in 1961 that became very popular but it was written for a movie in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren when Etta James was only 5 years old. It’s been recorded by almost everyone since 1941. The first time I ever remember hearing the song was Etta’s version in 1961.
In those days my hometown of Brownwood Texas had regular Saturday night functions at the old Adams Street Community Center. The building was later purchased by LB Bowman and moved to it’s current location at the old Travelers Steak House in Early Texas. But these functions called “Teen Timers” had no booze, no drugs, and no one over 21. (come to think of it, there were NO drugs ANYWHERE back then) It was totally teenage stuff at these functions. Gene Street and the Cruisers would play often but we always had a jukebox with Etta James’ version of At Last on it. I always loved to dance back in those days, especially the slow songs like that. When Etta James came on the jukebox singing At Last, some of the girls I danced with with would get so hot that I could smell the foam rubber padding burning in their bras and I didn’t have a clue what to do. (but that’s another post).
For many years At Last was just another pretty song. Never though a lot about it. It was just a pretty song that was played at weddings a lot. A few years ago I stumbled across a version of At Last performed by Eva Cassidy. When I heard Eva’s version of At Last, the first thing that came to mind was the smell of burning rubber. But within seconds I was moved to tears by the complete and absolute beauty of the “one voice, one guitar” version of the song that I had been so fond of of so many years ago.
One voice, One Guitar” songs have always been my weakness, My life hasn’t been the same since I saw Julie London sing “Cry Me A River” in the movie The Girl Can’t Help It in 1956. Although I didn’t know what it was at the time, I can now look back and attribute this moment in my life to being the first erotic experience I ever had. The beauty of the song (and Julie wallering around on that staircase) was just doing strange things to me.
Anyway, back to the point. Beyonce once did a tribute to Etta James where she and the host of the show did a “bang up job” of honoring Etta for the contributions she had made to the music industry. During the process of doing this, she performed a version of At Last that completely overshadowed anything Etta James had ever done. It just sucked all the oxygen out of the room. Absolutely took my breath away. The shear beauty of Beyonce’s voice moved me to tears once again. I’m sorry but Etta just never did that for me. Her version of the song never did a lot for me except remind me of the “burning rubber smell”.
During the inauguration of “the Messiah”, Beyonce performed her version of At Last for Barack and Michelle as they danced together at one of the inaugural balls. Although I’m not just real fond of “the Messiah” and all that he’s “done for us”, the absolute beauty and the essence of this moment again moved me to tears. After Beyonce serenaded the new President and First Lady, Etta James went ballistic and criticised Beyonce severely. Said Beyonce had no right to “sing her song” . You know, the one which was written by a couple of guys when Etta was only 5 years old.
So what’s this “innocent bystander” thing all about. Why can’t we just admire Beyonce for the superhuman, superstar that she really is. She’s worked hard to get where she is today. It’s not her fault that God gave her more talent and beauty than Etta James. Beyonce has humbled herself live in front of Etta James and millions of viewers and Etta has rewarded her by criticising Beyonce publicly for “singing her song”. Many artists have recorded this song and done a better job than Etta James ever did. Even our own local wedding singer Pam Yancy does a better job of singing At Last than Etta ever did.
I’ve posted links below to videos of Etta James, Beyonce, and Eva Cassidy singing At Last. Please view the 3 videos and I’d love to have your comments. Which one is best?