Family, friends gather for Etta James’ funeral

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hundreds of Etta James’ friends, fans and family have convened to remember the legendary rhythm and blues singer.

Mourners at James’ funeral Saturday are to include entertainment luminaries, with both Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera scheduled to perform.

The service is being held at City of Refuge Church in Gardena, south of downtown Los Angeles.

James died Jan. 20 at age 73 after battling leukemia and other ailments. She was most famous for her rendition of “At Last,” and over her decades-long career, she became revered for her passionate singing voice. Her version of the song has become an enduring anthem for weddings and commercials.

She won four Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor and was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.