James funeral planned; Al Sharpton to eulogize

In this Saturday, June 19, 2004, photo, Etta James & The Roots Band perform at the 26th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The singer's manager says Etta James has died in Southern California. Lupe De Leon tells The Associated Press the singer died early Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at Riverside Community Hospital. De Leon says the cause of death is complications of leukemia. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

James funeral planned; Al Sharpton to eulogize

NEW YORK (AP) — A public viewing will be held Friday for singer Etta James, and the Rev. Al Sharpton will eulogize the late legend at a private funeral Saturday.

A statement from Sharpton's representative Tuesday said the funeral will include performances by celebrities, but those names were not announced.

James died last Friday at age 73 after battling leukemia and other ailments, including dementia. She was most famous for her classic "At Last," but over her decades-long career, she became revered for her passionate singing voice.
The public viewing will be held in Inglewood and the funeral will be held in Gardena, both in the Los Angeles area.

The family is asking that any donations be sent to the Philadelphia-based Rhythm & Blues Foundation.

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