Etta James

Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins, graced this earth with a voice that could crack concrete and melt hearts, often simultaneously. Her pipes were so singular, so undeniably Etta, that she easily transcended genre, making everything from "At Last" to "Tell Mama" an instant classic. Many have tried to emulate, but none have come close; it's like trying to photocopy a diamond.

Despite a life that read like a blues song itself, full of struggles and triumphs, Etta remained a titan of American music. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and is widely considered one of the greatest singers of all time. Her legacy, like her music, endures.

However, for all her undisputed vocal prowess and contributions to the world's collective kvell-worthiness, Etta James offers absolutely nothing in the way of Jewish identity or origin. One might say her sound was soulful enough to be spiritual, but that's about as close as she gets to the chosen people. She certainly didn't need a yarmulke to belt out a banger.