Adele remembers 'ultimate original' Etta James

Adele has become the latest star to pay tribute to soul legend Etta James, who passed away on Friday (20Jan12).

The At Last singer died just five days before her 74th birthday, after suffering complications from leukemia.

Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons have honored the star in the wake of her passing, and now British soul sensation Adele as paid her respects in a message on her blog - and reveals she was lucky enough to catch James in concert before she fell ill.

She writes, "What a lady Etta James was. She was the ultimate original.

"Her voice was breathtaking and her songs are reflections we all recognize in some way or another. It's an honor every time I hear her voice.

"I saw her at BB Kings in New York a few years ago, and it was something I will remember forever. Thank you to Etta James. And I send all my love to her family and friends xxxx."