Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder perform at Etta James funeral

PanARMENIAN.Net - About 300 mourners remembered legendary singer Etta James on Saturday, Jan 28, as an authentic voice whose velvety vocals bridged genres from blues to rock, CNN reported.

Another legendary singer, Stevie Wonder, gave a musical tribute to James at her funeral: He played the electronic keyboard and sang his "Shelter in the Rain." He then performed on the harmonica and sang The Lord's Prayer.

Also performing at the service was Christina Aguilera, who sang James' signature song "At Last" and ended her rendition to a standing audience with a farewell directed at James' casket: "May you rest in peace."

The Rev. Al Sharpton presided over the funeral in southern California where James was raised, and he began the service by reading aloud a note from President Barack Obama, who said that James' talents transcended genres.

Obama wrote that James will be remembered for her voice, Sharpton told family and friends at Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena.

"I know she will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved her," the president's note said, according to Sharpton.

James died January 20 at the age of 73 of complications due to leukemia at a hospital in Riverside, California. She would have turned 74 last Wednesday.