Did Etta James Write Her Own Songs?

Etta James did write some of her own material, but as was popular her era, she found a niche through powerhouse interpretations of other writers’ songs. 

James dod have writing credits early in her career, like “Dance with Me, Henry,” her first hit in 1955. She also co-wrote a handful of later tracks.

But most of the songs she’s known for were not written by her, like “At Last,” “I’d Rather Go Blind,” or “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”. 

But her performance of the songs is what made them unforgettable. Etta had one of the must uniquely soulful vocals of the century, and she was casually able to blend blues, jazz and soul into mainstream popular music

Etta James wasn’t primarily known as a songwriter, but she didn’t need a large catalog of original songs to define her career.