Human Cost of Cancer: Remember Notable People Lost in 2012 - Slideshow

Four-time Grammy-winning artist Etta James, whose soulful and sultry voice propelled her into stardom in 1961, died of leukemia complications on Jan. 20, 2012 in Riverside, Calif., at the age of 73.

James was a young gospel singer when her 51-year professional vocal career began. While she is referred to as a rhythm and blues singer, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.