James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994.

James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994.

James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994.

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. Let's continue our archive series R&B, rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll with rhythm and blues singer Etta James. She got her start at the age of 15 when she was ...