Vika Bull takes on the role of Etta James in a concert that shines a new light on the iconic singer’s life.
Etta James may be celebrated as one of the twentieth century's greatest singers, but much less is known about how a tumultuous personal life shaped her 57-year career. ‘At Last: The Etta James Story’ is a narrative concert written by UK author John Livings, which reveals the ‘At Last’ singer's journey from choir girl to world renowned matriarch of the blues.
“It's really interesting, I didn't really know how hard a life she had until I read her book,” says Melbourne singer, Vika Bull who performs 24 songs from James' repertoire in the show. “That was eye-opening; Etta's mother was very young when she gave birth to her and kind of abandoned her so she had to grow up very, very fast.”
Bull admits that James' difficult upbringing and struggles with heroin addiction can make it hard to emulate her soulful singing style. “She lead a very different life to me and she has a much richer tone to her voice which I had to try and copy as much as I could. I had a pretty cushy life compared to her so I just have to try and understand it as much as I can!”
Bull may brand her life as “cushy” but it certainly hasn't been boring. Rising to fame alongside sister Linda as backing singer for Joe Camilleri's The Black Sorrows, Bull has supported the likes of Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker and Sting. As a lifelong James fan, the offer to be involved with ‘At Last...’ was too good to refuse for Bull. “She's my favourite singer. She's such belter and such a powerful emotional performer. When I got into her at 17 years old, I learnt all her music and would try and copy her.”
‘At Last...’ sees Bull perform iconic James songs including ‘Roll With Me Henry’ and ‘Deep In The Night’ as well as narration on key moments in her life and career. With critically acclaimed performances across the country as well as a seven-night stint at Sydney Opera House this month, The Etta James Story is a testament to James enduring appeal, as well as Bull's own singing talent. “In interviews, Etta would say that she wouldn't change anything about her life because it made her into the singer that she became. Now I'm older, I understand how she could sing like that. I've been round the block a few times, maybe not as many as she went though!”
Written by Phoebe Hurst
‘At Last: The Etta James Story’
Feb 5-Feb 9 - Sydney Opera House
Feb 14 - QPAC’s Concert Hall
