Etta James' version of Take it to the Limit is one of my all-time favourite songs, dating back from a late-night TV show I saw her on years and years ago where she sang this song with just a piano accompaniment, but backed by a full gospel choir, probably 60 people, all in their robes, swaying behind her. I've looked all over the net but there doesn't seem to be any recording of it.

It started with her and the pianist on an empty stage, and when she got to the line "You know, I've always been a dreamer", the curtain behind her opened, and there was the choir with "Spent my life running round..." God, it was stunning.

I love her. She's third on my list after Ella and Billie. And she died far too young. Thank you, Etta.