Music

Etta James, the internationally renowned singer who is a Woodcrest resident, has been hospitalized for about a month and is battling various ailments, according to her son Donto James.

James, 72, is recovering from a urinary tract infection that led to sepsis, among other bacterial infections, Donto James said.

"She's been battling for her life and sanity," he said.

A famous singer who has crossed the genres of R&B, rock 'n' roll, gospel and jazz, James popularized the song "At Last," and had other hits including "All I Could Do Was Cry," and "I'd Rather Go Blind."

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James also wrote an autobiography "Rage to Survive," that detailed her life, including drug addiction.

Donto James said his mother entered a detox program in Hemet about a month ago to combat a dependency on painkillers and over-the-counter medicines. She was transferred to another facility when her physical condition worsened before moving to Riverside Community Hospital, where she has been for about a week, he said.

Donto James said his mother has been doing better and is expected to be released from Riverside Community Hospital to a nursing facility to go through physical therapy soon. He said she could be in the facility for three weeks, but it could be longer, depending on her progress.

"The whole goal is to get her back home and well," he said.

Reach Vanessa Franko at 951-368-9575 or vfranko@PE.com