RIP Etta James (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)-Get well soon Ralph E. Higdon

[Dragon Lady]

She was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2011. The illness became terminal and she died on January 20, 2012, just five days before her 74th birthday, at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. Her death came three days after that of Johnny Otis, the man who discovered her in the 1950s. Additionally, just 36 days after her death, her sideman Red Holloway also died.

Eric Words : "Life is like a song" and in this life today we say goodbye to one of our great singers -- Etta James. I remember listening to her on jukeboxes in Paris cafes when I was just a kid. 
"For here we are in heaven. For you are mine at last." My thoughts are with her family and fans. Rest in peace, Etta.

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Dear Dragon Lady. I should have checked out your post first. I just posted a blog about the sad news. Erics words were just so perfect. Gonna be playing Ettas music a lot now. She was such a soulful singer.

[Dragon Lady]

Thank you Ralph,  but you can always deleted blog or edit blog if you want. The options exits 

Ralph E. Higdon said:

Dear Dragon Lady. I should have checked out your post first. I just posted a blog about the sad news. Erics words were just so perfect. Gonna be playing Ettas music a lot now. She was such a soulful singer.

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Dragon Lady, I know but my mind is in a bit of a turmoil. I have been diagnosed with cancer so forgive my idiot way of thinking. Now lets pray that the "Eggmans" health gets better real soon. Hard to think of maybe never hearing any new music from Eric& the guys. Peace,my friend, Ralph

[Dragon Lady]

OMG Ralph I'm very sorry this really bed news. I hope that is cancer benign. I hope you see  Eric began tour again now is playing at Desert Stories- Joshua Tree CA -January 28, 2012  

Ralph E. Higdon said:

Dragon Lady, I know but my mind is in a bit of a turmoil. I have been diagnosed with cancer so forgive my idiot way of thinking. Now lets pray that the "Eggmans" health gets better real soon. Hard to think of maybe never hearing any new music from Eric& the guys. Peace,my friend, Ralph

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Dear Dragon Lady, thank you for your concern. But it not benign. I will lose a kidney and be laid up quite awhile. Eric is feeling well,now? Great news! I was worried about him. I just keep playing his "take" on Never give Up Blues. Keeps me going. Take care of yourself and Peace to you always. Ralph

[Deb]

I don't know Ralph but I know how devastating a bad diagnosis is. That being said - I am hoping you seek best medical care available and kick cancer's butt. My niece did! chemo , radiation surgery but she is healthy now. Prayer is powerful. and being proactive and finding best care - making decisions about treatment etc. Be strong.

[Karen Booth]

Hello, Ralph. I've just now read about your news.  I am so sorry to hear it and  I wish you all the best.  Please keep us posted.  We're all one family here and we care.  When is/was your surgery?  "Eggman" seems to be doing great, touring all over the place and has recently added a performance (or two) in Austin, TX next week (3/14)... 

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Dear Karen&Deb. Thanks for your concern. Yes,we really are a family. My operation is on the 21st of this month. I have a 7 centimeter tumor on my right kidney.Im gonna lose it but considering what I was told at first its not that big of a deal. The doctors first told me I also had cancer of the pancreas. They were wrong. I will be laid up for up to six weeks. Will try to chat if Im able. Peace to you all, Ralph

[Karen Booth]

Hope you take very good care of yourself, Ralph...  Be strong.  Please do chat with us as soon as you're up to it. 

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Karen & and all my friends...thanks! One at times like this need all the support one can find. Im never gonna give up!

[Dragon Lady]

Hold on and do not give up, we're with you 

[Ralph E. Higdon]

Thank you,my dear,Dragon Lady. I am humbled by all the concern from my EVB friends. I wish you,also,good health. Peace,Ralph