Tributes pour in for James

Rap mogul Russell Simmons, rocker Nathan Followill, actress Jessica Alba and hip-hop star Ahmir '?Uestlove' Thompson are among the celebrities who have paid tribute to soul icon Etta James following her death on Friday.

The music veteran passed away at a hospital in Riverside, California after suffering complications from leukaemia. She was 73.

As news of her tragic death broke across the internet, a host of stars turned to their Twitter.com blogs to remember the legendary singer.

Followill, who was among the first to tweet about James, writes, "RIP Etta James. One of the greatest voices of all time. Thanks for the many romantic moments your music created."

Simmons simply posts, "RIP Etta James", while The Roots star ?uestlove adds, "rip to Etta James. i will hold the torch high for The Roots name in your honor."

Motley Crue rocker Nikki Sixx writes, "RIP Etta James. Your music soothed and ignited passion in so many of us" and rapper MC Hammer remembers: "When she sang she had the Gift to become 'The Song', the pain, the love, the Glory. RIP Etta James".

Alba tweets, "RIP EttaJames u r (sic) a legend and 1 of my all time favs -thank you for giving us all the gift of song -what a voice!" and R&B star Kelly Rowland writes, "CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence!"

Jessie J posts, "Just been told the legend that is Etta James has passed. Thank you for your voice your dedication to us and your gift. Your voice is timeless and will forever live on. I will always look to you for inspiration. R.I.P"

Meanwhile, former Cheers star Kirstie Alley remembered James by tweeting lyrics from her classic song At Last as other tributes poured in from actors Mia Farrow, Jamie Bell, Denise Richards and Emmy Rossum, singer Estelle, country star Chely Wright and Paramore's Hayley Williams.