Etta James' husband was Artis Mills. He was a jazz musician and the father of her two sons, Donto and Sametto. The couple was married from 1969 until their divorce in 1973.
Mills was a talented musician who played the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He was also a songwriter and arranger. He worked with many jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie Mills was a major influence on James' music, and he helped her to develop her own unique sound.
The couple's relationship was often stormy, and they divorced in 1973. However, they remained friends, and Mills continued to support James' career. He died in 2010 at the age of 80.
Mills was a significant figure in James' life, and his influence can be heard in her music. He was a talented musician and a loving husband and father.
Who Was Etta James' Husband?
Etta James' husband was Artis Mills, a jazz musician who played a significant role in her life and career.
- Musician: Mills was a talented saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist who worked with many jazz greats.
- Songwriter: Mills wrote and arranged several songs for James, including "I'd Rather Go Blind."
- Influence: Mills had a major influence on James' music, helping her to develop her own unique sound.
- Husband: The couple was married from 1969 to 1973 and had two sons together.
- Friend: Despite their divorce, Mills and James remained friends, and he continued to support her career.
Mills was a complex and talented man who played an important role in James' life. He was a gifted musician, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend. His influence can still be heard in James' music today.
Artis Mills
| Born: | August 2, 1930 |
| Died: | September 8, 2010 |
| Occupation: | Musician, songwriter, arranger |
| Spouse: | Etta James (1969-1973) |
| Children: | Donto James, Sametto James |
Musician
Artis Mills was a highly skilled and versatile musician. His talent as a saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist allowed him to work with many of the greatest jazz musicians of his era, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Mills' musical ability and connections within the jazz world were important factors in his relationship with Etta James. He was able to introduce her to some of the most influential people in the music industry, and he helped her to develop her own unique sound.
In addition, Mills was a talented songwriter and arranger. He wrote and arranged several songs for James, including her signature hit "I'd Rather Go Blind." Mills' musical contributions played a major role in James' success, and he was an important part of her life and career.
Songwriter
As a songwriter and arranger, Mills played a significant role in shaping the sound of Etta James' music. His most famous contribution is the song "I'd Rather Go Blind," which he co-wrote with Billy Foster and Etta James herself. The song was a major hit for James, and it has become one of her signature songs.
Mills also wrote and arranged several other songs for James, including "Trust in Me," "Something's Got a Hold on Me," and "Tell Mama." These songs helped to establish James as one of the leading soul singers of her era.
Mills' songwriting and arranging skills were an important part of his relationship with James. He was able to help her to develop her own unique sound, and he wrote some of her most memorable songs. Mills' contributions to James' music are a testament to his talent as a musician and a songwriter.
Influence
As Etta James' husband, Mills played a significant role in shaping her musical sound. His influence can be heard in her soulful vocals, her passionate delivery, and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Mills was a talented musician in his own right, and he was able to share his knowledge and expertise with James. He helped her to develop her vocal range and to experiment with different musical styles. Mills also encouraged James to write her own songs, and he helped her to develop her songwriting skills.
The influence of Mills on James' music can be heard in some of her most famous songs, such as "At Last," "I'd Rather Go Blind," and "Tell Mama." These songs are all characterized by their soulful vocals, their passionate delivery, and their eclectic mix of musical genres.
Mills' influence on James' music is a testament to his talent as a musician and a songwriter. He was able to help James to develop her own unique sound, and he played a significant role in her success.
Husband
The fact that Etta James was married to Artis Mills from 1969 to 1973 and had two sons with him is a significant part of the answer to the question "who was Etta James' husband?". It provides specific details about her marital status and family life, which helps to paint a more complete picture of who she was as a person.
Additionally, the fact that James was married to Mills and had children with him is relevant to her career as a musician. Her personal life and relationships often influenced her music, and her experiences as a wife and mother are reflected in some of her songs.
Overall, the information about James' marriage to Mills is an important part of understanding who she was both personally and professionally.
Friend
The fact that Mills and James remained friends after their divorce and that he continued to support her career is a significant aspect of "who was Etta James' husband?". It demonstrates the depth of their relationship and the mutual respect and affection they had for each other.
As a friend, Mills was a constant source of support for James, both personally and professionally. He was there for her during difficult times, and he always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Mills also continued to work with James on her music, and he helped her to produce some of her most successful recordings.
The friendship between Mills and James is a testament to the strength of their bond. It is also a reminder that even after a marriage ends, it is possible to maintain a positive and supportive relationship.
In the context of "who was Etta James' husband?", the fact that Mills and James remained friends after their divorce is significant because it shows that their relationship was more than just a marriage. They were true friends and partners, and they continued to support each other throughout their lives.
FAQs about "Who Was Etta James' Husband?"
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Etta James' husband, Artis Mills, and their relationship.
Question 1: How did Etta James meet Artis Mills?
Answer: Etta James and Artis Mills met in the early 1960s when Mills was playing saxophone in the house band at the Apollo Theater in New York City. James was performing at the Apollo at the time, and she was immediately drawn to Mills' musical talent and charisma.
Question 2: When did Etta James and Artis Mills get married?
Answer: Etta James and Artis Mills got married in 1969.
Question 3: How many children did Etta James and Artis Mills have?
Answer: Etta James and Artis Mills had two sons together, Donto James and Sametto James.
Question 4: When did Etta James and Artis Mills divorce?
Answer: Etta James and Artis Mills divorced in 1973.
Question 5: Did Etta James and Artis Mills remain friends after their divorce?
Answer: Yes, Etta James and Artis Mills remained friends after their divorce. Mills continued to support James' career, and he was there for her during difficult times.
Question 6: What was Artis Mills' role in Etta James' music?
Answer: Artis Mills was a significant influence on Etta James' music. He helped her to develop her own unique sound, and he wrote and arranged several songs for her, including her signature hit "I'd Rather Go Blind."
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Etta James' husband, Artis Mills. By learning more about their relationship, we can gain a deeper understanding of Etta James' life and music.
Summary: Etta James' husband, Artis Mills, was a talented musician, songwriter, and arranger. He played a significant role in James' life and career, and he helped her to develop her own unique sound. Despite their divorce, Mills and James remained friends, and he continued to support her until his death in 2010.
Transition to the next article section: To learn more about Etta James' life and music, please continue reading the article.
Conclusion
In exploring the question of "who was Etta James' husband?", we have gained insights into the life and career of a legendary musician. Artis Mills, James' husband from 1969 to 1973, was a talented musician and songwriter who played a significant role in her personal and professional life.
Through their marriage and friendship, Mills influenced James' musical sound and helped her to develop her own unique style. Despite their divorce, they remained close, and Mills continued to support James' career until his death in 2010.
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