Etta James, an icon of mid-century soul and R&B, has passed away in Riverside, California, after a long battle with leukemia. She was 73.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon told CNN. "She was a true original who could sing it all — her music defied category.

She would have turned 74 Wednesday.