California, US (ABC News) - Etta James was remembered at a service attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest. Perhaps most famously, President Barack Obama and the first lady shared their first inaugural ball dance to a version of the song sung by Beyonce.
Sharpton on Saturday night opened his remarks by reading a statement from the president.