Singer Etta James, died on Tuesday, her friend and manager Lupe DeLeon told CNN. She was 73.

James died from complications from leukemia with her husband, Artis Mills, and her sons at her side, she said.

She died at a hospital in Riverside, California.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," De Leon said.

"She was a true original who could sing it all -- her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always."