Music of the Day, 27 June 2025

a good feeling

Sometimes the silliest basis for a choice reaps unexpected rewards. Such is the case with today’s MotD.

I wanted to hear some Etta James, so I plugged in my music library … and discovered that it has a huge Etta James-shaped hole in it. So I turned to YouTube. I recognized a couple of song titles, no doubt from airplay on my parents’ AM variety radio station. One title sparked some recollection from the radio station in my mind, but assuming that was accurate, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.

So I chose a title that was unfamiliar to me, but not exactly because of that—mostly because the video title identified it as a live performance, and also because the still suggested James is wearing a colorwork sweater.

And that’s how I discovered this churchy R&B gem:

It says something about her performance that I forgot to give the cardigan any attention; I was too enthralled by her voice. “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” is the third single from Etta James’ 1962 album, so it’s possible that my parents’ station played it. But I was a baby then and have no memories from that time.

James cowrote the song with Leroy Kirkland and Pearl Woods, which helps explain why she totally owns every note. Her vocal range and dexterity are on full display, and I’m here for all of it. I don’t know if that bit that starts with her rolling an “r” is considered scatting, but it’s close enough for me. Absolutely divine.