The first time I can recall hearing “At Last” and really listening to the song was during a scene in Pleasantville, where the teenagers are at Lover’s Lane, with the fields coloured with fresh flowers in full bloom. Since then, I’ve always associated that image of the cherry blossoms blowing in the wind on a Spring afternoon with Etta James’s beautiful ballad on the joy of finally finding your one true love.

“At Last” is a favourite for couples in love, for hopeless romantics, for sentimentalists who long for the sweet sounds of yesteryear, and for the countless musicians who are inspired by Etta.

Etta James has left behind a lasting legacy with her timeless, soulful voice. Thank you for giving us one of the greatest love songs of all time.

Rest peacefully, songbird.

You smiled and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine, at last