Because I d been a tomboy and I wanted to look grown and wanted to wear high-heeled shoes and fishtail gowns and big long rhinestone earring.

NPR: "Matriarch of the Blues" Etta James dies at 71

And I wanted to look grown, you know, I want to wear tall high-heeled shoes, and fishtail gowns, and big long rhinestone earrings, you know.

NPR: Etta James: Still Singing Her Song