Earl Thomas sings I'd Rather Go Blind (London)

Earl Thomas & The Royal Guard performing the Etta James classic RATHER GO BLIND
This recording was filmed in London at the Ealing Blues Festival. This was the last show of the tour and everybody was feeling good and not wanting it to end.
Etta James was an icon pure and simple. One of the greatest voices of our time and one of the nicest people I've ever met (yes I have met her!). She actually called me on the phone one afternoon back in '94.
She called to say that she was going to record my song "I Sing The Blues" and wanted to let me know how much she appreciated my "contemporary blues" writing style and that she loved the song.
I was in the middle of a nap this afternoon and the phone call woke me up. At first, I didn't believe it was her. I thought it was my friend Shanita playing a practical joke on me but the voice on the other end sounded vaguely familiar and within a few seconds I realized that I was actually speaking to THE Etta James!!
We chatted for a few minutes and then Etta James said something to me I will never forget. She said, and I quote, "With a voice like yours, you ought to be singing one of my songs!"

[@joeyyork8551]

love love love EARL THOMAS!!

[@ScottAChasen]

all right Earl! I love it!

[@unaluna1000]

Wow!!!!

[@romulusdorin537]

It was a superb spectacle offered by Earl Thomas "Blues Festival Focşani" (România) !
09-11.09.2026