Now, we're 15-year-olds and we're going to the hotel with the band and Johnny Otis?

NPR: Etta James: Still Singing Her Song

Later, in San Francisco, she formed a singing group called the Creolettes, who were discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis, who coincidentally also died this week.

BBC: Etta James: Soul legend dies in California

All of a sudden we got a call that night, and it was Abby calling us back to say, listen, guess who I'm with, I'm with Johnny Otis.

NPR: Etta James: Still Singing Her Song