I can't say that I qualify as a true 'fan' but I can say that after seeing 'Cadillac Records' I became interested in her and found her life story facinating (as true with many blues musicians of her era). The 'Chess Records' story is great. Interesting that it is presumed that her biological father was 'Minnesota Fats' who many of us know as the only pool player we could name. Her song 'At Last' is amazing -- but I am sure Etta James fans know more of her work that didn't make it into popular music of the time.
I guess she had a rough early life and a rough ending -- hope there was happiness for her in between. RIP.