I don't think one can do without the House of Blues "Essential Women of the Blues," which features artists such as Sippie Wallace, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Ida Cox, Ruth Brown, Alberta Hunter, Ma Rainey, Big Maybelle and Memphis Minnie.

And if I had to pick one out of that number who I listen to over and over, it would be Etta James... ooh, baby, ooh, baby. I have a tape of hers out in the car, but I can't tell you the name of it. Has "Feel like Breakin' Up Somebody's Home," (hey, we've all been there...), " "Step into My Fire," and "Come to Mama." Oh, dear Lord, can that woman SING. I saw her in concert once in an amphitheater north of Santa Fe, and she just sizzles...

(If I believed in reincarnation, or if I could just morph myself into another person, I'd pick Etta James. If you've seen my photo, you'll know what a stretch that would be. But in my heart, there's a great big ol' Etta!) WyoWoman