Family, friends and fans gathered to remember Etta James at a memorial service on Saturday at City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California. The legendary singer was eulogized by the Reverend Al Sharpton, and her most beloved songs were brought to life with rousing performances by Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder.

Sharpton opened the service by reading a statement from President Barack Obama, whose first inaugural-ball dance with First Lady Michelle Obama was famously accompanied by a rendition of James’ classic “At Last” performed by Beyoncé.

“Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our nation’s musical heritage,” Obama’s statement read.

James died on January 20 after a long battle with leukemia and other health problems, including kidney failure and dementia. She was 73.

Sharpton’s eulogy of James recounted a difficult life of poverty and pain that was brought out in songs that influenced contemporary singers from Aguilera and Adele to Florence Welch and Amy Winehouse, who like James battled drug addiction but unlike her idol was never able to overcome it. James was also a favorite of Beyoncé, who portrayed the singer in the 2008 film “Cadillac Records.”

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Pictured: Singer Stevie Wonder (L) performs at the Etta James’  funeral, 2012 in Gardena, California, on January 28, 2012.   AFP PHOTO/VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)