Beyonce Knowles feels "fortunate" to have met Etta James.

The singer-and-actress portrayed the legendary singer in 2008 movie 'Cadillac Records' and says she always remember Etta fondly following her death earlier today (20.01.12).

She said in a statement: "Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime.

"Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

Earlier today, Beyonce's former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland also paid tribute to Etta, after she died at the age of 73 following a battle with leukaemia.

She tweeted: "CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence! (sic)"

Etta had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010, according to her long time friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, and died in hospital in Riverside, California.