Artis Mills is the loyal husband of famous American singer Etta James. He stayed by her side for more than 43 years through good times and bad. Many people know Etta James for her beautiful voice and hit songs like “At Last” and “Tell Mama.” But not many people know about the man who loved her and cared for her until her last breath. In this article, we will tell you everything about Artis Mills, his life, his marriage, and his deep love for one of music’s greatest legends.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Artis D. Mills |
| Known For | Husband of Etta James |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Birth Year | Estimated mid-1940s |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Profession | Tour Manager, Music Manager |
| Spouse | Etta James (married 1969-2012) |
| Years Married | 43 years |
| Stepchildren | Donto James, Sametto James |
| Current Status | Alive, living privately |
Early Life and Background
Artis Mills was born in the United States. We do not know his exact date of birth, his parents’ names, or details about his childhood. He kept his personal life very private. Before he met Etta James, he lived a quiet life away from fame and cameras.
Mills was an African-American man who worked in the music business. Some reports say he may have been born in the mid-1940s. However, there are no official records to confirm this. What we do know is that his life changed forever when he met the legendary singer Etta James.
How Artis Mills Met Etta James
Artis Mills and Etta James first met in the late 1960s. The exact place and time of their meeting remains unknown. What we do know is that love grew between them quickly. They got married in 1969 and started a journey that would last more than four decades.
When they married, Etta James was already a famous singer. She had hit songs and many fans. But she also had serious problems with drug addiction. Mills knew about her struggles, but he chose to stay with her anyway. This shows how deep his love for her was from the very beginning.
Their Marriage: Love Through Hard Times
The marriage between Artis Mills and Etta James was not easy. Etta struggled with drug addiction for many years. She was addicted to drugs like heroin. This caused many problems in their life together. But Mills never left her side. He supported her through every difficult moment.
In the early 1970s, both Artis and Etta were arrested for drug possession. In a surprising act of love, Mills took all the blame. He accepted full responsibility so his wife could stay free and continue her music career. Because of this decision, he went to prison for 10 years. He was released in 1981. This sacrifice showed the world how much he truly loved Etta James.
Role as Tour Manager and Supporter
After their marriage, Artis Mills became Etta James’s tour manager. He helped organize her concerts and performances. He made sure everything ran smoothly when she was on stage. This job kept him close to his wife and let him protect her career.
Mills was more than just a manager. He was her strongest supporter. When Etta made her musical comeback in the late 1980s with her album “Seven Year Itch“, Mills was there helping her. He stayed in the background but did important work to keep her career going strong.
Stepfather to Etta’s Sons
Artis Mills and Etta James did not have children together. However, Etta had two sons from earlier relationships: Donto James and Sametto James. Mills became their stepfather when he married Etta. He helped raise them and was part of their lives for many years.
Both sons became musicians like their mother. Donto is a talented drummer who played with Etta at concerts. Sametto is a bass guitar player who also performed with her. The family often worked together in music, showing the bond they shared.
Etta James’s Health Problems and Final Years
In 2008, Etta James was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This illness affects memory and thinking. It was the beginning of a very hard time for the family. Two years later, she was hospitalized with a serious infection. Her health continued to get worse over time.
In 2011, doctors told the family that Etta had terminal leukemia, a type of blood cancer. She also had kidney problems and dementia. Mills stayed by her side during this difficult period. He became the main person responsible for her medical care. He spent about $30,000 every month on doctors and nurses to care for her at their home in Riverside, California.
The Legal Battle Over Etta’s Estate
When Etta James became very sick, a legal fight started between Artis Mills and her sons. Mills wanted to be the conservator of her estate, which was worth about $1 million. A conservator is someone who manages another person’s money and health decisions when they cannot do it themselves.
Etta’s sons, Donto and Sametto, had concerns about their mother’s care. Donto asked the court to make him the conservator instead. In December 2011, a judge in Riverside County ruled that Mills would remain in charge. The court allowed him to use $350,000 for Etta’s medical expenses. According to Donto, the family worked out their problems the day before Etta died.
The Death of Etta James
Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012, at Riverside Community Hospital in California. She was 73 years old. She died from complications of leukemia. Her death came just five days before her 74th birthday. Mills was with her until the end, along with her two sons.
Her funeral was a big event in the music world. Reverend Al Sharpton led the service at Greater Bethany Community Church in Gardena, California. Famous singers Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera sang tributes in her honor. Etta was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles County.
Where is Artis Mills Now?
After Etta James died, Artis Mills disappeared from public life. He went back to living quietly, away from cameras and attention. No one has heard from him in interviews or seen him at events. He prefers to keep his life private, just like he did before he met Etta.
Many people believe Mills is still alive. However, without any public updates, we cannot know details about his current life. Those who remember him describe him as a loyal and loving husband who dedicated his life to supporting Etta James through everything.
Conclusion
Artis Mills is a man who loved deeply and gave everything for his wife. He stood by Etta James through addiction, prison, illness, and legal battles. He was her tour manager, her caretaker, and her best friend. Though he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, his story shows us what true partnership looks like. Etta James may have been the star, but Artis Mills was the quiet strength behind her for more than four decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Artis Mills?
Artis Mills is the husband of late American singer Etta James. He was married to her from 1969 until her death in 2012. He worked as her tour manager and was her loyal supporter for over 43 years.
2. Why did Artis Mills go to prison?
Artis Mills went to prison because he took the blame when he and Etta James were arrested for drug possession in the 1970s. He accepted full responsibility to protect his wife’s career and served a 10-year prison sentence.
3. Did Artis Mills and Etta James have children together?
No, Artis Mills and Etta James did not have children together. However, Etta had two sons from earlier relationships named Donto James and Sametto James. Mills became their stepfather.
4. Is Artis Mills still alive?
Based on available information, Artis Mills is still alive. However, he has been living a very private life since Etta James died in 2012. He does not appear in public or give interviews.
5. How long were Artis Mills and Etta James married?
Artis Mills and Etta James were married for 43 years. They got married in 1969 and stayed together until Etta passed away on January 20, 2012.
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