Scratch Etta James From D.C. Concert

Blues singer Etta James, who had been announced as a performer for Saturday’s presidential inaugural “Celebration for Young Americans” rhythm & blues concert in Washington, will not be at the show, her manager said Thursday.

Lupe DeLeon said that James had been asked to perform, but that no formal agreement was ever reached. James is currently busy promoting her new “Seven Year Itch” album, which was nominated for a contemporary blues recording Grammy award, DeLeon said.

According to concert spokesman Richard Peterson, James name was inadvertently added to some press releases about the show. The show’s producers had tried to secure James as a replacement for Ruth Brown, who had been scheduled to appear but suffered a mild heart attack recently.

The slot on the program will now be filled by Memphis soul singer Carla Thomas.