GARDENA, Calif. – Etta James was remembered at a service Saturday attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest.

The Rev. Al Sharpton eulogized James, describing her remarkable rise from poverty and pain to become a woman whose music had a major influcence on many of the nation’s most prominent popular musicians.

Perhaps most famously, President Obama and the first lady shared their first inaugural ball dance to a version of “At Last” sung by Beyonce. Sharpton on Saturday opened his remarks by reading a statement from the president.

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

The Grammy-winning singer died Jan. 20 after battling leukemia and other ailments, including dementia.

Among the stars performing tributes to James were Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, who told the gathering that she has included “At Last” in every concert she’s performed as a tribute to her musical inspiration. Wonder performed three songs, including “Shelter In the Rain” and a harmonica solo.

Sharpton credited James with helping break down racial barriers through her music.

“She was able to get us on the same rhythms and humming the same ballads and understanding each other’s melodies way before we could even use the same hotels,” he said.

Murray asks to be freed for appeal

LOS ANGELES – The doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death asked a judge Friday to release him from jail pending his appeal.

Dr. Conrad Murray, who is serving a four-year jail sentence, said in a declaration that he should be released either on his own recognizance or on bail with electronic monitoring. He said he is not a danger to society, will not flee the area, and wants to work to help support his seven children.

His attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, said in the motion that Murray knows he cannot work as a doctor but would find other employment. He suggested the sentence and Murray’s mode of confinement is extremely severe for a man with no prior criminal record.

He said Murray is being held in solitary confinement and is chained to a table when he meets with his lawyers. He also said Murray is extremely sorrowful about Jackson’s death.

Jackson died in June 2009 from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, administered by Murray. Flanagan conceded that Murray made some medical misjudgments but said he never intended harm to Jackson.

Winslet to receive honorary award

PARIS – British actress Kate Winslet is to receive an honorary award next month from organizers of the French equivalent of the Academy Awards.

The versatile 36-year-old now on French screens in Roman Polanski’s clashing-couples film “Carnage” will receive the honorary Cesar at the ceremony on Feb. 24.

France’s Academy of Cinematic Arts and Techniques presented nominations for the 37th Cesar Awards ceremony Friday. “Polisse” led with 13 nominations, while silent, black-and-white film “The Artist” garnered 11.

France’s National Cinematic Center has said French movie theaters sold 211 million tickets last year — a 45-year high, and a 4-percent increase from 2010.