Last night, I heard the shocking news: Whitney Houston had died. I sat in total disbelief, glued to the television set, watching as the news scrolled across the ticker. Even after I saw the word was, as in Whitney Houston was….it didn’t feel real. No, Whitney Houston can’t be dead. But she was.
In the footage that played over and over, she looked vibrant, alive. Nothing in these images predicted this end. I thought she’d gotten it together. She looked so good the last time I saw a photo of her, much better than in that other photo – you know the one, when she looked emaciated and fragile.
We’ll never know what hurt she tried so unsuccessfully, so tragically to salve — not that we really need to know. Her loss will, no doubt, leave a gaping hole in many hearts, especially that of her mother, Grammy Award winning gospel singer, Cissy Houston, her cousin, Dionne Warwick, and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who also reportedly has her own substance abuse issues.
Whitney Houston, a mezzo-soprano, was born in Newark, NJ on August 9, 1963. She was a model, singer, actor and producer. With 415 awards, Whitney has been recognized more times than any other female artist. Her awards include two Emmys, six Grammys, 30 Billboard Music, and 22 American Music Awards. She has sold more than 200 million albums and singles.
Whitney holds an honorary doctorate from Grambling State University in Louisiana. She has seven albums and four movies to her credit including the hugely successful, The Bodyguard, that was the second highest-grossing film worldwide in 1992, Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife. Her fourth and final film, Sparkle, now in post production, is scheduled to be released in August. Whitney has also appeared in television shows and in several commercials.
Singers like Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson and many others acknowledge Whitney as an influence.
Here’s Whitney singing Saving All My Love For You and I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Rest in Peace, Whitney!
This is so tragic.I quietly rooted for Whitney to shine again. She offered so much with that voice. She didn’t need to dance to entertain. All she had to do was open her mouth and let the slightest melody pass through and we were hooked. What presence she magnified. I’ve missed that about Whitney and sadly, those closest to her will miss so much more.
Very sad news about Whitney’s death. She gave us a lot of great songs to remember her by. I think my favorite has always been “I Have Nothing”.
I’m still reeling from the shock of it all. She really was beginning to live another phase of her life and this just blew it all away…. I’m so saddened by it and have cried my share of tears. My heart goes out to her family; especially Bobbie Kristina. TY for your post.
You’re welcome, Elizabeth.
I’m still in shock. Even though she had been through so much, I figured she’d pull herself together. Never saw this coming. I feel for her family, especially her daughter and mother.
One of mine too. So sad, so very sad.
You’re so right, Totsy. It’s a real tragedy. What a gift she had!
Such a beautiful woman with an unforgettable voice. Jennifer Hudson’s tribute to Whitney was pitch perfect . . .
She sure was, Nancy!
I missed the tribute, will see if it’s rebroadcasted.
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