I was stunned tonight when I was sitting at dinner with friends, having been away from the TV/Internet all day, and heard about the death of Whitney Houston. I started thinking about all the times I’d enjoyed her music, including her first appearance on “Soul Train” so early in her career.
http://youtu.be/bMVqvBmTZro
She was so beautiful and so talented and so troubled. People jumped on her when her comeback tour went awry, but I actually loved her last album because her voice had ripened and matured.
To have her die on the eve of the Grammys tomorrow night makes the whole thing even more tragic. I understand Jennifer Hudson will sing a tribute on the show. I can’t imagine there will be a dry eye in the place.
Was hoping…no, almost expecting…that you’d make this posting. Thanks once again.
My first impulse was to go to Facebook and post a Whitney video. Lately, it seems, that’s all I’ve been doing, i.e. posting videos of stars that have left us. There have been too many Big Names in music passing away these days…Johnny Otis, Etta James, and Don Cornelius were the latest three…that it felt like I was more of a mortician.
But back to Whitney. What a terrible, tragic loss. She was SO great at her apex. Back in my deejay days, I had most every up-to-date 45 and cassette of Whitney at the ready for each gig…and they were always always in demand. As Diana Ross put it last night: “That voice…that voice…” — and she shook her head. What more can be said. RIP, Whitney…
I was so upset to hear the news. I wouldn’t say I was a big fan, but who couldn’t be impressed with that beautiful talent? Harold, I posted a few videos to FB. One of my favorites is the scene in the “The Preacher’s Wife,” where she sings “I Believe in You and Me.” (Not sure that is the proper title). I watch that movie every year, at least, and every time I cry during that scene because I’ve been so sad about Whitney’s troubles. I’m so intrigued, in general, by the mental demons that destroy people. I just wish she could have been successful in her attempts to get help. Turns out I must have been a big fan, because I’m so saddened by this. I will be glued to the TV for the Grammys tonight. As the song goes, “I was lost…and now I’m free.” RIP Whitney
That voice was amazing, Dave. Her rendition of the National Anthem gives me chills every time I hear it.
Whitney’s demons seemed destined to lead to a bad end, Ruth. She was said to be going to rehab yet again, but some people are more successful at being helped than others. And to die in a bathtub! So sad.
Jane, this is a very moving post.
Whitney’s passing reminds us of how intrinsically we are affected by the arts whether it be music, movies or other offerings. These cultural encounters enrich us. It is so sad that we lost such a beautiful artist in Whitney.
She had a beautiful voice and left us with an amazing legacy. May she rest in peace.
You’re so right about how we’re affected by the arts, Marie. We all remember where we were when we heard a certain song, for example. Whitney’s death is still a shock to me 24 hours later. I was taking my afternoon walk and listening to her on my iPod, and it was such a bittersweet experience.