Saturday afternoon marked the end of a more than two decade legacy when pop music superstar Whitney Houston passed away. I don’t know about you, but as an 80s baby, Whitney was very big in my household growing up. When singing in the church choir as a little girl, I would always think of myself as the next Whitney. With the simply stunning rendition of the National Anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, along with some of the world’s greatest songs like “Greatest Love of All” and her cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” it’s fair to say that we may never hear another voice like hers again.
Houston began her journey in the music industry by singing in her church choir. Her mother, Cissy Houston, is a Grammy award winner as well, so she had an excellent foundation to become the international star that we knew and loved. We were formally introduced to Whitney through her self-titled 1985 debut album. Arguably one of her best albums, it featured hits like “You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “Greatest Love of All” and, one of my absolute favorites, “How Will I Know.”
This debut effort generated three number one singles and eventually earned her several Grammy Awards. She continued her streak with a total of seven studio albums, starred in several films including “The Bodyguard” for which she created an awesome soundtrack, as well as “Waiting to Exhale” and the soundtrack to accompany it.
Her voice, her style and her crossover appeal were all things that catapulted Whitney Houston into the realm of music icon. She was a classic beauty with an amazing voice that influenced many of the pop stars you see today. Whitney was slated to appear at her mentor Clive Davis’ Grammy pre-party the night before the big music awards.
Her death has touched so many, those who knew her personally and those who enjoyed and admired her musical abilities. Jennifer Hudson gave a moving tribute performance at the Grammy Awards, while many of the artists offered their heartfelt condolences to the family.
Truth be told, Whitney will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices of our generation.
A Short Look Back
Whitney’s debut cover album. Look at that hair! Loving it!
Whitney performing at the 2009 American Music Awards in LA.
Whitney reacting to her BET Honors for Entertainment award in 2010.
