The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston…
“God gave me a voice to sing with, and when you have that, what other gimmick is there?” Whitney Houston
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston... R.I.P.
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston... R.I.P. Whitney August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012
Whitney Houston- I Didn’t Know My Own Strength (digital hi-fi)
Whitney Houston – Arista Special – Greatest Love Of All
Whitney Houston Grammys 2012 Yes Jesus Loves Me (Whitney’s Final Performance)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46418175
msnbc.com link above Funeral service for Whitney Houston
R.I.P. Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012). I am still in a state of shock over the sad, sad news of the sudden death of our beloved Whitney Houston; mother, daughter, sister, phenomenal singer, friend, and a super-talented musical icon. Whitney was a mezzo-soprano variously known as The Voice, Queen of Pop, Diva and more. She began singing in her New Jersey church’s junior gospel choir at age 11, and was influenced and inspired by the great soul singers in her family; from Cissy Houston, (her mom) to cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and Aretha Franklin (her godmother). It is poignant that in one of the last videos of her, she sings a few lines of a favorite hymn: Yes, Jesus Loves Me. I remember the first time I heard Whitney sing in the 1980s; her voice was so captivating, powerful, and rich that I had to stop what I was doing and just listen… She was beautiful and stylish too. I was sold. Whitney passed away at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday afternoon; the cause of death is unknown. I will miss her. Rest In Peace Whitney.
“Growing around [great musicians], you just can’t help it. I identified with it immediately. It was something that was so natural to me that when I started singing, it was almost like speaking.” Whitney Houston
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston...
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston...
Whitney Houston Grammys 2012 Yes Jesus Loves Me (Whitney’s Final Performance)
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You Official Music Video
At the height of her music career in the 1980s and ’90s, Whitney was a prolific performer with a fantastic voice, and one of the world’s best-selling artists in the music industry. Everyone was dancing and singing along. I loved her songs and her personal style. She was a hit for me and my friends. Among her many hits were fan favorites (mine too); “Greatest Love of All,” How Will I Know,” ”Saving All My Love for You” and “I Will Always Love You.” I remember going to NYC clubs where aspiring singers sang versions of Whitney’s popular songs, a capella, as they competed against each other, hoping to win the attention of a record producer. Throughout her career, Whitney won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year. It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye one of the greatest voices of all time. My deepest condolences go to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, mom, Cissy, ex hubby, Bobby Brown, and to her extended family and friends.
“I was aware of people staring at me. No one moved. They seemed almost in trance. I just stared at the clock in the center of the church. When I finished, everyone clapped and started crying.” Whitney Houston
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston...
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston...
Whitney Houston – Yes Jesus Loves Me
Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You
Whitney’s body of work covered both music and film. From the time she made her first album in 1985 through to her last movie, Sparkle, in 2011 (to be screened posthumously), Whitney had accumulated an impressive list of award wining albums and critically acclaimed roles in film. It is apropos that the Grammys on Sunday evening will include a celebration of her work and life. Back in the day, I bought Whitney’s albums and listened to them a lot; always marveling at the range and ease of her vocals. I watched The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale so many times I could repeat lines from them. Her work includes the following:
Discography
Whitney Houston (1985)
Whitney (1987)
I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990)
My Love Is Your Love (1998)
Just Whitney (2002)
One Wish: The Holiday Album (2003)
I Look to You (2009)
Filmography
1992 The Bodyguard
1995 Waiting to Exhale
1996 The Preacher’s Wife
2012 Sparkle
Whitney won many awards during her career and even made The Guinness Book of Records for receiving the most awards. When you think about it, it was quite a feat for a young artist to accumulate so many while so young. Whitney’s list of awards includes 2 Emmys, 6 Grammys, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, adding up to a grand total of 415 career awards to date. Whitney was also one of the world’s best-selling music artists; she sold over 200 million albums and singles worldwide, and was ranked 4th best-selling female artist in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America; Whitney sold 55 million certified albums just in the US. With tremendous success came struggle, and Whitney battled drug and alcohol abuse on and off for years… She was a beautiful, gifted soul and her musical legacy will live on. Whitney had so much to live for and my heart goes out to her family. More below. 🙁
“When I heard Aretha, I could feel her emotional delivery so clearly. It came from down deep within. That’s what I wanted to do.” Whitney Houston
The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston…
Whitney Houston – “Whitney Houston – How Will I Know
Whitney once said, “When I decided to be a singer, my mother warned me I’d be alone a lot. Basically we all are. Loneliness comes with life.” The last few days of her life were spent in the company of other artists preparing for the Grammys. She attended a pre-Grammy event with Kelly Price and sang a few notes of the hymn, Yes, Jesus Loves Me… I have added the lyrics below. I would also say, it was spent in the company of her family and the Lord… Dearest Whitney, you will be sorely missed by many; your angelic voice is at peace, at last. Yes, Jesus Loves YOU! God speed! There are many shared memories around the internet; I’ve added a few links immediately below and more links from my fellow bloggers further below. What are your thoughts? Did you listen to Whitney’s music over the years? Do you have any favorite songs that touch your heart? What are your memories of her? Do share! Thank you.
Whitney Houston death: reaction in quotes
In pictures: Whitney Houston’s life
Whitney Houston Dead: Singer Dies at 48
Whitney Houston Dead: Singer Dead at 48
Yes, Jesus Loves Me – Whitney Houston. Lyrics via AzLyrics.com
Yes Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
They are weak but he is strong
Yes Jesus loves me
Oh, yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so
Pressing on the up away
Always guide me Lord I pray
Undeserving, and stubbornly never fail to love me still
Yes Jesus loves me
Oh yes Jesus loves me
Oh yes Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so
Yes Jesus loves me, love
Oh yes Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so
For the Bible tells me so
(Feels so good to know) that I’m never alone
See, sometimes I’m lonely but never alone
For the Bible tells, for the Bible tells
For the Bible tells me so
See I know that he loves me
Whether I’m right, whether I’m wrong
RIP Whitney Houston… we love you and will miss you!
Positive Motivation Tip: Music brings people together in sad times and good times. Cherish the memories… RIP Whitney
Related articles
- Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies (npr.org)
- Whitney Houston, Pop Superstar, Dies at 48 (nytimes.com)
- 48 Years In The Legendary Life Of Whitney Houston (businessinsider.com)
- Bobby Brown devastated over Whitney Houston death (sheknows.com)
- Soulful Sundays – RIP Whitney (insidejourneys.com)
- I Will Always Love You (thismansjourney.net)
- Whitney Houston: RIP (flickrcomments.wordpress.com)
- The Last Song The Voice Whitney Houston Sang (yomzie.wordpress.com)
- RIP Whitney Houston (fromundermanyhats.com)
- The Lesson Of Life – Death (evilnymphstuff.wordpress.com)
- RIP Whitney Houston (maryannepale.com)
- R.I.P. Whitney Houston (martinisandbonbons.com)
- Whitney Houston Dead at 48 (gloganvlog.com)
- Whitney Houston: I Will Always Love You (majordilemma.wordpress.com)
- Celebrities Remember Whitney Houston (popsugar.com)
- VIDEO: Whitney Houston’s Most Memorable Performances (997now.radio.com)
- The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston… (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Farewell: Whitney Elizabeth Houston. (itsmestavey.wordpress.com)
- Whitney Houston! (sebaspace.wordpress.com)
- Remembering an Icon: Whitney Houston (freckface.wordpress.com)
- Whitney Houston Was “The Voice!” (wwwclara54.wordpress.com)
- Whitney Houston – “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” (misplacedswag.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Whitney welcomes Heroes, Whitney at GMAs, Whitney in 2010, Whitney welcomes heroes, Whitney and heroes, Whitney, Heroes welcome1,via Wikipedia and/or Whitney at Central Park, Whitney at GMA, Whitney at CP, by asterix611, via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Whitney Houston is awesome all over the world.
I agree…
She is an epic singer. Her voice is that of an angel. It’s a beautiful post which appropriately honoured her. 🙂
She will be missed by many…
Whitney Houston was a great singer, who fate didn’t fare well with in the end. It’s sad she is no longer. Thanks for a great memorial post in honour of her. I actually liked the Bodyguard – although it was very Hollywood-ish and a bit tacky.
Yes, it is terribly sad… She has a young daughter and many who loved her. Thanks for the feedback
She will be missed by many. Thanks for the tribute.
So, so tragic… I miss her magnificent voice and watching the Grammys bring it back.
It’s a tragic waste and proves that money cannot buy you happiness. So sad that she succombed to addiction.. I feel for her family.
My heart goes out to her family. The autopsy has not been disclosed so who knows what she succumbed to… My prayers to her family and friends.
I really meant throughout her life rather than at the end of her life because as you rightly point out the final cause is unknown..
Yes, yes, I understood that and she struggled with it. Who knows if it will ever been known. My prayers are with her family. TY for adding your voice too Hellen. Have a great week ahead!
It was a shock to me when I read a post on Whitney’s sudden passing. I love her songs and her voice. Thanks for posting about Whitney today. Regards.
Yes, I was shocked too and remain quite saddened by it all. Jennifer Hudson’s tribute song was touching at the Grammys.
What a beautiful commemoration of a truly fabulous talent.
TY Freedom! It is a sad day and a great loss.
None of us know how long we have . . . make the most of THIS moment! 😀
Yes we must all make the most of the life we have indeed… TY!
What a touching tribute to Whitney, Eliz. The ease and passion with which she delivered that wonderful voice will be sadly missed.
You said it well… There was an ease and passion to those powerful vocals. Unforgettable… RIP Whitney.
What a tragic and painful bit of news. Whitney was The Voice and at the height of her career, her voice thrilled the heavens. My condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace. Great tribute!
B
She was The Voice and her singing thrilled the heavens and the earth.. TY! RIP Whitney.
A great memorial post e. I loved all of her songs, her voice was just incredible. One of those people who could probably sing the phone book and make it sound spectacular.
I haven’t read any cause of the death anywhere, but drugs seem implicated, and I wonder what is it with performers and drugs. Why do so many fall in to this when they have such a gift.
I loved her voice and music too… While she struggled with drugs and alcohol during her lifetime, it mightn’t be what killed her but time will tell… Jennifer gave a beautiful solo in her honor at the Grammys tonight. RIP Whitney.
This is a wonderful tribute to a beautiful lady. Thank you for posting this. America lost a true jewel yesterday. May she forever RIP. It is so sad that we lost her at such a young age.
TY! It is so, so sad that sometimes I’m at a loss for words…. She was a truly gifted, voice and lady. Tragic.
Sad. My cousin Linda Creed teamed with Michael Masser to write “The Greatest” – originally recorded by George Benson, but taken to #1 on the charts by Whitney just shortly after Linda died from a long struggle with breast cancer in 1986. Makes this even more bittersweet for me. One of the best pure voices ever.
Linda Creed was a gifted songwriter and Whitney a gifted vocal artist…both gave their best and will be remembered as such. Your cousin’s contribution, her passing, and Whitney’s passing are both sad/bittersweet. TY for your comment.
I was moved to tears more than once by her music… and again last night when I learned of her death. Such a tragic end to a mostly tragic adult life. Such a waste for her and the rest of us who loved her music. I truly hope and pray she finds peace now.
Great tribute Elizabeth, thank you.
b
Truly tragic… I’ve shed many tears too and send my heartfelt sympathies to her extended family; especially Bobbi Kristina and Cissy… RIP Whitney.
I was stunned when I saw the headlines yesterday. I used to play her songs over and over. She was one of my favorite singers.
Same here… so tragic, so sad, so soon…
No one’s ever gonna replace her. She’s loved by many. She’ll always be remembered.
An icon. A legend.
=(
She was an icon, a legend, a gifted chanteuse. RIP Whitney!
It feels surreal and I didn’t know Whitney. I can only imagine how it must feel for her family, especially her daughter.
I’m sad, so sad. We’re losing too many – Amy, Michael, Whitney – spring to mind. Wish we had the tools to help people to deal with what ails them. Self-medicating is clearly not the answer.
It is surreal and brings back memories of Micheal’s death… I’m saddened too.
Oops, almost forgot: thanks for the pingback, Elizabeth.
TY you Marcia!
Such a very sad loss. This is a lovely tribute, Elizabeth. I went through some of my old vinyl today and found two of her earliest records…the cover picture shows a very, very young woman. It made me sad. Her Jesus Loves Me is something special. I’m glad you provided so many wonderful links. Debra
Oh Debra, it is such a sad day for all who loved her. I hurt for Cissy, Bobbi, Bobby and her extended family… too much pain for words! TY.
Thanks Elizabeth – that’s a great tribute
TY for stopping by Judith… I appreciate it.
Thank you Elizabeth for a your post here. I didn’t know much about her except hearing her songs on the radio and every now and then news about her personal life. I pray now that she may rest in peace, her work completed here on earth and the legacy she has left will continue on. Maybe her daughter will carry on her legacy?
Rest in peace Whitney.
TY Sunshine. Whitney was a musical icon with an amazing voice… Her legacy will live on. May Whitney Rest In Peace.
This is a wonderful tribute to her talents and spirit
TY Jo! I wish she had lived to see her daughter fulfill her own dreams. My heart hurts for Cissy and Bobbi Kristina and all.
great: the duet (with sister) in the movie BODYGUARD!
TY Frizztext. I enjoyed that movie too.
Her voice and the songs she made will always be celebrated . They inspired so many people to love and follow their dreams. I hope where ever she is now, she’s finally at peace and happy.
Amen and love to her where she is resting in God’s arms. I loved your tribute to her too.
Lovely tribute. It’s so very sad what happened to her. I had her greatest hits album playing all day yesterday.
TY CJ! I’ve been doing same too. Sad…
So darn sad! An amazing performer gone before her time because she couldn’t develop the tools to deal with her success. She will be so sorely missed. The only good thing about this is that she is at peace after such a tumultuous life.
It is such a sad, sad day and she will be sorely missed by all of us who loved and rooted for her to make it.
When Whitney sang “Jesus Loves Me” or “Amazing Grace” or “How Will I Know” I’d fall to loving pieces. She was amazing. . . That beautiful captivating voice may not sing new songs, but her voice doesn’t die. Thank you for such a lovely tribute and all the great photos of Whitney. I believe she is singing right now, or maybe just resting.
Thank you sharing your love of her music too…. Amazing Grace.
I am saddened mostly by her departure not as performer, but as a human being who ‘d faced so much struggle in her life. May her soul be at peace now *
Yes, she was human first and I wish all the haters will remember that. We are all flawed… TY for your comment. Well said.
A very beautiful and fitting commemoration of our beloved Whitney here, Bless you and thank you for this. May angels attend her to her rest. May her family members be held in the bosom of His Love.
Amen to that… May all who be blessed.
Good-bye, Whitney
Sadly, yes goodbye and rest in peace.
That was a wonderful tribute to a legendary singer. Thanks for sharing all of these videos. I forgot how prolific her library was. Miriam
TY Miriam. Thankfully, Youtube has been a blessing to us all with the music we can all listen to over and over again. RIP Whitney. You were the best!
What a voice she had! Too, too tragic – I feel terribly sad for her daughter
Very tragic passing. So young. Lovely tribute, Elizabeth.
May Whitney rest in peace.
Elizabeth,
Thank you for a beautiful tribute to Whitney. It’s been a little over a week since her passing, and I still have difficulty believing that it happened. May Whitney rest in peace.
Such a tragedy, such a waste – she could have been a model for all of those who struggle. I hope she is at peace.
Hello,
Your tribute blog in memory of Whitney Elizabeth Houston was very inspiring, amazing, and awesome; just as Whitney was. She will be sadly missed by many, but never forgotten. Whitney and her music legacy will always be in our thoughts, minds, and hearts. She is resting and singing in paradise with all her heart and soul. Whitney, “I Will Always Love You” and one day; “I Wanna Dance With You”. Good Night Whitney!
TY dear one… It was so shocking to hear that such a vibrant soul had passed… still so sad. You are right that her legacy will remain with us. My prayers go out to her family; especially Bobbi Kristina… 🙁
Reblogged this on Milenanik3's Blog and commented:
So nice and amazing new blog I found and I want to share with all my friends.
TY so much for the reblog. I will visit your blog and comment. Gratefully! 🙂
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. She will not soon be forgotten.
Her music lives on… TY!