February 12, 2012
A Legend Gone
Whitney Houston is dead.
Photo by Alisha Nurse
No matter how many times I read it, or see these words plastered across international news websites, this harsh reality is hard to come to terms with.
The world is mourning the loss of this celebrated songstress whose soulful, powerful voice once bellowed distinctively incomparable notes that could move even the coldest of us to tears.
CBS describes her as being born into “greatness.” And who could dispute that? She was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, cousin of pop diva Dionne Warwick and goddaughter of Aretha Franklin.
She gave us many award winning hits which I know I don’t have to name, because whichever generation you’re from you know them, and you’re probably listening to them right now, as you reminisce with me and the rest of the world.
Whitney performing at Good Morning America promotional concert in New York
Comeback
Her influence was great, is great I should say.
But her successful career was eclipsed by drug abuse and a turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown.
No one forgot about her though.
When it was announced she’d be making a comeback in 2009, fans went ballistic.
My two friends and I queued for hours outside New York’s Central Park in 2009 to see her perform.
The press gave her bad reviews, as the toll of drug abuse on her once strong vocals became obvious.
Love for Whitney
But the fans at Central Park didn’t care.
Overcome by emotion during her performance of I Look to You
We were happy to see Whitney rebounding. As we sung along to I Look to You, I came close to tears.
And I wasn’t the only one.
Whitney couldn’t hit the notes as she did in the past, but this was her testimony. She was openly sincere, and vulnerable before us thousands, lifting her hands to the heavens in gratitude, as her emotions overtook her.
Our world is all the poorer for having lost Whitney. But she still graced us with her presence for 48 years. During that time she’s inspired us, taught us many life lessons, and left us a great legacy that will never be forgotten.
RIP Whitney Houston.
Whitney shares the stage with her daughter Bobbi Kristina
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