Music & Culture
Whitney Houston’s Heartbreaking Death
Written by T.M. Gaouette | February 13, 2012
This is a sad post for me to write, but after learning that six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston died, I had to take a moment to pay tribute to her.
With mother Cissy Houston, godmother Aretha Franklin, and cousin Dionne Warwick, Houston was part of a very talented family. Her voice was incredible. She could hit the most amazing notes so naturally and I was and still am a huge fan.
Houston began singing at 5. She was a gospel singer at 11 and later belted out hit after hit after hit. Her most popular movie was The Bodyguard–the soundtrack was phenomenal. She sold over 200 million albums worldwide and sang “The Star Spangled Banner” better than anyone.
Houston’s marriage to singer Bobby Brown was a very turbulent one. Many people blame him for her downfall. The reality show “Being Bobby Brown” revealed a very troubled side of Houston, publicizing her drug and alcohol abuse.
Her downward spiral was so sad to watch. But her eventual divorce from Brown seemed to be the beginning of a second chance.
Unfortunately, Houston’s drug use damaged her voice. She tried a comeback, but couldn’t produce her iconic, award-winning voice, so she had to cancel tours.
Although her slow and bumpy recovery was long, it did seem there was a tiny light flickering in the darkness. She recently finished filming the movie Sparkle with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. And there was a rumor that Simon Cowell was considering her as a judge for “The X-Factor.” I had hoped to see her rise up and out of her adversity.
Houston was a Christian. She praised God in her music and glorified His name, and He blessed her abundantly with an amazing voice. But the devil saw her success and how she praised God, and he was intent to bring her down with an addiction.
Needless to say, I was completely heartbroken to hear the news and so I’d like to take this opportunity to remember Whitney Houston at her best.
Please watch these clips and remember Houston. She was such an inspiration to so many of today’s stars. She was a true diva.
The first clip is a live performance of “I Believe in You” (The Preacher’s Wife), which turns into “I Will Always Love You.” It’s fantastic and gives you an idea of how loved Houston was and still is.
http://youtu.be/Fgm2mAEA2Wo
“I Have Nothing” was in the movie The Bodyguard.
http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x1y31d
The following is “When You Believe” from the movie The Prince of Egypt. Houston sings with Mariah Carey.
http://youtu.be/CxIN79n4jVo
Following is a scene from The Preacher’s Wife–one of my all-time favorite movies. The song is “I Love the Lord.”
http://youtu.be/piSZRKQubUU
“I Look to You” is just amazing. I just wish she had looked to Him instead of drugs.
http://youtu.be/5Pze_mdbOK8
And of course, “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard.
http://youtu.be/nPHCThqqt0s
Houston sang the best version of “The Star Spangled Banner” ever!
http://youtu.be/wupsPg5H6aE
I hope that these clips inspire you as much as they do me. I ask you also to pray for Whitney Houston. May she finally find peace.
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Image: Getty Images
Posted by greatfaith on July 18, 2012 at 17:58
Hummmm
Posted by thespiritualwarrior7 on June 20, 2012 at 07:34
really sad…
i love prince of egypt, and i was bummed when my computer pulled the ‘this video is not available’ thing.
Posted by MichellelovesJesus on February 21, 2012 at 13:42
Its so sad of what happened to Whitney Houston. She was a Christian at first but then she got into drugs. So sad.
Posted by Spiderkitkat on February 16, 2012 at 10:40
Personally i think people have made to big of deal about her death. 1 person dies and millions cry, but millions die in africa and maybe one person will cry. Sure she was fantastic and the queen of pop and whatever but what makes her death more special?
Posted by Kathrie on February 17, 2012 at 14:04
TV. That’s what. 🙁 Her death is more known, that’s what makes it seem like it’s more special.
Posted by Janazza on February 15, 2012 at 16:47
I don’t wish to be rude, but I dislike how we see people. I mean, we hear about Whitney Houston’s death and many are shocked and have cried about it. But, What many are forgetting is that there are thousands who are dying everyday but they don’t get the respect like Whitney does. ( http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=294156553982722&set=o.22565487675&type=1&theater ) Such as a Navi Seal named Michael Murphy. He was given a medal of honor and died for his Squad. He has been forgotten like many of soldiers who had risked there lives to protect their families and friends and, yet, we barely ever recognize and respect our soldiers. I know that Whitney’s death is very tragic, but I think we shouldn’t be based upon celebrities but more on people in general. I struggle with it, too, but I think we should pay more attention to those we don’t know more than people we think we know (celebrities, Acquaintances, etc…)
Posted by QuannasLove on February 15, 2012 at 12:56
That is so depressing! She was an incredible singer!
Posted by Kathrie on February 14, 2012 at 13:14
Too many people have died from drugs. 🙁
Posted by Paris on February 13, 2012 at 18:22
I’m glad that she was saved and she was fighting drugs. Thank you lord for Whitney Houston.
Posted by Savannah on February 13, 2012 at 18:16
this really is sad. two women pastors from my church actually got to pray with her in a hotel to receive Jesus. they did all they were capable to do to help her but obviously her being famous they couldn’t stay in contact with her and her heart didn’t completely turn over to the Lord. i really will miss Whitney! <3
Posted by Paris on February 13, 2012 at 18:14
Lord,please have mercy on her soul. Help her family get through this terribly hard time. In Jesus name,amen.
Posted by calieiscalie on February 13, 2012 at 14:01
This makes me sad