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.
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.
And of course, “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard.
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.
