The pop icon had crafted a long line of legendary art creations throughout her 48 years
“Life is hard for everyone: sadness, disappointment, loss,fear,insecurity, loneliness. Imagine doing it in a spotlight.” That was Cher in her appreciation tweet for Whitney Houston short after her shocking passing early yesterday.
We have gotten so numbed down by celebrity death hoaxes, but this is unfortunately not one of them. I was in a long queue yesterday when a guy with his iPhone in hand mentioned Whitney’s passing news loudly. I truly thought that was yet another Bon Jovi death rumour, but soon after I discovered that CNN and New York Times have confirmed the news. Along with the car radio that put Whitney Houston hits on loop. The world has just lost yet another music icon.
“Long live Whitney Houston. Long live Amy Winehouse and long live Etta James. There’s a beautiful girl band up there.”
So said Amy Winehouse’s parents in their Grammy acceptance speech on behalf of Amy. We can only imagine the soul music-filled heaven with music icons housing it. Jennifer Hudson is paying the tribute to Whitney at Grammy Awards today.
Whitney had been braving through the entertainment industry for 30 years. She sold 170million album/single/video copies, mid 80s to late 90s were her golden years: she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. In 2009, the Guinness World Records cited her as the most-awarded female act of all time, bagging the total of 415 awards as of 2010. As an icon, Whitney was known for her out-of-the-world vocal ranges and poised sex appeals.
Beyond music, Whitney debuted acting in the legendary movie ‘The Bodyguard’ alongside Kevin Costner. Whitney was Rachael, a mega superstar who faced death threats and stalkings as the side effects of her success. The movie marks the born of a timeless love song – I Will Always Love You.
From Mariah Carey to Christina Aguilera – Houston had influenced and inspired today’s pop icons with her one and only vocal style. Her everlasting hits include ‘Saving All My Love for You’, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and ‘Greatest Love of All’.
Whitney Houston had been battling with drugs for decades, and Whitney blamed her previous volatile marriage with R&B singer Bobby Brown to further worsen her addiction. The marriage ended in 2007. In his Saturday performance, Bobby paid his homage to Whitney: ”I love you Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage.”
Whitney’s soul legend grandmother Aretha Franklin expressed her shock over the tragedy. Whitney came from a talented musician family including mother Cissy Houston and cousin Dionne Warwick.
Go home in peace, Whitney Houston. Your legacy shall continue sparkling the world.
We take a moment to remember Whitney. Safe journey home, Whitney. #RIPWhitneyHouston http://t.co/y5N80fHW
Whitney Houston: Remembered http://t.co/iGdcfEle