Remembering Whitney

I would like to remember Whitney Houston (1963-2012) as one of the greatest African American female artists of the 20^th century. Her tragic death took place six years ago on February 11, 2012, made me cry as I grew into an adult listening to her music.

Houston was one of the most successful pop music artists of all time, with 200 million records sold. Houston released seven studio albums that went platinum with an incredible voice mezzo-soprano that won fans of all ages, races and gender.

When Houston released her self-titled debut album “Whitney Houston” in 1985, her record was like a beacon in a fog as we were introduced to a new talented black artist in pop music. Houston’s almost instantaneous successful album would pave the way for her second album “Whitney” released in 1987;  it became the first album by a female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard albums charts. Houston’s career would pave the way for future African American female artists to choose careers as singers.

Sadly, like many artists before her in the music industry, Houston started using drugs later in life. It was Houston’s drug use, especially cocaine, that would lead to her early death at age 48. The accidental drowning death of Houston due to drug intoxication truly saddened and broke the hearts of all of her fans around the world. The world would never again hear one of the most beautiful voices in the history of pop music.

Houston’s music ability to transcend race was apparent as I grew up listening to her music. “Whitney Houston” was the first album I owned. This was during the 1980’s when people listed to cassettes instead of CDs. I was 13, the age when children received their first stereo and albums to play on that stereo.

I immediately fell in love with Houston’s voice. Her music had the power to tap into my emotions. I felt the hope in songs like “Greatest Love Of All” and “Saving All My Love For You” I also felt the heartache in songs like “All at Once”. I did not find it improper that me, a white man would enjoy the music of an African American artist. I also enjoyed listening to the songs in “Whitney” as well. Whenever I hear “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “So Emotional”, I am transported back to my younger days when I had my radio and Houston’s albums to listen to after coming home from high school. I also listened to other artists such as Madonna, Van Halen and INXS, but none of these artists could reach the emotional depth of Houston’s music.

When the producers of the 1992 film “The Bodyguard” were looking for an actual singer

to play Rachel Marron opposite Kevin Costner’s Frank Farmer, they made an excellent choice with Houston. Who knew that she was such a talented actress, as well as a singer. I always feel so emotional (like the title of her song) after watching that movie.

Houston had so much more she could given to the world if drugs had not entered her life. It is not often that an artist comes along who can touch so many lives (including mine) with her music. We are fortunate that we still have all of Houston’s records so her voice and talent will never be forgotten.