RIP Whitney Houston

[bluedana]

I remember when she first came on the scene, model beautiful, and that voice! She practically invented the solo power ballad. She had such control of her voice, her runs and glissades were perfectly placed -- unlike her imitators, who get very carried away, careening up and down the scale. She could go effortlessly from full out power "chest" voice to head voice (and does, in "IWALY") and she sang some of the best gospel ever.

It's heartbreaking what she did to her voice -- like leaving a Stradivarius out in the rain.

Forty eight is WAY too young, and (as with Michael Jackson) we'll never know what kind of comeback she would have made. On the other hand, the sheer amount of influence she had on music, whether R&B, Pop, or Gospel (she was, in fact, a classic crossover artist), in a little over 20 years is immense.

How sad.

 

[gblews]

It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, and dignity.

It was written about Muhammad Ali, years before anyone ever heard of Houston.

I already said there was a time when I would actually start crying when I heard "I will always love you" and it's those kind of memories I will always remember Whitney Houston by.

Written and recorded by Dolly Parton, years before anyone ever heard of Houston.

Self preservation and dignity, among other things, are what characterized Ali's life and probably one of the reasons this song was included in the soundtrack to the first Ali biography, "The Greatest". Houston's soaring emotional vocal brought those elements of the song to the forefront much more than George Benson's original did, and is the main reason most people think the song was written as some sort of psychological aid for those lacking self esteem. Were it not for Houston, the song would likely have been forgotten almost as quickly as the movie was.

Who in the thread has stated that either song was written specifically for Houston? Really, what's your point?

I was looking at some of her old video's at the LA Times site this morning and boy was that sad. She looked so innocent, fresh, and beautiful...and that incredible voice...almost freakishly great. Someone wrote up thread that she "bellowed like a moose", I actually kind of agree (though I know the poster was just being insulting), but no moose ever sounded that great bellowing. Her forte was eliciting an emotional response even from those who didn't count themselves as "fans", just by the power and sheer glory of her vocals. RIP, my prayers are with her loved ones.

 

[tomalak301]

I already said there was a time when I would actually start crying when I heard "I will always love you" and it's those kind of memories I will always remember Whitney Houston by.

Written and recorded by Dolly Parton, years before anyone ever heard of Houston.

Yes, Beaker, I knew that. You may not be a fan of Houston's, but don't come in here and talk down to everyone who wants to share memories of her.

 

[Ethros]

It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, and dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album.

I see what you did there.

Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston, had four number-one singles on it? Did you know that, Shatnertage?

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

I just read that her daughter might be in the hospital...

 

[A beaker full of death]

Yes, Beaker, I knew that. You may not be a fan of Houston's, but don't come in here and talk down to everyone who wants to share memories of her.

Fair enough. Sorry.

 

[Mr. Adventure]

It's too bad, she seemed to be the butt of a lot of jokes when she was down and now the media is treating her as a national treasure. I know one really has to be ready to help themselves in these situations but I wonder if there had more of an earlier outpouring of support if things would have been diffrerent at all.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

I doubt it. An addict has to want to help herself. All the support in the world won't do any good if they can't admit it and seek help. A lot of them simply don't want to do it.

 

[Peach Wookiee]

I just read that her daughter might be in the hospital...

She was released. She had a stress-induced panic attack on the news of her mother's death...

 

[Mysterion]

Anyone who is shocked and/or suprised by this outcome really hasn't been paying attention.

 

[NickInABox]

I can't get over the fact that they can give Whitney Houston a full blown Jennifer Hudson tribute, and Etta James gets... what? A bag of peanuts?

 

[tomalak301]

Anyone who is shocked and/or suprised by this outcome really hasn't been paying attention.

Well, I really wasn't paying attention so I guess you got me there.

 

[Mysterion]

I can't get over the fact that they can give Whitney Houston a full blown Jennifer Hudson tribute, and Etta James gets... what? A bag of peanuts?

It's just the Grammys. If it was a real thing, then you should be upset. I mean one year Jethro Tull got a Grammy for "Best Heavy Metal Album". Really? Jethro Tull is heavy metal? Really?

 

[Mr. Adventure]

That said Jennifer Hudson knocked that tune out of the park.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Anyone who is shocked and/or suprised by this outcome really hasn't been paying attention.

Incorrect. I've been paying attention, but I still have feelings.

 

[Warped9]

This is a bit of a shock!

No, not really. Sadly it's all too common.

Never understood the appeal. She bellowed like a moose.

It's always sad to see a life wasted. Still I also have to say I never cared for her music, the songs she sang and how she sang them. She had a good voice, but her style just grated on my nerves.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Stay classy, people. Peace.

 

[Keith1701]

Very sad news. RIP, Whitney.

RIP, Whitney --- You will be missed by millions.

 

[doubleohfive]

This is a bit of a shock!

No, not really. Sadly it's all too common.

Never understood the appeal. She bellowed like a moose.

It's always sad to see a life wasted. Still I also have to say I never cared for her music, the songs she sang and how she sang them. She had a good voice, but her style just grated on my nerves.

Well, thank goodness she didn't try to destroy Christmas!

 

[Sakrysta]

Loved her voice. Hated watching as she slowly destroyed herself. I'm always amazed how the most talented people are often the ones who have the most trouble living with themselves and their gifts. It's like the pressure to live up to all that potential eventually crushes them. So sad.