Southampton - 'The Voice' -
Whitney Houston died unexpectedly in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday, February 11, 2012.
Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey in August 1963, to John Russell Houston, Jr. (deceased) and well known gospel singer Cissy Houston - the youngest of three children, she began her career at age 11 singing in church. Her musical lineage is also well known, with cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick and "honorary" godmother
Aretha Franklin - all notable figures in the gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, and soul genres - Houston's career extended to acting, producing and modeling as well.
Houston was one of the world's most awarded artists, having received "Two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, and 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. She sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide."
Discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis, Houston was in California to attend Davis' annual pre-Grammy party. When she failed to appear, bodyguards became concerned and entered the bathroom of her hotel room where she was found in the bathtub. Repeated efforts to revive Houston failed.
Among her numerous hits, Houston's version of the Dolly Parton penned "I Will Always Love You" became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history.
At this time the exact cause of Houston's death is unknown pending the results of an autopsy. At Sunday's broadcast of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards,
Jennifer Hudson performed a moving tribute to Houston by singing "I Will Always Love You" accompanied by piano only. Throughout the broadcast many artists made reference to the talented, young and successful singer with 'The Voice" who's imprint on the contemporary and pop music scene will not soon be forgotton.
Her only child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, with ex-husband Bobby Brown, was hospitalized Sunday, February 12, in California, and later released.
Perhaps the Queen of Soul offered the most sage response during this tragic time for the Houston family when she stated to CNN News Room's Ted Rowlands in a telephone interview - "Be careful young ladies as some day the Amens and Hallelujahs will stop."
Guest (venita julies) from southafrica says:
i was to give the houston's family my deepest sympathy for their lost,whitney was a huge insperation for me.she has brought such meaning and value to each and every persons life.SHE WILL BE MISSED TERRIBLY BUT I KNOW THAT SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE AND THAT SHE WILL BE HAPPY THERE.HER VOICE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS AND THAT SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.WE LOVE AND MISS YOU WHITNEY!