On Saturday, February 11th, we lost the Queen of Pop, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. As an 80s baby, I grew up listening to her regal voice and it truly saddens me that this year we've lost so many in our own Black Music History. They say it comes in 3's....first Etta James, 73 (born 1938, died January 20, 2012) then Don Cornelius, 75 (born 1936, died Feb 1, 2012) and now Whitney Houston, 45 (born 1963, died Feb 11, 2012).
These are significant losses to be music industry as a whole, as each pioneered their own way to success. Particularly with Whitney, seeing the amount of turmoil she had endured saddened many, but she was making her way back into the spotlight. I had recently seen her in the news promoting a remake of "Sparkle" with American Idol alum Jordin Sparks. She seemed bright and bubbly, but as many of us know, fronts are often put up to hid the darkest of internal storms. Everybody knows Whitney had her fair share of problems, but in my opinion, does nothing to diminish what she has accomplished in her 45 years on this earth. She had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who is now going to have to adjust to life without her mother. The legacy of Whitney is what should live on, not the scandal.
Her homegoing was a CELEBRATION and a true testament to her upbringing and faith in God. Not the spectacle that some may have been anticipating, but Whitney's family allowed us to be part of their family for the afternoon. Yes, it was a 4 hour long celebration (as the CNN representatives liked to remind us) but with all of the wonderful anecdotes and the songs...OMG the songs!! There was NO way I could imagine making it through watching the funeral without going through a few tissues...more than a few. From Donnie McClurkin singing STAND (that started it!) to Tyler Perry giving his poignant and very appropriate remarks and the final send off with the pall bearers hoisting her up on their shoulders while Whitney herself sang "I Will Always Love You"...I couldn't help but shed some tears. I felt like I was viewing someone from my own family...Whitney will forever be missed.
