Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48 (1963-2012)

Subject: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 08:54 PM

How terribly sad for this news. And a young girl also... such a gifted singer

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 08:57 PM

Oh dear. Amazing voice. RIP young lass.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Amergin
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:05 PM

Sadly, this is one of those things that happens if you let the junk rule your life....you will be at the top...and then lower than the bottom...and then you die at a fairly young age. She's definitely not the first one to go that route....and unfortunately will not be the last. Maybe now whatever demons she had will be put to rest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Mrrzy
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:05 PM

Yes, very sorry to hear this even though I didn't know her work, really. Apparently they aren't saying where, let alone how. I do hope it wasn't another bright person brought down by prescriptions.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Beer
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:10 PM

WHAT !!!!!
This is a shocker.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: maeve
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:11 PM

So sad for her family and friends. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57376028/singer-whitney-houston-dies-at-48/

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:12 PM

I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I posted I Will Always Love You
on my Facebook timeline.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:44 PM

RIP <3 +

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 10:05 PM

Geeziz....what a shame........Here's the obit from CNN.....Read Dolly Parton's comments.

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel, officials said. She was 48.

The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age, was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) at the Beverly Hilton despite resuscitation efforts, a police spokesman said.

Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent" and that the cause of her death is being investigated.

Houston's bodyguard found her body, said Courtney Barnes, publicist for hip-hop artist Ray J, who was dating the pop diva.

According to her official website, Houston sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos. But she also struggled with addiction problems over the years.

Houston died on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Music producer Jimmy Jam, after conversations with those heading up to Sunday's night show, told CNN that he believes the event will change significantly -- including a tribute to the singer.

Houston was set to appear in this year's "Sparkle," a remake of the 1976 hit, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes. It was her first movie role since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."

News of her death elicited a flood of reaction on social media, from fans and fellow celebrities alike.







Whitney Houston seemed 'in good spirits'
Music producer Russell Simmons wrote he was "deeply saddened by the death of Whitney Houston."

Dolly Parton, who wrote "I Will Always Love You, said, "mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'"

Another entertainment legend, Quincy Jones, said he was "absolutely heartbroken" by the news. "She was a true original and a talent beyond compare," he said.

Houston's body of work includes seven straight Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," "Greatest Love of All," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me.)"

Billboard put her soundtrack to the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard" as one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all time. She also starred in the film with Kevin Costner. The soundtrack included the hit,"I Will Always Love You."

The daughter of singer Cissy Houston, Whitney was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. Famed music producer Clive Davis reportedly spotted Houston 20 years later in a New York nightclub, signing her on the spot, according to her website. Davis steered Houston's career for more than 25 years, also serving as a mentor.

The singer's rendition of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, days into the first Persian Gulf War, earned raves and cemented her place in the American musical landscape.

After "The Bodyguard," Houston went on to appear in several more films in the 1990s, including "Waiting to Exhale."

In 2000, Houston earned her sixth Grammy for best female R&B performance and, a month later, she was named female artist of the decade at the "Soul Train" Music Awards.

Her career stalled, however, in subsequent years as she entered rehab for addiction problems.

In May 2011, Houston got help for her much-publicized struggle with drugs and alcohol, her representative said at the time.

In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Houston recalled how her mother arrived one day at her doorstep at her daughter's house with sheriff's officers and a court order in a drug intervention. She talked about doing cocaine and smoking marijuana.

"(My mother) says, 'I have a court (injunction) here," Houston said. "Either you do it my way, or we're just not going to do this at all. We are both going to go on TV, and you're going to retire.'"

Houston had a high-profile and tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown, a former "New Edition" star who has had multiple brushes with the law. The couple appeared together in the mid-2000s on the reality show "Being Bobby Brown." They had one child together, Bobbi Kristina.

Houston was the cousin of Dionne Warwick, another acclaimed performer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 11:39 PM

How very sad and shocking. I had no idea she'd had so much trouble. Much sympathy to her family and friends.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:25 AM

That's what she gets for marrying Bobby Brown.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Genie
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:52 AM

Such a great talent, she'll be missed.
Yeah, it seems that "helluva band" in rock 'n' roll heaven is growing way too fast with way too many joining it way too soon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Bugsy
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:53 AM

Sad news indeed

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: olddude
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:55 AM

She had a beautiful voice, she was a beautiful woman ... what a sad loss ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Maryrrf
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 09:33 AM

Normally pop divas aren't really on my radar screen but when I saw this headline I was shocked and saddened. Didn't care for her music but she certainly had a powerful voice and reached great pinnacles in her career. I knew she'd had problems but just assumed she had opted for a quieter life and was doing okay. It's a tragedy that she died so young - RIP Whitney.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 09:56 AM

Probably the highest profile member of a very talented family. No cause of death has been stated but I suppose overdose or suicide or a combination of both will come to mind until more of the story becomes apparent. A sad end to a troubled but very talented soul! RIP!

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 09:56 AM

Is this in any way related to folk music? I don't think so.
I have every sadness with this event, she was a great singer, but do not see it as relevant to Mudcat.
IMHO

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Wesley S
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:05 AM

Roger - Don't assume that the ONLY music we listen to is folk music. Besides - it's tragic whenever a talent is cut short and ends their life early. IMHO.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:05 AM

but do not see it as relevant to Mudcat

Maybe sometimes the human takes precedence over the parochial.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:13 AM

Am I the only person here who would have prefered listening to a cat with its tail caught in a door that to listen to WH's 'singing'?

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:16 AM

No, Silas, you are not. It's not that she coldn't sing but that she squandered her talent singing crap.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Mrrzy
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:55 AM

don't feed the trolls

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:08 AM

Whitney Houston was talented and beautiful.

Further up this thread I put a link to the song "I Will Always Love You" which was written by Dolly Parton who is known for her work in American roots (folk), bluegrass and country music. Whitney Houston's version of this song was a massive worldwide success.

I felt so sad last night when I heard about her death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:09 AM

"Is this in any way related to folk music? I don't think so.
I have every sadness with this event, she was a great singer, but do not see it as relevant to Mudcat.
IMHO"

What an arsehole

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:35 PM

What a waste. I thought she was great in The Bodyguard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Tom Ghent
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:38 PM

I grew up in the 40s and 50s when radio played all genres...Had it not been for this, the entire "folk revival" of the 60s would have never gained the early and large following that it did..In the 60s folk music was a broad umbrella...It truly saddens me that over the last few decades, that umbrella has shrunk, both to the determent of "folk" music and the fans, as well..Whitney Houston was a great singer and she will be missed....I consider myself among the "folks" who loved her music, and mourn the fact that she never got to truly enjoy her success as much as many of us got to enjoy her singing....Rest in peace Whitney.....Perhaps you will find in eternity, what you were unable to find here......

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,josepp
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 12:49 PM

Bunch of hypocritical crap. Her career was over years ago. None of you seemed to miss her then. She became a walking train wreck, I didn't read any laments from anyone here about that. Now she's dead--to no intelligent person's surprise--and here come the crocodile tears---"oh, Poor Whitney"--you should have been singing that tune long ago if you were paying any sort of attention at all. She lost her voice years ago, folks. Her last real concerts were disasters where people demanded their money back because she couldn't sing anymore. This was years ago. Where have you great Whitney-lovers been all this time?

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Don Firth
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 01:23 PM

My only real acquaintance with Whitney Houston was in the movie "The Bodyguard," where she sang Dolly' Parton's "I Will Always Love You." That's one of those songs that, between the song itself and the beautiful rich-voiced clarity with which Houston sang it, I found hightly engaging and highly memorable. Not the kind of song I would sing myself (not my genre, nor do I don't think I could bring it off), but a good song, and marvelously, memorably sung by Whitney Houston.

A beautiful woman with a great talent, and a tragedy that she was not able to keep her life together. She deserved better than that.

####

Frankly, I am disgusted by a couple of people here who came to the wake and, for some petty reason, feel they have to piss in the punchbowl.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Beer
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 01:45 PM

Well said Don.
ad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 01:52 PM

No, sorry mate, I held my opinions long before her sad demise and have no intention of changing them just because she has gone. Unlike some people here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Don Firth
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 02:02 PM

Well, different people hear things different ways, I guess. But if you didn't like her, why come to the wake in the first place?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 02:07 PM

Frankly, because I fould all the plaudits quite nauseating - however, I rather regret doing it now and wish I hadn't. I would delete my comments if I could, not because I have changed my opinion, but perhaps they were out of place at this time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 02:24 PM

I wish you hadn't as well. A woman of talent and beauty is dead. Have some respect.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Don Firth
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 02:33 PM

Something to contemplate, Silas:

I've been an opera fan since I was a teenager. I have never understood why some folks thought that Maria Callas was so great, especially when compared to other sopranos. I thought she was slightly off-pitch most of the time, and her vocal tone had a sort of harsh, "glassy" edge to it.

But there was great mourning in the opera world when she died. One of the great divas of all time was gone.

Maybe some others heard things in her performances that I didn't. And, indeed, they were. I had never seen her live, only hearing her on records or in Met radio broadcasts. Those who had seen her live all said that, even if her voice was a bit "iffy" sometimes, she was an absolutely compelling actress. Which many opera divas are not.

The fact is that, by any standard, Whitney Houston had a really great voice. Rich, clear, solidly on pitch, wide range (over three octaves), and she delivered a song with great feeling.

Perhaps others are hearing something you ard not. Try giving her another listen.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 02:34 PM

Silas.... As one who has often been there, done that, and got the t-shirt, I appreciate your last post. Thanks.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 03:03 PM

Eliza - I completley fail to see just what 'beauty' has to do with anything - are you saying that if she was ugly it wouldn't be so bad!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Wesley S
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 03:50 PM

Jeez Silas - give it a rest. Go kick a puppy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 03:53 PM

Wind your neck in wes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 03:55 PM

No it isn't about the looks, it is about talent that was untimely lost. She could do it all, she could act, many women musicians today said she was the reason they started to sing. She had an amazing voice and yes she had the looks of a runway model. She had it all, now it is lost untimely as so many other greats in the music business from Monroe to Joplin ... And as a human being and a lover of all kinds of music, I can't help but say what a terrible loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: alanabit
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 04:23 PM

It was not my music at all, but her talent was established beyond doubt. It is sad when any life remains unfulfilled. I remember the words of David Kossoff on the death of his son Paul, the guitarist. He said that his credentials as a musician had already been posted - it was his potential as a human being which had not been fulfilled. (I paraphrase him, of course). One wishes any human being a happy and secure later life with the chance to enjoy the comfort of all generations. I would have wished Whitney Houston that as much as I would have wished it for anyone else. I hope her troubled soul is at peace now.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 05:56 PM

Silas, I meant beautiful in character not looks. Physical beauty is a subjective thing, and changes radically over time. But Whitney was much loved for her innate beauty; she encouraged and helped many. (And don't bite ME just because you've been a bit of a prat!)

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,999
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 06:26 PM

Whitney Houston Charity Work, Events and Causes

Charity biography

I'd say the gal had some substance.



"Whitney Houston shot to fame in the 1980s when she became one of the first African-American female artists to receive regular rotation on MTV – a feat that successfully opened doors for other women to find success in music and movies. Best known for her work with Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard", Houston has led a life of service to others when not on screen or behind a microphone.

The 44-year-old first showed her socially-conscious side when still a model, before her fame rocketed her to stardom. Back then she refused to work for agencies that did business with South Africa, due to the country's regime of apartheid. It was an issue that she later brought to the attention of the world when she performed at Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Concert in London, an event that brought pressure on the Government to ease its restrictions and eventually release the future president of South Africa.

Following the concert, Houston formed the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, an organization that cared for the homeless and children with cancer and AIDS. It eventually brought the singer one of her many awards for her humanitarian work, as did her involvement with the United Negro College Fund.

Houston is also the only artist to turn the national anthem into a chart hit when her rendition of The Star Spangled Banner reached the Top 100 in 1991. She donated her royalties to the Red Cross.

In 1997, the HBO Concert "Classic Whitney live from Washington DC" raised over $300000 for the Children's Defense Fund.

In 2011, she partnered with her sister-in-law in launching a line of scented candles to benefit charity.

For a comprehensive list of Whitney's charity work, visit Whitney-Fan.com.

Whitney Houston passed away in February, 2012."

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Gervase
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 06:57 PM

Costner failed, though. Doh!

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Silas
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 07:30 PM

Well Elizxa dear, I think it yourself who is being a pratt. I stand by every word i have written.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 09:34 PM

999,Thanks for your post regarding Ms. Houston's charity work. I feel better knowing that she left such a positive legacy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:38 PM

My condolences to Whitney's family, friends, and fans.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 02:52 AM

Well done Adele, a normawwww English working class gerwwwwwwwww!!!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 09:04 AM

Whitney Houston had a great voice,but she wasn't liked by many who came across her as it was often reported that she was always rude and arrogant.

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 09:36 AM

hi

Very sad for her family and friends but surely not really a surprise?

Mike

Subject: RE: Obit: Whitney Houston dead at 48
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 02:19 PM

Back to Whitney. We see this so often. Some ordinary schmo achieves fame and fortune, perhaps through music or sports. Next thing, the dealers and the hangers on come around, wanting to do dope, get drunk and party. Next thing, the schmo is an addict. Then she's dead.

What happens to their common sense? Their self-respect? Their instinct for self-preservation?

I guess people who come into serious money and don't know how to handle it lose all their real friends.