My eyes read the words, Whitney Houston dead at 48 and the pain hit my stomach with such a force I was sure it would create a hole. I rushed to my computer to verify the horrible truth. The words came across my phone so quickly I was hoping I was wrong. I wasn’t. Whitney Houston is dead.
In 1989 with my senior class in need of a graduation song, I suggested Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” I felt the lyrics were perfect for the occasion and her voice would provide the perfect soundtrack for one of the most memorable events of my young life. Whitney and I were outvoted, “Free Bird” was the choice, but I played “One Moment in Time” as soon as I got home.
As I battled depression during my adult life, I found comfort in songs like, “Greatest Love of All” and “Count on Me” the amazing duet with CeCe Winans. For a while, Whitney Houston and her music was my therapy. Her voice was amazing and she carried herself with such grace. For a young African-American girl, she was an inspiration.
The Bodyguard was her big break into movies. Playing beside Kevin Costner Houston showed a tough side seldom seen. Of course, the biggest thing to come from the film was the hit song, “I Will Always Love You.” As a Dolly Parton fan, and member of her fan club, I was pleased she was getting credit for writing such an amazing song. I loved Parton’s version and listened to it every week as she sang it to end her short-lived show. While the original was nice, Houston owned the song. I was amazed at its perfection every note, every beat, perfect.
When I learned she was dating and later married Bobby Brown I wondered why. The bad boy of R&B seemed to have little in common with Houston. The world watched as the drug use and bad behavior began. Drugs continued to enter her body drowning out her voice until they extinguished her gift.
I still can’t believe she’s gone. It’s still too difficult to listen to her music, but I know she’s waiting and when I’m ready, she’ll be there.