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| Whitney Houston (1963-2012) |
abuse and mental deterioration. It's strange to say that her death isn't a surprise. But it just isn't.
And yet, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Her musical legacy aside, she was an incredibly magnanimous person, a big ball of charisma from her electrically charged attitude to her mega-watt smile. It's strange to imagine a world in which she is not at least a small part.
Her incredible voice - well, there is a reason she is the most awarded female artist of all time. What she accomplished in the world of music was extraordinary. Her song catalog is filled with hits - there was a period in time when her sultry, powerful tones rarely left the airwaves. She infused all of her music, even the giddy dance classics, with an emotional depth, be it soul-crushing grief or boundless joy. Her acting career, though brief, was amazing as well. Her spark was clearly evident, even when playing a jilted lover or the forgotten wife of a neighborhood preacher. It was always worth it to follow along on her journey.
Whitney Houston gave so much to popular culture, to the world. She had a wonderful gift and a wonderful spirit, and she will be missed. As Dolly Parton wrote, and Whitney herself sang:
