Whitney, we will always love you.

RIP Whitney. 09.08.63-11.02.12

This week probably has to be the most busiest and saddest in showbiz this year. On the same night, the music industry braced itself for the 54th Grammy awards whilst over here in Britain; film buffs welcomed the Bafta's. But overshadowing both those major events came the shocking news that the singer Whitney Houston had died. At only 48, the incomparable Ms Houston passed away at the Beverley Hilton hotel on 11 February. In news that rocked the music and showbiz world in the way that Michael Jackson’s death did, journalists and spectators scrambled to find out every detail of her death. Reports came in saying that her death was related to the stars much reported drug addiction and that her death was the result of a 48 hour drinking binge. Indeed Whitney was seen coming out of a club in the early hours looking worse for wear, being physically supported by boyfriend Ray J. In every news report that reported her death, they would touch on her amazing talent but then launch into her darker times. They would speak of her turbulent and destructive relationship with Bobby Brown, her dangerous addiction, her weight issues and erratic behavior; all of which casts a shadow over her dazzling gift. 

 
Yes we all have our own theories as to what may have happened and we all have strong recollections of Whitney’s drug addled and troublesome past. But whatever the reason, let’s remember that one of the greatest singers of our generation is no longer with us. Let us remember that she has a family, friends and a daughter who no longer has a mother. Let us remember that her songs have affected millions of people in so many ways. Let’s remember that her phenomenal voice has been the inspiration for many of our great female vocalists today. Let us remember the Whitney we know and love. 

 
For me personally, I remember being a little girl and screeching along to ‘I will always love you’, always running out of breath on that long note, but never forgetting that quivering lip!
I remember me and my cousins belting out ‘Run to you’ on a coach in Cuba and annoying every single passenger!
Getting dressed up with the girls and prancing around to ‘I wanna dance with somebody.’ The careless exuberance that the song brought is a feeling I’ll never forget.
I recall the ultimate girl power and solidarity that ‘It's not right, but it’s ok’ brought out in every female. Being in a club and pointing and pouting at every guy, who cowered back in fear!

 
Yes, we all have our great memories of Whitney Houston and her songs and this is exactly how she should be remembered.

 
Whitney once said that ‘We all die. The goal isn't to live forever. The goal is to create something that will"
Whitney my dear, I believe you have achieved your goal, for we will always love you and we will always love your music. Forever.