Whitney Houston--A Legend

Music can comfort, empathize, be uplifting, and help people heal, among other benefits. Most people don't go a day without listening to it. How often do we think about the people behind the music—singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists? In this piece, I am going to talk about a legend. One of the most phenomenal voices of all time, her voice is one of the most distinct. She passed away nine years ago. Her impact on people and music will never be forgotten. There are times, I still cry when I see clips of Whitney Houston. It is difficult to believe she is gone.

Whitney is proof opportunities meant for you will wait for you. Before she finished high school, she was offered two record contracts in 1980 and 1981, but her mother wanted her to finish school. In 1983 she was offered another and signed with Arista Records. The Bodyguard is another example. Kevin Costner wanted her to play the lead role of Rachel Marron; his mind wasn't able to be changed. He held off production of the film until it could be fit into Whitney's schedule. I'm glad he did. I can't imagine another person playing that part, nor as well. She is proof that nobody and nothing can block what is meant for you.

God blessed her with the gifts to sing and act and the passion for pursuing them, but it took her being disciplined and working hard to achieve what He had planned for her. She always thanked Him in her acceptance speeches; I love that about her.

No matter her success, being a good mother was important to her. Caring for her child came first. While scrolling through video clips on Instagram, I came across videos of her holding her baby girl during an acceptance speech. In what looks like a home interview with her and Bobby, she cuddled and spoke to her baby. In another clip, her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, is sitting in the audience when Whitney was a guest on Oprah. Whitney also took her daughter on tours with her. The way she balanced motherhood and a successful career are inspirational. Her graceful nature made it seem easy.

A few of her songs I listen to frequently are "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "Step by Step," "It's Not Right, But It's Okay," and her iconic rendition of "I Will Always Love You." The upbeat good-feeling vibes of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" help you relax and have fun. "Step by Step" is an encouragement for me to keep going no matter what I go through, to not let things keep my spirit down. The attitude in her voice for "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" adds emphasis to the words and that if a woman needs to, she can take care of her babies on her own. She smoothly transitions between soft and powerhouse vocals, adding another layer of emotion to the song "I Will Always Love You."

When it comes to live-action versions or retellings of Disney movies, a favorite is the live-action version of Cinderella with Whitney Houston and Brandy. Many years have passed since I have watched it. She and Brandy were fantastic! Whitney's fairy godmother portrayal was perfection in the exquisite gold gown.

Whitney said in a 1991 interview that she wanted people to remember her as a nice person, but she will be remembered for much more. She acknowledged people will remember her however they want, and some choose to focus on her struggles and imperfect moments. I know she made mistakes, everyone does, but I prefer to focus on the good and inspirational aspects of her life.