A definition of Diva:
A diva is a remarkably successful woman (normally in the entertainment industry) who defines her own journey and destiny, and is not ashamed to be who she is at all times.
One year ago today
Whitney Elizabeth Houston the immortal-voice from Newark, New Jersey who was born August 9, 1963, died one year ago today on February 11, 2012, at approximately 3:33 pm PST… alone and submerged in a bathroom tub in a Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Autopsy reports later verified that large doses of drugs were found in her body’s system.
The 48 year-old troubled super-star had been last seen drinking and enjoying the company of friends and associates at the hotel bar she was staying at.
Less than an hour from the time Whitney excused herself from her friends, a member of her entourage discovered her lying unconscious in her suite's bathroom tub. The unidentified friend immediately called the hotel operator for help and within 5 minutes a team of paramedics arrived.
For over twenty minutes paramedics tried desperately to resuscitate Whitney. Although police reports indicate the paramedics gave a gallant effort to save the unresponsive superstar, Whitney Houston was finally pronounced dead.
Whitney had been enjoying the pomp and pageantry (partying) of pre-Grammy awards shows and was staying at the Beverly Hills Hilton as the honored guest of her mentor, 79 year-old music icon / mogul Clive Davis.
Houston's grieved and stunned mother, Cissy, said she had spoken to her daughter only thirty minutes before she died and Whitney appeared to be OK.
The pair even made plans to attend a pre-Grammy Awards party together later in the day.
Whitney Houston’s phenomenal singing voice was a gift given to her by her creator, and when she was at the top of “her game”, she was undeniably the best.
Inspired by prominent singers in her family, Whitney’s singing career began at an early age in church. Her mother Cissy Houston is a renowned gospel singer and her cousin Dionne Warwick is an equally legendary diva of both pop and soul music.
Whitney Houston’s death has left her troubled 19 year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina without a mother and confidant and has left ex-husband, R&B singer Bobby Brown (Kristina’s father) to further erode in guilt and self-pity.
Very few female artists can truly claim the title of diva and without a doubt Whitney Houston was in every sense of the meaning of the word a diva. She and her music will always be missed. Sleep well Whitney.
For more information on the amazing career of this immortal-voice from Newark, New Jersey, the following link is provided.... Whitney Houston
Commentary
Often it's a difficult task to put into words the death of a human being that has touched your heart and your soul via the special gift bestowed upon them by their creator. Whitney’s infamous battle with drug abuse was well known and well chronicled, but in all honesty who amongst us does not know of a gifted family member or friend who is tormented by inner demons that refuse to be exorcised?
We are often left in awe by their gift(s) while simultaneously we're shaken to the bone and left in sorrow / tears at the sight of their self-destruction. Nothing hurts more than seeing a family member / friend wither away in pain and torment and not being able to lift them up past their physical and mental anguish.
Such is the tug-of-war of emotions that tens of millions of people around the world experienced upon learning of the premature death of the late-great Whitney Houston.
With certainty the world has lost another "Sister". We miss you Whitney. It's hard accepting your death, knowing that your death did not have to come so soon and for all the wrong reasons.
For those of us who loved your music and loved you, we find some consolation knowing that you're no longer in pain and that you're once again happy. Knowing this makes us feel a little better. We know that you are once again united in angelic harmony with Luther, Etta, Michael, Amy, and Marvin. Please give Amy an extra hug for us.
Sleep well Whitney while Barry White sings you a lullaby.
As always the New Orleans Examiner is interested in what you think. Will Whitney Houston be forever remembered as a Diva of the entertainment industry? And why does it seem so often that the "good" die young?
Until next time Louisianans, Good Day, God Bless and Good Fishing.
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