The 1980’s were a turning point in the music industry and Pop culture altogether. It was the birth of MTV. It was the emergence of Hip Hop. It was the record breaking “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. It was the fight for Black Music Videos to be played on MTV (thanks to Michael Jackson). It was a time when music lovers enjoyed music outside of their normal listening genres. Whitney Houston was an instrumental part of this evolution. She carried this torch into the 1990’s.
I was at Andy’s Pizza, in Newport News, Virginia, with my girlfriend, when I found out that Whitney Houston was no longer with us. I didn’t know what to feel. My mother equated it to losing a family member. I would have to agree with her.
Whitney Houston created the template for singers like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Adele and many others. In 1983, Clive Davis signed Whitney Houston to Arista Records. Although she was signed in 1983, her self-titled wasn’t released until 1985 and spent 14 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s top 200. According to the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA), the album sold 13 million copies, at that time, making it the first time a female artist, let alone African-American, to reach the 10 million mark and beyond. I can go on and on about her stats and who she influenced, however; Whitney Houston helped define a great vocalist.
I challenge you to visit to any bar or any place that has Karaoke. Anyone who attempts to tackle Whiney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton, usually fails. And I completely understand Karaoke is for fun, however; this proves that Whitney Houston inspired hope through her voice. There will never be another Whitney Houston. She was my generation’s version of Aretha Franklin. It’s ironic that her mother, Cissy Houston, was a backup singer for Aretha Franklin, Whitney’s Godmother, and many others.
Whitney has had negative press in the 2000’s, however; this article is only meant to briefly celebrate what she inspired. Whitney Houston will be sadly missed. Tonight, February 12, 2012, is Grammy night and I sincerely hope a tribute is set in place for her. I really think that Jennifer Hudson should be selected to sing in her honor. Rest in peace Whitney Houston “The Greatest Love of All”.
-Tim "The ChirpinByrd"
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