MUMBAI: In the grief of losing one of the most treasured musical jewels a worldwide torrent of tributes were paid to the American recording artiste, actress, producer and model Whitney Houston. The Grammy ceremony which was looking forward to have high handed glitz and glamour was tinged with sadness and mourning for the R&B star.
Devastated by the news, Whitney Houston’s producer and mentor Clive Davis said, I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. She loved music and she loved the night that celebrated music. “
Reminiscing Houston from her special performance on the X-Factor in 2009, the British impresario Simon Cowell stated, “There are so few people like her in the world. She had one of the greatest voices I have ever heard in my life, ever.”
Fellow singer Kelly Price who appeared on-stage at a Hollywood club with Houston on 8 February expressed, Whitney on Thursday night was one of the girls. She was happy. She was the Whitney I always knew. We were planning another reunion. I never ever imagined I’d be talking about her because she’s not here…
Elton John who performed his Million Dollar Piano show at Caesars Palace in Vegas, also dedicated a song to the late Whitney Houston and grieved, “She could sing gospel, she could sing, “I Will Always Love You,” and make you cry, and she was the most beautiful woman I think I’ve ever seen. She was incredible. So, my dearest, gorgeous, lovely angel, we want to do this song for you. Thank you for giving us your talent and one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Houston’s godmother Aretha Franklin also called the news as stunning and unbelievable. She tweeted, I just can’t talk about it now. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobby Kris, her family and Bobby.”
Houston ex-husband Brown paid a tribute with a performance in Southaven, Mississippi,”I love you Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage.”
Mariah Carey, who recorded the duet â€?When You Believe’ with Houston in 1998, also tweeted, “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.”
Paying tribute to her musical contribution in the industry and recalling her times, the musical drama Glee will include a special valentine to the late, great Whitney Houston in its 14 Feb episode. Glee producers are considering making the episode an official Whitney tribute by adding a memorial title card at the beginning or the end of the episode. The episode will feature Mercedes (Amber Riley) singing Whitney’s classic ballad â€?I Will Always Love You.’ Amber tweeted, I can’t even breathe right now. Not Whitney. I’m in tears right now. … I had to pull over off the road. RIP Whitney Houston. I’m glad now that I got to meet you and thank you for your beautiful music….
Condolences poured from all over the world with Indian music maestro and two time Grammy Award winner AR Rahman tweeting, Another shining star of the music world gone too soon…! We will miss you, Whitney… Respect and prayers for you….
Renowned Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam also tweeted, One of my biggest inspirations in diversifying from what I knew as a musician, to what I was destined to become, has left without meeting me….