BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday evening, the country was shocked as the news that Ms. Whitney Houston had died. The death of the 48- years-old superstar remains under investigation.
In 1991, Ms. Houston sang the Star Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl at Tampa Satdium. Her rendition of the song made the Billboard charts and has yet to be rivaled.
Some Tampa residents shared their feelings on her sudden death.
Ms. Khaliah Fleming said, “Totally unexpected…. such an incredible and amazing voice, yet such a sad life story. We will never have another voice like hers!”
Billy Wheeler said, “Her voice was God-given; Whitney was born to sing. She was beautiful, intelligent, and regal. She was also human. I’ve had her on my prayer list for the last few years, and I believe she has arrived at the peace she sought. She leaves a wonderful legacy of music and life for us to celebrate. I pray that her family finds comfort during this time of separation.”
Ms. Pat Spencer said, “Having enjoyed listening to Whitney Houston since the late 80s, I am devastated at her passing. My feelings were expressed through the prayer offered by LL Cool J at the opening of the Grammy Awards last night.”
Danny Green (pictured above, with Houston) said, “The death of Whitney has come as a complete shock. I had the great honor of meeting Whitney backstage at the 2010 BET Honors. Knowing her personally has really affected me; I feel like I’ve lost a friend.
“Her talents exceeded the highest expectations. My favorite songs by Whitney are I Will Always Love You and I Have Nothing. Her acting role in The Bodyguard was outstanding, which certainly opened the doors for many artists to introduce acting to their careers. Whitney’s great talents and powerful voice along with her presence will certainly be missed.”[private]
Ms. Andrea White said, “A great loss when even any member passes in the community, remain positive and keep the family and community in our prayers.”
Ms. Tonya Lewis said, “I felt like a part was ripped from me. I grew up listening to Ms. Houston in high school in the 80s. My prayers go out to her precious daughter, Bobbi Khristina, and Ms. Houston’s family. She will always be cherished and missed by her fans. God bless you Ms. Whitney Houston, and may you soul have peace now.”
Keto Hodges said, “I was saddened by the passing of Whitney at the fairly young age of 48 on the eve of the Grammy’s an event she dominated throughout her storied musical career. I am most prayerful for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, now 18 who has seen more than her fair share of tragedy, triumph and chaos since her early childhood.
“I hope that people take this time to reflect on positive memories of a historic figure, but most of all a real person.”
Andre Walker said, “I was in the airport at Newark’s Liberty Airport several years ago. I saw Whitney, Bobby, and friends in the Concourse. Whitney was loud and somewhat rude. Running through the airport as if she was a kid. Wig turned to one side and looking a mess. “She almost ran over a little girl walking with her mom. We boarded a plane headed to Atlanta, both she and Bobby exhibited weird and strange behavior.
“Extremely hyperactive behavior, loud talking, using profanity, etc. Whitney’s addiction played a very important role in her demise. Her beautiful voice almost totally gone, a victim of her addiction and lifestyle. I am a firm believer that God giveth and he will take it away. Whitney never appreciated the gifts that was given to her by God.” [/private]
***Look for full story in Tuesday’s Sentinel***
