Whitney Houston

I enjoy listening to Whitney Houston. Yes, I’m aware that millions of people enjoy her music, but it’s odd that I would enjoy it. There are very few female singers I like. I’m not sure what that’s about, but most of the singers that top my fave list are male. My favorite singer of all time is Gladys Knight, but there aren’t many other female singers I enjoy. Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Karen Carpenter, and Anne Murray are a few, but they’re not at the top of my list. The majority of singers that I listen to are male. If you look at my female list though, most have a lower voice than the Mariah Carey or Celine Dion types. Maybe I just don’t like high pitches. I think that’s probably it. But I like Whitney and she sang the high stuff. Mmm…..

Born August 9, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Elizabeth Houston seemed destined for success. Her mom was Cissy Houston (gospel singing star), her cousin was Dionne Warwick, Darlene Love was her godmother, and Aretha Franklin was her godmother or honorary aunt (depending on the source) to Whitney. Dang. I would have been surprised if she hadn’t gone into music.

Cosby

Whitney was originally cast as the oldest Cosby kid on The Cosby Show. I didn’t know that until researching for this blog. Sabrina Le Beauf eventually landed the role of oldest daughter Sondra even though she was only ten years younger than her TV mom. I guess it came to the point where all the Cosby kids (including Whitney) were in a room signing their contracts. Whitney told the directors she couldn’t sign because she wanted to be a singer. The casting directors asked if she had a recording contract. (She didn’t.) They asked if she had ever toured. (She hadn’t.) They tried to convince her of how successful the show was going to be but Whitney wouldn’t budge on signing that contract. The Cosby Show debuted in 1984 and was successful. Whitney Houston released her self-titled album the following year and sold over 25 million copies. Whitney wins.

When my nephew Jonathan was a baby and crying, he would immediately stop anytime Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” came on. It was the strangest thing. He could be in the middle of a screaming tantrum but would suddenly be in a trance if Whitney’s song came on. The song he chose at his wedding when he danced with his mom was Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You.” It was very sweet.

Interestingly, I’m not a big Dolly Parton fan (I love the lady, just not the music so much) but I prefer her rendition over Whitney’s of I Will Always Love You. There’s something sweet and genuine about it that I don’t know how to put into words. Also, I love me some George Benson who first recorded The Greatest Love of All, but I prefer Whitney’s recording over his. Go figure.

I’m sure everyone knows of Whitney’s success with her albums and movies. I’m also sure you’re aware of her relationship with Bobby Brown, the drug use, and her surprising death. I don’t feel the need to talk about those things in this blog. I just wanted to talk a little Whitney on this cool Monday morning. Thanks for listening. Feel free to check out my Whitney pinups in my eBay store.