Whitney

If I had to recall, I would say my deep love of music began in the passenger seat of my grandmother’s car as we listened to the cassette “I Can’t Hold Back” by the L.A. Mass Choir.  I felt the magic of entertainment when I watched old recorded concerts and videos of Michael Jackson with my Aunt Marcia.  I experienced transcendence when I heard Whitney Houston.

All who know me as a singer (although most don’t know that about me), know there’s a trinity of singers I admire most:  Stevie Wonder, Karen Clark Sheard and Whitney Houston.

Stevie helped me see the world with new eyes.  Karen Clark Sheard hypnotized with me the power of the run/riff as a senior in high school.  But before all of them, I had one major influence:  Whitney.

Whitney had power, she had tone, she had control, she had interpretation.  She had a spirit and charm that would pull you into a song.  In her prime, her live performances where unmatched.

My first Whitney Houston album was “The Preacher’s Wife.”  I actually never bought that copy.  I rented it from the library and never returned it.

When I first heard “I Love the Lord” off the “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack, I was awestruck at her ability to transition between so many different emotions in just 45 seconds.  In that one verse,  I heard sweetness, joy, adoration, pain, emotion, surrender and then joy again all in one song.  I am convinced that incredible gift came from something higher.

Those who read this may attribute my remarks to the typical, over-emotional response of fans having heard of the passing of a star.  You have a right to that opinion.  However, as much as I don’t want to sound self-effacing, those with musical gifts (or any artistic affinity for that matter) have a cryptic connection with their influences.   Those who don’t have that will never understand it.

I just want to give my short, five hundred word expression of gratitude to one who shared an incredible gift with us, no matter how much turmoil it caused her in return.  I am beyond grateful and beyond touched.  To God be the glory.

One of my favorite videos by Whitney Houston.

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