Hi Nick,
As usual it is always a pleasure to read what you write, it's amazing that such a beautiful and person is gone. I find her death a tradgedy on many levels, number one her soft raptuours voice speaks to the heart of women, her presence was always that of a subtle presence, as her voice encompassed all who heard it. Her sense of warmth that has been her trademark in my eyes was poured forth into her soul and into her music. I can hear her songs playing in my mind, "Didn't We Almost Have It All?" When you have so much at your disposal, it might also be wise to ask, "Didn't We Have Too Much?" as well. Too many of Hollywoods lights are turned out too soon, as they find ways to unwind, find new gigs to light behind, and right before our eyes they into a whole other situation. One that will rob them of ability to think and act rationally, a act that seems to be in a whole part speaking about what people are finding refreshing in an entertainer. The psychological part is important as shows the person cares about his or hers self, and that carries a strong message to those that watch their favorite stars. When other areas become involved it can at first be subtle or it can start a rippel effect, people connect with thier role models, and even though a star may claim no responsibility, kids are watching how these people construct thier lives. Drugs and alcohol are clear enemies and bring about the demise of many talented people, I wish the industry would make better attempts at helping people stay on the ladder to stardom, rather than trying to keep making money, everyone has made their share of greed, and they still want more. I give singers like "Jewel" credit for steping down while raising her children, rather than try to "do it all." Sometimes doing it all comes at a impossible toll. As I watched the interview this morning with Whitney Houston being interviewed with Oprah, Whitney tells Oprah that she would like to open up a little drink stand with her daughter, just to be able to be in her daughters life, and watch her daughter grow up. What would be wrong with that, she had allready earned millions from her record sales, and would collect royalities I am sure well past her death. Didn't we almost have it all?

I think there is indeed some danger in the sudden burst to fame and fortune -- but also maybe these celebrities just seem to be different because we see their joys and foibles in the spotlight. Maybe they're no different from the rest of us, it's just that their personal triumphs and struggles are played out for the world to watch.

Nice tribute, Nick. I have to note that yesterday a couple of my Facebook bros were bashing her for her drug abuse issues and commenting why all the hoopla as she was just a cracked out something something. The world is better off without druggies.

I don't often seek out public platforms, this is the most public I ever get. I got pissed and lambasted the idea that this lovely singer and beautiful person (as momascomic described) was an evil or a crack addict.

The minute our pop idols become human we pounce on them. Its our buck that made them popular and dependent on drugs and the 24/7 party life. its our buck that allows them to have 75 pairs of Air Jordans in the hall closet. Its our buck that lets them have 25 gazillion dollar homes. But, when they get older, need face lifts, voice goes bad because of excess and good life, tabloid reports of violence and spousal abuse, we desert them. The invites stop, the Jordans get muddy and the house goes. Skid Row and no one wants them anymore. I think the movie I'll Cry Tomorrow should be required watching for Pop Idols and fans.

Is it sexual appeal that makes us want to be like Pop Idols? Dress like them, act like them, have purple hair? I can't think of anything worse than bedding down Justin Bieber or the Tim Dolan look alike from last night. Plus, she gave us the finger last week. Pop Idols must be for the younger generation, yet, I paid 400 for two tickets to see Coldplay in PDX in April. My tickets are up at 900 now, go figure. Most people do not realize how tuff it is being a star (rock, pop, movie). Ask Michael Jackson, John Belushi, Jimi Hendrix, River Phoenix, Elvis and now Whitney.

Nick, I watched The Bodyguard last night. Great movie every time, critics hate it, I love it. I liked Whitney, a lot. She had demons, they were too much for her. I am sorry she is gone, music has lost one of its great ones. Another will come like her, just as good, better, we will worship her, throw money at her and the saga will begin again.

For now, Rest Well, Whitney.

Loved Jennifer Hudson's homage to Houston. What a powerful voice, yet uniquely her own.

Shes a great legend in the Arena of Music. I love her songs.

central heating

I hate when celebrities die...
suddenly there's nothing wrong with them and there as good as when they were in there prime... It's sad that someone died but yu don't post anything when good NON drug addicted Americans in the newspapers die yu didn't know them ...and yu didn't KNOW her so why all the attention now... Umm she was on CRACK not a role model...good singer but nothing else. Again I hate when celebrities die.

Thanks for the fine post on one of my heros...May she RIP.


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We should all get together and lip sync the National Anthem in honor of Whitney Houston . . .

It's not like someone important died, like Jimmy Page or whatever . . .

It kinda makes you wish Celine Dion would start smoking the pipe.

LuAnn, I wrote about Whitney Houstan a year ago, when I was reflecting on the best Super Bowl performances of the National Anthem, and she was my favorite. But then it raises C-Dub's lip-syncing point, because that performance was indeed pre-recorded. But, man, was it fine.

What I always liked about her performances (pre-Bobby Brown) was the Joy that she felt, being onstage and sharing what she loved to do with an adoring audience. Before she took up with Brown, that Joy was obvious and unforced. RIP Whitney, thanks for sharing your awesome voice with us... you will be missed...