'Heartbroken and in tears': Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton and Aretha Franklin pay tribute as music world mourns shock death of Whitney Houston at 48

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Music world in mourning: Mariah Carey, pictured here performing When You Believe with Whitney Houston at the 1999 Acadamy Awards, lead tributes to the singer following her shock death today

As news spread of the unexpected death of Whitney Houston on Saturday evening, celebrities flocked to Twitter to pay their respects to the 'beautiful and talented' singer and actress.
Stars, from musicians to television personalities and business leaders, expressed their sadness at the news, praised the singer's unmatched talent and passed on their wishes to her bereaved family.
Others expressed their shock at how the award-winning singer passed away at the age of just 48.

Music world in mourning: Mariah Carey, pictured here performing When You Believe with Whitney Houston at the 1999 Acadamy Awards, lead tributes to the singer following her shock death today

'Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston,' said Mariah Carey, who recorded the Academy Award-winning song When You Believe with the late star in 1998.
'My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.'
'Shocked we've lost the immensely talented Whitney Houston!' wrote fellow singer Gloria Estefan. Sending prayers of peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! Such a loss! Such an amazing talent!'

Last picture: Whitney was last pictured in public looking worse for wear at Tru nightclub in Hollywood on Thursday

Mariah's husband Nick Cannon added: 'Tell our loved ones how much we love them while they're still here. I wish I could've told Whitney how great she was one last time.'
Dolly Parton, who wrote I Will Always Love You, said, 'mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, "Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'"

Grief: Rihanna revealed she was struggling to focus during the Grammy rehearsals in LA tonight

Singer Aretha Franklin said: 'I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy (Houston's mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown).'
Houston was found dead in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton. Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the cause of her death was unknown.
Houston's death came on the eve of music's biggest night - the Grammy Awards. It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony.
Her longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday; it was unclear if it was going to go forward.

'R.I.P': Katy Perry described the singer's death as 'devastating'

Houston was supposed to appear at the gala, and Davis has previously said that she would perhaps perform: 'It's her favorite night of the year ... (so) who knows by the end of the evening.'
Rappers and singers today expressed grief and shock over the news.
Rihanna tweeted: 'No words! Just tears #DearWhitney'
The Umbrella singer was attending a rehearsal for the Grammy Awards tonight, but admitted she was unable to focus.
She admitted: 'I honestly can't think of anything else!!! Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!!'
Nicki Minaj wrote: 'Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.'
'I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing,' music producer Quincy Jones said in a written statement. 'I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly.'
'A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.' - Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy.
'I truly, truly adored Whitney Houston,' said Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. 'Her album 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' was the very first album I ever bought.'





source: dailymail

Read more!

From pop music's queen to a fallen star ravaged by drug use: The life of Whitney Houston in pictures

By MARK DUELL

Child: Houston, pictured in 1965, was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick and the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, died on Saturday. She was aged 48. MailOnline looks back at the life of the star singer who was pronounced dead in her room of the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California

Young star: Whitney Houston belts out a song during her segment of a benefit concert at Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, in May 1986

Smiles: Whitney Houston seen at a news conference in New York in July 1988. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists

Film: In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with 'The Bodyguard'. The story of a singer (Houston) guarded by a former Secret Service agent was a success

Prizes: Whitney Houston shows off the seven awards she won in February 1993 at the American Music Awards. At her peak, she was the golden girl of music

Fun: Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown with their daughter Bobbi at Bobby's 25th birthday at Tavern On The Green in New York City in February 1984

Famous friend: South African President Nelson Mandela and Whitney Houston smile for photographers in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November 1994

Couple: Actress and singer Whitney Houston and her husband Bobby Brown pose for photographers in New York City in October 1997. They divorced in 2007

Passion: Houston performs during the Billboard Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, in December 1998. She sold more than 55 million records in the U.S.

Relatives: In this January 1998 photo, singer Houston, left, celebrates her win at the American Music Awards with her mother, Cissy, and brother, Gary, in Los Angeles

Pointing out: Houston performs before winning the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 42nd annual Grammy Awards, in this photo taken in February 2000

Performance: Houston on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York in September 2000. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals

Flamboyant hair: Houston performs during a concert for ABC television's 'Good Morning America' show, in New York in December 2002

Looking to the sky: Houston emerges from the waters of the River Jordan near the Sea of Galilee during a Holy Land pilgrimage, in May 2003

Family: Houston, centre, poses with her former husband, singer Bobby Brown, right, and their daughter Bobbi, left, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in August 2004

Clapping: Houston gestures at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, California, in this photo taken in February 2008. Houston died aged 48 on Saturday

Personality: Houston looks on while appearing on the German TV game show 'Wetten Dass' (Bet it...?) in Freiburg, in this photo taken in October 2009

Special star: Houston bows after performing 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength' at the 2009 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, in November 2009

Public appreciation: Houston performs at the Pre-Grammy Gala & Salute to Industry Icons in this file photo taken in Beverly Hills in February 2011

Sad ending: Houston looked worse for wear as she left Tru Hollywood nightclub this week, just a few days before she was found dead in a hotel room on Saturday

source: dailymail

Read more!

Life and times of Whitney Houston: Tragic tale of the American singing sensation whose life was cut short at the age of 48

By JADE WATKINS

Tragic: Music legend Whitney Houston died today at the age 48-years-old

From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists wowing audiences with her powerful and effortless voice.
The showbiz world was rocked today with the tragic news that one of music's biggest legends Whitney Houston had died.
We look back at the life and times of the Grammy and Emmy-Award winning artist whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 48.

A star is born: Whitney , seen here in 1984, first became interested in music after frequently accompanying her mother Cissy, when she performed in nightclubs and sometime would even take to the stage and perform

Whitney was born to a middle class family in Newark, New Jersey.
She was the third and youngest child of Army serviceman and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr., who passed away in 2003, and gospel singer Cissy Houston.
It was clear that natural talent in music ran through her family.


Proud parents: Whitney's mother Cissy and late father John Russell Houston, Jr. seen here with the singer in 1985

Her cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick and her godmother is Aretha Franklin all made a huge mark on he gospel and R&B scene.
Whitney first became interested in music after frequently accompanying her mother Cissy when she performed in nightclubs and sometime would even take to the stage herself and perform.
Houston was offered her very first recording contract at the age of 14 by Michael Zanger, whom she sometimes with as a back-up singer for his group, Michael Zanger band.

Family of songstresses: Whitney seen here with her mother Cissy, left and cousin Dionne Warwick, right and Don King, far left

Musical masterminds: Whitney is seen here with her other musically gifted cousin Dionne Warwick

But she was forced to turn it down as her mother was determined that she should finish school.
In the years that followed she lended her voice to both Lou Rawls and Jermaine Jackson's albums.
The African-American beauty also dabbled in modelling after being spotted by a fashion photographer whilst performing with her mother.

Beauty: With her stunning good looks and incredible voice, Whitney was destined for stardom

Famous friends: Whitney was close friends with the late King Of Pop Michael Jackson and sang back-up vocals on his father Jermaine Jackson's album. Here they are seen in 1988

She went on to become the first ever woman of colour to appear in a fashion magazine after gracing the pages of Seventeen magazine in the early Eighties.
Subsequently she appeared in Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Young Miss magazines, and also in a TV advertisement for Canada Dry soft drink.
It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston perform.

Huge star: From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artist

Model looks: The stunning singer became the first ever woman in colour to appear in a fashion magazine

'The time that I first saw her singing in her mother's act in a club ... it was such a stunning impact,' the American record producer told Good Morning America.
'To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine.'
Houston made her album debut in 1985 with the self-titled record Whitney Houston.
It sold millions and spawned hit after hit including Saving All My Love for You, which won her her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal.

Powerful: It was clear as Whitney became more and more famous that she was born to be on the stage

Other tracks such as How Will I Know, You Give Good Love and The Greatest Love of All also went on to become giant hits.
Another multi-platinum album, Whitney, came out in 1987 and included hits like Where Do Broken Hearts Go and I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The New York Times wrote that Houston 'possesses one of her generation's most powerful gospel-trained voices, but she eschews many of the churchier mannerisms of her forerunners.

Best of friends: Whitney performed duets with Mariah Carey several times, here they are seen on stage the Oscars in 1999

Protege: Whitney and record producer Clive Davis had one of the closest business relationship in showbiz

'She uses ornamental gospel phrasing only sparingly, and instead of projecting an earthy, tearful vulnerability, communicates cool self-assurance and strength, building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity.'
Her decision not to follow the more soulful inflections of singers like Franklin drew criticism by some who saw her as playing down her black roots to go pop and reach white audiences.
The criticism would become a constant refrain through much of her career. She was even booed during the Soul Train Awards in 1989.


Parlay onto the big screen: In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with The Bodyguard

Classic: The film, co-starring Kevin Costner, went on to become one of the romance greats of all time

'Sometimes it gets down to that, you know?' she told Katie Couric in 1996. 'You're not black enough for them. I don't know. You're not R&B enough. You're very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them.'
Some saw her 1992 marriage to former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown as an attempt to refute those critics.
It seemed to be an odd union; she was seen as pop's pure princess while he had a bad-boy image, and already had children of his own.
The couple went on to have a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993.

More screen time: She returned to the big screen in 1995 with Waiting to Exhale and then in 1996 in The Preacher's Wife, which she is seen in here

Over the years, he was arrested several times on charges ranging from DUI to failure to pay child support.
But Houston said their true personalities were not as far apart as people may have believed.
'When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place,' she told Rolling Stone in 1993.
'You see somebody, and you deal with their image, that's their image. It's part of them, it's not the whole picture. I am not always in a sequined gown. I am nobody's angel. I can get down and dirty. I can get raunchy.'
It would take several years, however, for the public to see that side of Houston.
Her moving 1991 rendition of The Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl, amid the first Gulf War, set a new standard and once again reaffirmed her as America's sweetheart.
In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with The Bodyguard.

A romance was born: Whitney married former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown in 1992

In love: The couple were never far from each other's side, here they are seen in Israel in 2003

Despite mixed reviews, the story of a singer guarded by a former Secret Service agent (Kevin Costner) was an international success.
It also gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You, which sat atop the charts for weeks.
It was Grammy's Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal, and the Bodyguard soundtrack was named album of the year.
She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher's Wife.
Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, My Love Is Your Love, in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut It's Not Right But It's Okay.


Apple of her mother's eye: The couple went on to have a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993 and she became Whitney's world

Her everything: Kristina often accompanied her mother on the red-carpet and to various events

But during these career and personal highs, Houston began using drugs.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2010, she said by the time The Preacher's Wife was released, '(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. ... I would do my work, but after I did my work, for a whole year or two, it was every day. ... I wasn't happy by that point in time. I was losing myself.'
In the interview, Houston blamed her rocky marriage to Brown, which included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993. They divorced in 2007.
Houston would go to rehab twice before she would declare herself drug-free to Winfrey in 2010.

Cleaning up her act: Houston declared herself drug-free to Oprah Winfrey in 2010

But in the interim, there were missed concert dates, a stop at an airport due to drugs, and public meltdowns.
She was so startlingly thin during a 2001 Michael Jackson tribute concert that rumors spread she had died the next day.
Her crude behavior and jittery appearance on Brown's reality show, Being Bobby Brown, was an example of her sad decline.
Her Sawyer interview, where she declared 'crack is whack,' was often parodied. She dropped out of the spotlight for a few years.

Looking fabulous: The singer looked like the Whitney of old when she took to the stage to perform at last year's Grammy Awards

Houston staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album I Look To You. The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.
Things soon fell apart. A concert to promote the album on Good Morning America went awry as Houston's voice sounded ragged and off-key. She blamed an interview with Winfrey for straining her voice.
A world tour launched overseas, however, only confirmed suspicions that Houston had lost her treasured gift, as she failed to hit notes and left many fans unimpressed; some walked out.

Troubled again: Whitney Houston looked worse for wear as she left Tru Hollywood nightclub earlier this week

Stand by me: The singer was in dire need of some serious aid from her entourage

Canceled concert dates raised speculation that she may have been abusing drugs, but she denied those claims and said she was in great shape, blaming illness for cancellations.
Recently Houston appeared to be battling her demons once more.
She was spotted looking worse for wear earlier this week in Hollywood, California after enjoying a party with friends.
The superstar singer had been a guest at the Kelly Price & Friends Unplugged: For The Love Of R&B Grammy Party at Tru Hollywood and had even performed during the night.

source: dailymail

Read more!

BREAKING NEWS: Troubled U.S. music legend Whitney Houston is found dead in Beverly Hills hotel room after drugs battle, aged 48

-Award-winning singer and actress 'found unconscious by on-off boyfriend Ray J in her hotel room'
-Emergency services administered CPR for 20 minutes but were unable to save her
-Speculation that death is drug-related but cause is unknown
-Last appeared in public on Thursday where she looked dishevelled and reportedly smelled of alcohol
-Celebrities flock to Twitter to pay tributes to 'beautiful and talented' singer

By HUGO GYE and LYDIA WARREN

Troubled: Whitney Houston looked worse for wear as she left Tru Hollywood nightclub this week

Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, died this afternoon. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said today that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unclear.
She died at the Beverly Hilton hotel. She was apparently found by her on-off boyfriend Ray J in her hotel room, though other reports dispute that account.
A spokesman for the local police department said that emergency services had been called to the hotel at 3.43 this afternoon, arriving minutes later.
Officials rushed to the room on the fourth floor where she was staying as a guest, where they found security staff and firemen attempting to revive her using CPR

Performance: Throughout the 80s and 90s, Houston was one of the world's most popular singers

Life-saving attempts proved unsuccessful after 20 minutes, and she was pronounced dead at 3.55pm.
Authorities are currently trying to determine a cause of death, according to the spokesman. It was initially unclear whether or not her death was drug-related, as has been speculated by some.
Celebrities, from singers and rappers to television personalities and business leaders, took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news.
Stars praised the singer's unmatched talent and passed on their wishes to her bereaved family, while others expressed their shock at how the award-winning singer passed away at the age of just 48.
'Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston,' said Mariah Carey, who recorded the Oscar-winning song When You Believe with the late star in 1998.

Superstar: Houston will long be remembered as one of the standout performers of her generation

'My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.'
'Shocked we've lost the immensely talented Whitney Houston!' wrote fellow singer Gloria Estefan. ‘Sending prayers of peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! Such a loss! Such an amazing talent!'
Rihanna tweeted: 'No words! Just tears. I honestly can't think of anything else!!! Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!!'
But it was not just the music industry that felt the influence of Houston, with other celebrities expressing their condolences and thanks to the award-winning singer.
One high-profile figure to speak out was Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg, who said: 'R.I.P. Whitney Houston. Thank you for the amazing music you brought into the world.'

Award success: Houston was a frequent winner at the Grammys and other high-profile award ceremonies

News of Houston's death came on the eve of one of the biggest nights in music - the Grammy Awards.
It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony.
Her longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday, and a representative of the show said it would proceed.
Houston was supposed to appear at the gala, and Davis had said that she would perhaps perform: 'It's her favorite night of the year... who knows, by the end of the evening.'

Relationship: Houston's turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown was the subject of tabloid gossip for years

Producer Jimmy Jam, who had worked with Houston, said he anticipated the evening would become a tribute to her, and he expected there to be one at the Grammys as well.
She had been at rehearsals for the show on Thursday, coaching singers Brandy and Monica, according to a person who was at the event.
The source said Houston looked disheveled, was sweating profusely and liquor and cigarettes could be smelled on her breath.
Two days ago, she performed at a pre-Grammy party with singer Kelly Price.
After her death, the executive in charge of the awards issued a statement expressing sadness at the star's death.
'Six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades,' Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, said.

'Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.'
At her peak in the 1980s and 90s, Houston was the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world's best-selling artists.
She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
Among her hits were How Will I Know, Saving All My Love for You and I Will Always Love You. She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year.
Her success carried her beyond music to movies like The Bodyguard.


Mentor: Houston's career was started by record label boss Clive Davis, who saw her singing in a nightclub with her mother

But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.
Her image became tarnished by her well-documented troubles, including her turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
By the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use.
Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances.

Hotel: Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California

Scene: A police van and fire department officials were spotted outside the Hilton after Houston's death

She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.
'The biggest devil is me. I'm either my best friend or my worst enemy,' Houston told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.

Successor: Houston with Mariah Carey, one of the young singers who followed in her wake

With Ray J: According to some accounts Houston was found by her on-off boyfriend, who is himself a singer

Duet: Houston sings with Jermaine Jackson during rehearsals for a TV performance in 1984

However, she will be remembered not for the troubles she encountered in her last decade, but for her extraordinary voice and star charisma.
Houston was discovered by record label boss Clive Davis, who once said: 'The time that I first saw her singing in her mother's act in a club... it was such a stunning impact.
'To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine.'







source: dailymail

Read more!