Just found more info about the tours, but it won't fit in the OP so for those who want to know every detail about the tours, here is the info.
More Tour Info
THE "GREATEST LOVE" TOUR July - December 1986
NORTH AMERICA - USA, CANADA
(35 Shows)
EUROPE - BELGIUM, UNITED KINGDOM
(4 Shows)
ASIA - JAPAN
(7 Shows)
AUSTRALIA
(3 Shows)
SETLIST
Wanna Be Starting Something
Eternal Love
You Give Good Love
Hold Me
How Will I Know
Take Good Care Of My Heart
Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
Saving All My Love For You
Someone For Me
I Am Changing
Memories
All At Once
He / I Believe
Greatest Love Of All
THE BAND
John Simmons (music conductor/piano)
Rickey Minor (bass guitar)
Curtis Taylor Neishloss (guitar)
Jack Perry (keyboards)
Josh Harris (saxophone)
Brian Brake (drums)
Ohene Kwadwo Larbi (percussion)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
Felicia Moss (background vocalist)
Voneva Simms (background vocalist)
Billy Baker (background vocalist)
SUPPORT ACT
Mark McCollum, Sylvia Traymore, Kenny G
The Greatest Love World Tour was Whitney Houston's first headlining worldwide tour in support of her multi-platinum debut album, Whitney Houston. The tour started at the Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 26, 1986 and was a 4-month venture. The 1986 arena tour included shows in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia following the success of the singer's debut album.
The show consisted of Whitney on a fringed round stage in the center of the arena/theater with a 9-piece band playing and four backup vocalists behind her. There were no costume changes or background dancers. Brother Gary Garland would replace Jermaine Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass on the duets. Young New Jersey comedienne Sylvia Traymore opened the show and did hilarious impersonations of such stars as Dionne Warwick, Tina Turner, Cher and others. While on her first global tour, Whitney revealed she was a creative musician; rearranging most of the songs during her shows and sometimes deviating from the album's version. In "You Give Good Love", Whitney would slow it down and emphazise the soulful elements of the song, treating it like a gospel number while breaking it down with her background singers. During "Saving All My Love For You", Whitney arranged the song into a bluesy jazz number that recalled Billie Holliday. Whitney often scatted with sax player Josh Harris during the end of the song. Many critics noted "He / I Believe" and "I Am Changing" as the show's highlights. The former is a song she learned from her mother which joins the gospel songs "He Is" with "I Believe". The latter is a cover of the show Jennifer Holliday's show stopping Dreamgirls song. After opening the show with a tease of the anthemic "Greatest Love Of All", Whitney closed out the show with a slowed down soulful version of the song.
THE "MOMENT OF TRUTH" TOUR July - December 1987
April - November 1988
NORTH AMERICA - USA, CANADA
(90 Shows)
EUROPE - THE NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, GERMANY, DENMARK, NORWAY, SWEDEN, ITALY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND
(37 Shows)
ASIA - JAPAN, HONG KONG
(18 Shows)
AUSTRALIA
(6 Shows)
SETLIST
Didn`t We Almost Have It All
Love Will Save The Day
You Give Good Love
So Emotional
Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Love Is A Contact Sport
How Will I Know
Saving All My Love For You
He / I Believe
Wonderful Counselor
He`s Alright
(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman
You Send Me
Greatest Love Of All
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
THE BAND
John Simmons (music conductor)
Rickey Minor (bass guitar)
Steve Kelly (guitar)
Willard Meeks jr. (keyboards)
Jay Davidson (saxophone)
Gregory Grainger (drums)
Kevin Jones (percussion)
Felicia Moss (background vocalist)
Voneva Simms (background vocalist)
Billy Baker (background vocalist)
THE DANCERS
Frantz Hall
Raymond Delbarrio
Leesa Humphrey
SUPPORT ACT
Jonathan Butler and Kenny G
he Moment Of Truth World Tour was Whitney's second worldwide tour. The tour started in North America during the summer of 1987, following the release of her second album Whitney. The tour continued overseas during 1988 in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia.
Like her previous tour, Whitney again performed on a round stage in the center of the arena or auditorium so that everyone can see her. The seven-piece band was situated below her. There were two outfit changes; no stage props. However, unlike her previous tour, Whitney called upon three backup dancers during the uptempos. Jonathan Butler and Kenny G opened during the North American leg. With two albums under her belt, the singer had more material to choose from. She included most of the songs from "Whitney", the biggest hits from her debut, as well as the gospel song "He/I Believe". Whitney also performed songs from her peers during various concerts, interpreting Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Janet Jackson. Like her debut tour, Houston proved herself to be a creative musician. She rearranged most of the songs into soulful jazzy numbers and did a lot of improvisation. The Montreal Gazette said, "Whatever faults the 24-year-old singer has, she is first and foremost a creative musician." The pop hit "How Will I Know" was given a jazzy beginning and gospel-like ending. "You Give Good Love" was slowed down into a steamy and sensual slow jam. Houston often scatted with sax player Jay Davidson on "Just The Lonely Talking Again". Most critics noted "He/I Believe" and "Greatest Love Of All" as being the show's highlights. Despite the praise for her voice and arrangements, many critics noted her lack of dancing and movements. The Richmond Times said "she is about as stiff as a cardboard box. Some noted that she lacked a true personality. Others complained that despite the name of the tour, she followed the same formula as her previous tour.
THE "FEEL SO RIGHT" TOUR January 1990
JAPAN
(14 Shows)
SETLIST
So Emotional
You Give Good Love
Saving All My Love For You
How Will I Know
Takin`A Chance
Love Medley:
* All At Once
* Didn`t We Almost Have It All
* A House Is Not A Home
* Where Do Broken Hearts Go
All The Man That I Need
Who Do You Love
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Greatest Love Of All
Higher Love
THE BAND
Rickey Minor (musical director, bass guitar, bass synthesizer)
Ray Fuller (guitar)
Bette Sussman, Wayne Lynsey (keyboards)
Kirk Whalum (saxophone)
Ricky Lawson (drums)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
B. David Whitworth (background vocalist)
Billy Baker (background vocalist)
THE DANCERS
Darrel Wayne Wright
Troy Burgess
THE "TAKIN' A CHANCE" TOUR March 1991
JAPAN
SETLIST
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
So Emotional
Saving All My Love For You
How Will I Know
Love Medley:
* All At Once
* Didn`t We Almost Have It All
* A House Is Not A Home
* Where Do Broken Hearts Go
All The Man That I Need
My Name Is Not Susan
Anymore
Revelation
In Return
Who Do You Love
I`m Your Baby Tonight
Greatest Love Of All
THE BAND
Rickey Minor (musical director, bass guitar, bass synthesizer)
Ray Fuller (guitar)
Bette Sussmann (keyboard)
Michael Bearden (keyboard)
Kirk Whalum (saxophone)
Ricky Lawson (drums)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
Vonchita Rawls (background vocalist)
Carmen Rawls (background vocalist)
Tiawana Rawls (background vocalist)
THE "I`M YOUR BABY TONIGHT" TOUR April - October 1991
NORTH AMERICA - USA, CANADA
(73 Shows)
EUROPE - THE NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, GERMANY, SPAIN
(28 Shows)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
So Emotional
Saving All My Love For You
How Will I Know
Love Medley:
* All At Once
* Didn`t We Almost Have It All
* A House Is Not A Home
* Where Do Broken Hearts Go
All The Man That I Need
My Name Is Not Susan
Anymore
Revelation
He`s Alright
Who Do You Love
I`m Your Baby Tonight
Greatest Love Of All
THE BAND
Rickey Minor (musical director, bass guitar, bass synthesizer)
Ray Fuller (guitar)
Bette Sussmann (keyboard)
Michael Bearden (keyboard)
Kirk Whalum (saxophone)
Ricky Lawson (drums)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
Vonchita Rawls (background vocalist)
Carmen Rawls (background vocalist)
Tiawana Rawls (background vocalist)
SUPPORT ACT
After 7, Snap!, Gerald Alston
The I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour was a concert tour of arenas, that included 101 concert dates in North America and Europe in 1991.
Unlike her previous tours, the shows had more focus on visuals. The stage was lit by 300 lights spinning and flashing in synch with the music. The state of the art system was designed by Mark Fisher and Jonathan Park. The system had only been used previously by Pink Floyd in his "The Wall" show in Berlin and the Rolling Stones' "Urban Jungle Tour". Whitney also incorporated costume changes during her sets for the first time. She often wore skin tight jump suits. Houston also took part in choreographed dancing with backup dancers. Unlike her previous tours, the stage was not in the round. She was backed by a seven piece band. Rickey Minor became the tour's musical director. R&B group After 7 opened during the North American leg. Dance act Snap! supported her on the European leg. Whitney reworked most of the songs during the show with improvisations and spontaneity, adding funk to the uptempos while slowing down the ballads. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "Saving All My Love For You" was "sultry, taking excursions through the church and jazz world that aren't heard on the recorded version." She incorporated her popular love songs into a "Love Medley", giving her time to try out the newer uptempo/new jack swing numbers on her current album. Midway through the shows, Whitney introduced her band while singing the gospel "Revelation". This started the gospel set which included a cappella and solos from her backup singers. Her brother Gary Houston also performed a Marvin Gaye medley. With hip hop music becoming popular during the time, Houston incorporated rappers into the show. Rappers were given verses during "How Will I Know" while shouting "yo Whitney" throughout other songs. During some of the shows, Whitney incorporated her hit "All The Man That I Need" into a medley with the Billie Holiday classic "Lover Man" which she dedicated to her own man at the time. At the time, Whitney was rumored to be dating singer Bobby Brown. The rumor of course turned out to be true. The Holliday cover earned praise from many critics. The Vancouver Sun said "her delivery was achingly soulful" and that the singer should continue towards that direction musically. Whitney ended her show with "I'm Your Baby Tonight" before the encore with "Greatest Love Of All". Some criticized Houston for focusing on the MTV trend of relying on dancing and big production lighting. The Sun Sentinel noted that the singer should opt for smaller venues and theaters that are "far more suitable to her sophistication and talent." USA Today praised the singer because she "shakes the confinements of her recordings' calculated productions and gets downright gutsy and soulful"
THE "BODYGUARD" TOUR July - November 1993
January - November 1994
NORTH AMERICA - USA
(58 Shows)
ASIA - JAPAN
(16 Shows)
EUROPE - ITALY, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, SWEDEN, NORWAY, THE NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, BELGIUM, SPAIN, FRANCE, AUSTRIA
(34 Shows)
SOUTH AMERICA - BRAZIL, CHILE, ARGENTINA, VENEZUELA, PUERTO RICO
(7 Shows)
SOUTH AFRICA
(3 Shows)
SETLIST
Love Will Save The Day
Saving All My Love For You
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
How Will I Know
Love Medley:
* All At Once
* Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
* Didn`t We Almost Have It All
* Where Do Broken Hearts Go
* All The Man That I Need
I Have Nothing
Queen Of The Night
I`m Your Baby Tonight
Aretha Franklin Medley:
* (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman
* Do Right Woman ...
* Ain`t No Way
Revelation
Jesus Loves Me
I Will Always Love You
I`m Every Woman
THE BAND
Rickey Minor (musical director, bass guitar, bass synthesizer)
Carlos Rios (guitar)
Bette Sussmann (keyboard)
Wayne Linsey (keyboard)
Kirk Whalum (saxophone)
Michael Baker (drums)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
Olivia McClurkin (background vocalist)
Alfie Silas (background vocalist)
Patti Howard (background vocalist)
Josie James (background vocalist)
SUPPORT ACT
Angie & Debbie Winans, Smoothe Sylk
The Bodyguard World Tour was a worldwide concert tour. The tour started in July 1993 in support of her "Bodyguard Soundtrack" album. It was Whitney's fourth world tour and by far her most extensive. Spanning two years, Houston played North America twice, Europe, Japan, and made her first appearances in South America and South Africa.
During the first North American leg, gospel act Angie and Debbie Winans were the opening acts. Smoothe Sylk was the opening act during the second North American leg. Unlike her previous tour, this tour did not focus as much on the entertainment aspect. Whitney borrowed some of then-husband Bobby Brown's own concert dancers. However, the show was about "The Voice". As always, the concerts allowed her to arrange her material into more informal settings than the original recordings. During her first Radio City performance, Stephen Holden of the New York Times wrote that "her stylistic trademarks -- shivery melismas that ripple up in the middle of a song, twirling embellishments at the ends of phrases that suggest an almost breathless exhilaration -- infuse her interpretations with flashes of musical and emotional lightning." At one of her Atlantic City dates, Kevin L. Carter of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that Houston handled her songs "with subdued emotionalism and the intelligence that only a gifted musician can bring to a song. "Saving All My Love For You" was turned into a "smoky saloon-style ballad". Many critics noted that the highlight of the show was when Whitney took on "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls, and "I Loves You Porgy" from Porgy and Bess. Stephen Holden wrote of the medley that "her voice conveyed authority, power, determination and just enough vulnerability to give a sense of dramatic intention". As always, Houston included gospel songs. She introduced her band while performing "Revelation". Whitney spoke about the Lord before going into "Jesus Loves Me" which was often accompanied with complete silence from the mesmerized crowd. During the last couple of years, since her marriage to Brown, the tabloids generated many stories about Houston and Brown. The New York Post created a rumor that the singer had overdosed on diet pills, leading to a lawsuit filed by Houston. During her shows, while performing her love medley, Houston often denied tabloid rumors. Whitney often brought her husband and baby to the stage with her to prove that they are a happy family and that the tabloids are wrong. Many critics felt that these tabloid stories helped her sing with more conviction and emotion. According to some critics, Brown's presence made "All the Man That I Need" a more stirring performance leading up the emotional high of "I Have Nothing", while others felt they were unnecessary, cheesy moments. Many critics praised her Aretha Franklin medley that she performed at certain shows. Whitney performed "Ain't No Way", "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man". According to Jon Beam of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Aretha Franklin medley was a triumph of substance over style. He wrote that "She seemed a natural instead of a studied singer doing "A Natural Woman," and "Do Right Woman" was a right-on, soulful country-blues song, with a traditional call-and-response between Whitney and her backup singers."
THE "PACIFIC RIM" TOUR May 1997
ASIA - JAPAN, THAILAND, TAIWAN
(7 Shows)
HAWAII
(1 Show)
SETLIST
I`m Every Woman
So Emotional
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
All At Once
Saving All My Love For You
Greatest Love Of All
Queen Of The Night
All The Man That I Need
Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
I Love The Lord
I Go To The Rock
I Will Always Love You
Step By Step
THE BAND
Rickey Minor (musical director, bass guitar, bass synthesizer)
Bette Sussmann (keyboards)
Wayne Linsey (keyboards)
Gary Bias (saxophone)
Michael Baker (drums)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Paul Jackson jr. (guitars)
Raymond Brown (trumpet)
Reginald Young (trombone)
Valerie Pinkston-Mayo (background vocalist)
Sharlotte Gibson (background vocalist)
Patti Howard (background vocalist)
THE DANCERS
Carolyn Brown
Merlyn Mitchell
Shane Johnson
Saleema Mubaarak
LIVE SAMPLE
I Love The Lord
THE EUROPEAN TOUR June - July 1998
UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY, PORTUGAL, FRANCE, ITALY, MONACO
(10 Shows)
SETLIST
I`m Every Woman
So Emotional
All The Man That I Need
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Love Medley:
* Saving All My Love For You
* Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
* Didn`t We Almost Have It All
* Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Queen Of The Night
Diana Ross Medley:
* I`m Coming Out
* Endless Love
* Ain`t No Mountain High Enough
* The Boss
I Love The Lord
I Go To The Rock
I Will Always Love You
Step By Step
THE "MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE" TOUR June - November 1999
NORTH AMERICA - USA, CANADA
(24 Shows)
EUROPE - POLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, THE NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, BELGIUM, ITALY, CZECH REPUBLIC, SWEDEN, FINLAND, RUSSIA
(44 Shows)
SETLIST
Get It Back
Heartbreak Hotel
If I Told You That
Saving All My Love For You
Until You Come Back
Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
I Learned From The Best
I`m Every Woman
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
How Will I Know
My Love Is Your Love
Movie Medley:
* I Believe In You And Me
* Why Does It Hurt So Bad
* It Hurts Like Hell
I Will Always Love You
It`s Not Right But It`s Okay
SUPPORT ACT
112, Amanda Marshall
The My Love Is Your Love World Tour was a worldwide arena and theater concert tour in 1999. The European Leg of the tour was the highest-grossing concert tour for that year.
After the success of Whitney's first studio album in eight years, the singer embarked on her first world tour since 1994 to promote it. In the North American leg, Houston turned down most of the arena dates in favor of theaters because she wanted "to do something where people can feel [her] and [she] can feel them." This allowed the shows to have a jam-session kind of feel. Since theaters have lower capacities than arenas, Whitney played in most North American cities for two nights each. Houston signed a deal with Dolce & Gabbana. They would design all of Whitney's clothes for the tour. This gave Houston a more hip and contemporary look in to match her music in contrast to her previous tours. Whitney first showcased her new edgy wardrobe on the Oprah Winfrey show prior to the tour opener in Chicago. In July Houston made a surprise appearance at the 13th Annual New York City Lesbian and Gay Pride Dance. At the event, the singer did a rare performance of the popular remixes to "It's Not Right But It's OK" and "Heartbreak Hotel". The tour was successful. The concerts featured Whitney's highest ticket prices. With many shows, Houston commanded up to $150 for a ticket, making her just one of a few artists to break the $100 barrier. Whitney, along with rapper Jay-Z, were the only urban acts that were able to translate successful album sales into successful tours. The tour was an even bigger success in Europe however. It was the highest grossing arena concert tour of the year in the continent while playing to almost half a million people. Every date was sold out in advanced. As a result, the tour had to be extended to November due to high demand.
THE RUSSIAN & DUBAI TOUR
February 2004
ST. PETERSBURG, MOSCOW & DUBAI
SETLIST
Get It Back
If I Told You That
Heartbreak Hotel
Saving All My Love For You / Until You Come Back
I Learned From The Best
Greatest Love Of All
Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
Step By Step
My Love Is Your Love
I Wanna Dance With Somebody / How Will I Know
Movie Medley:
* I Believe In You And Me
* Why Does It Hurt So Bad
* It Hurts Like Hell
I Will Always Love You
It`s Not Right But It`s Okay
THE "SOUL DIVA`S" TOUR July 2004
GERMANY
----
THE ASIAN TOUR July 2004
HONG KONG, CHINA & THAILAND
The Bangkok (THAILAND) Show 2004
THE "NOTHING BUT LOVE" TOUR February - June 2010
ASIA - REPUBLIC OF KOREA, JAPAN
(7 Shows)
AUSTRALIA
(6 Shows)
EUROPE - UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, ITALY, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, DENMARK, SWEDEN, FINLAND, NORWAY
(34 Shows)
SETLIST
01. For The Lovers
02. Nothin' But Love
03. I Look To You (Europe)
03. I Didn`t Know My Own Strength (Asia & Australia)
04. My Love Is Your Love
+ Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (Asia & Australia)
+ If I Told You That (Asia & Australia)
05. It`s Not Right But It`s Okay
COSTUME CHANGE
"One Moment In Time" video montage on screen
"For The Love Of You" performed by Gary Garland Houston
"Queen Of The Night" performed by two background singers
06. A Song For You (Europe)
06. Missing You (Asia & Australia)
07. "Acoustic Love Medley"
* Saving All My Love For You
* Greatest Love Of All
* All At Once
* I Learned From The Best
08. Step By Step
09. I Love The Lord
10. I Wanna Dance With Somebody
11. How Will I Know
12. I Will Always Love You
ENCORE
13. Million Dollar Bill (Freemasons Radio Mix Version)
THE BAND
Michael Baker (musical director, drums)
Jetro Da Silva (keyboards)
Shedrick Mitchell (keyboards)
Adi Yashaya (keyboards)
Matthew Garrison (bass)
Bashiri Johnson (percussion)
Sherrod Barnes (guitars)
Cindy Mizelle (background vocalist)
Valerie Pinkston (background vocalist)
Sharlotte Gibson (background vocalist)
Gary Garland (background vocalist)
THE DANCERS
Dres Reid
Shannon Holtzappfel
Ryan Chandler
Tre Holloway
SUPPORT ACT
Anthony Callea, Waylon, Azaryah Davidson
The Nothing But Love World Tour was her first world tour in over 10 years and supported her seventh studio album I Look To You. The tour visited Asia, Australia and Europe. The tour was the 34th highest-earning of 2010, grossing over $36 million dollars worldwide.
About.com Top40/POP posted this "Top 10 Best Whitney Houston songs" so here it is
Quote:
Whitney Houston was one of the most successful pop singers of all time. She was the first person to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with seven consecutive singles. All of her top 10 hits reached No. 1. These are her biggest hits.
1. "I Will Always Love You" - 1992
"Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You"Courtesy Arista Records
"I Will Always Love You" was the lead single from the soundtrack to Whitney Houston's acting debut in The Bodyguard. The song was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton and was a hit on the country chart. Whitney Houston's version hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after only three weeks. It became one of the biggest pop hit singles of all time spending 14 weeks at the top of the chart and selling 12 million copies worldwide.
2. "Greatest Love Of All" - 1986
"Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All"Courtesy Arista Records
"Greatest Love Of All" was originally recorded by George Benson for the soundtrack to the film The Greatest about Muhammad Ali. The song was included on Whitney Houston's self-titled first album. The song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the pop singles chart. It has become identified as one of Whitney Houston's most inspirational hits.
3. "How Will I Know" - 1985
"Whitney Houston - How Will I Know"Courtesy Arista Records
"How Will I Know" was written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam who are better known as the duo Boy Meets Girl. They had their own major hit with "Waiting For a Star to Fall." Reportedly, it was originally intended for Janet Jackson. The song helped demonstrate Whitney Houston's cross format appeal becoming a major R&B, dance, and adult contemporary hit as well as pop. This was Houston's second No. 1 pop hit spending two weeks at the top.
4. "All the Man That I Need" - 1990
"Whitney Houston - All The Man That I Need"Courtesy Arista Records
"All the Man That I Need" had been previously recorded by dance artists Linda Clifford and Sister Sledge before Whitney Houston's 1990 version. It was the second No. 1 from the album I'm Your Baby Tonight. Produced by Narada Michael Walden, the song has a very prominent gospel choir in the final chorus.
5. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" - 1987
"Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance (With Somebody Who Loves Me)"Courtesy Arista Records
This was the second #1 hit written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam for Whitney Houston. The song hit the top of the chart the same week that Whitney became the first album by a female artist to debut at No. 1 on the album chart. Whitney Houston earned a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for this recording.
6. "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" - 1988
"Whitney Houston - Where Do Broken Hearts Go?"Courtesy Arista Records
Whitney Houston was originally reluctant to record this song feeling it conveyed nothing special. Clive Davis convinced her saying it would be a No. 1 hit. It became Houston's seventh consecutive No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 setting a record.
7. "Didn't We Almost Have It All?" - 1987
"Whitney Houston - Didn't We Almost Have It All"Courtesy Arista Records
"Didn't We Almost Have It All?" was Whitney Houston's second single and second No. 1 from the album Whitney. It was nominated for Song of the Year at the 1988 Grammy Awards.
8. "Saving All My Love For You" - 1985
"Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love for You"Courtesy Arista Records
This song was originally a minor hit for the duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. in 1978. It was Whitney Houston's second hit single from her self-titled debut album and became her first No. 1. She won her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal for the recording.
9. "I'm Your Baby Tonight" - 1990
"Whitney Houston - I'm Your Baby Tonight"Courtesy Arista Records
Whitney Houston was given more control over producers and songwriters for her third studio album I'm Your Baby Tonight. She turned more strongly toward urban R&B. The title song was the first single from the project and brought her back to No. 1 on the pop singles chart for the eight time.
10. "So Emotional" - 1987
"Whitney Houston - So Emotional"Courtesy Arista Records
This song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the pair responsible for Madonna's huge hit "Like a Virgin." This song became Whitney Houston's sixth consecutive No. 1 hit tying her with the Beatles and Bee Gees. She later broke the record.
I just found this today about FBI reopening Whitney Houston's "crazy fan mails"
Quote:
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Obsessed fans can be a downside of stardom. It's why Whitney Houston's character hired Kevin Costner to protect her in the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard." The real life Houston had the FBI helping to protect her more than two decades ago when a "loner" in Vermont warned in 1988 that he "might hurt someone with some crazy idea" if the singer did not acknowledge him.
Then there was the man in Holland who claimed to be the "President of Europe." An FBI agent based in Brussels paid him a visit in 1999 to talk about the cassette recordings and letters "of a threatening nature" that he sent to Houston.
The FBI also investigated someone who demanded $250,000 or else they would reveal "intimate details regarding Whitney Houston's romantic relationships" just months after her marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
None of these cases led to criminal charges, but the FBI posted online Monday the crazed fans letters and details of other investigations to protect Houston.
Bobbi Kristina not happy with grandmother's book
Times have changed and fans are more likely to send tweets or post on Facebook than send letters, but these decades-old FBI files still reveal why they are called "fanatics."
Brandy remembers Whitney Houston Perry: The night Whitney Houston died Tamela Mann on Whitney Houston Winans remembers Whitney Houston
"But because I have gotten that desperate and mad and would come up with ideas that that it scares me that I might come up with some crazy or stupid or really dumb idea that might be as bad as that or even worse than that," a 28-year-old Vermont man wrote. "I might hurt someone with some crazy idea and not realize how stupid an idea it is until after I have done it. That really scares me." This is from a letter sent to an associate of Houston by a man pleading for some acknowledgement that the singer knew he existed. HIs first 66 letters to Houston and 10 to her family and friends were unanswered. "I am desperate to get some sort of response," he wrote. But this one got the attention of federal investigators.
This man, whose named was blacked out from the documents, wrote that he fell in love with Houston in March 1986 -- the same month she released "The Greatest Love of All."
"When I first fell in love with Miss Whitney I tried to ignore what I felt toward her," he said in one handwritten letter postmarked in Burlington, Vermont. "After 5 months I had to do something and so I started writing letters. I have tried to stop writing the letters and to give up twice but after a few weeks I had to start writing again. I just have to keep trying." Although the FBI initially characterized it as an extortion investigation, the man was only asking to know "if Miss Whitney has ever even seen one of my letters."
"Can you help me. Can you call me and talk to me or in some way way find out from Miss Whitney if she is getting my letters or not and let me know."
He described himself as "sort of a loner" who liked children and small animals. "Sometimes I will just sit and watch children playing or I will watch birds or squirrels as they hunt for food."
In his letters to Houston, he called her "a beautiful lady and a beautiful person."
Remembering Whitney: An industry reflects
"I really and truly am in love with you. Please believe in life and love and trust in yourself, and in your friends and trust in god. Miss, Whitney, you are a special person and a wonderful gift. Please keep singing and helping people to be happy, but most of all, Miss Whitney, Please Keep Smiling."
He wrote that he had been to nine of her concerts "and have tried to give her flowers twice at the concerts. Miss Whitney is the first lady that I have ever given flowers to."
"I just can't stop thinking about you," he wrote. "Many times when I think of you I will start to shake. Please, Please give me a chance,"
This fan's stomach turned one day when he saw a tabloid headline suggesting Houston was secretly married, he wrote.
"I saw a headline for an article in one of those things in the supermarket saying that you were married allready. I am sure they made it up, but I allmost broke down right then and there and I have still been sick for the last several days."
But it wasn't all love talk. The man, who the FBI said was a U.S. Army veteran, talked politics.
In one letter he said he wanted to raise taxes on the rich, cut taxes for anyone who does't make enough money "to live at an acceptable level" and give them free health care. He was also for a balanced federal budget.
"I believe that even if the rich people of this nation paid very high rates on their upper levels of income that they would still live better than over 99% of the people on this planet," he wrote to Houston.
He worried his political views might keep her from loving him back. "You might not think much of a guy who wants you to send most of your money to the federal government. I hope that you do not hold that against me but I will understand if you do."
After the 79th letter to Houston -- and 16 to her family, friends and business associates -- an FBI agent knocked on the door of his "small, cluttered one-room apartment," the FBI files said.
He explained that he would never do physical harm to anyone, but his letter's reference to doing something "crazy or stupid or really dumb" meant the possibility that he would go on TV's "The Phil Donahue Show" to talk about his love for Houston. But, "He believed this 'crazy idea' would have hurt Houston's reputation, so he decided not to follow through with it," an FB agent wrote.
Clive Davis: Party after Whitney Houston died 'no brainer'
The FBI concluded the fan had broken no laws and the case was closed.
The Dutch fan investigated by the FBI also insisted he never intended to threatened Houston. The cassette recordings he sent were songs he'd written for the singer.
He told the agent he was the "President of Europe" and had purchased Brazil for $66 billion. He also claimed credit for the fall of the former South African government and for the election of Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
The man, who worked at a plant nursery in the Netherlands, promised not to send any more, the agent wrote.
Another FBI investigation centered on Houston's allegation that someone she knew was extorting her by threatening to "reveal certain details of her private life" to tabloids unless she paid $250,000 in November 1992. The unidentified person claimed to have "knowledge of intimate details regarding Whitney Houston's romantic relationships," an FBI report said.
Houston, in a December 1992 interview by the FBI, said she didn't know what the person might know, but the singer did talk about personal matters with the person, the heavily-redacted report said.
A letter sent to Houston's father by a lawyer for the person warned that they had "already turned down several offers... which are in the six figures range" for the story.
"Therefore, we would expect a similar offer from you with respect to the sale of... exclusive rights."
Her client "has suffered emotional stress" from her dealing with Houston and may sue, the lawyer said. "The fall-out will undoubtedly be negative," the lawyer warned Houston's father. Instead of meeting a November 23, 1992, deadline to pay, Houston's father called the FBI.
The FBI and U.S. attorney decided no laws were broken and the case was closed.
I found this about Whitney's death The doctor had an interesting comment, I thought.
Quote:
In her new book Hungry: The Truth About Being Full, Dr. Robin Smith explores the path to finding fulfillment and true satisfaction. When Dr. Robin sat down with Oprah for an upcoming episode of “Super Soul Sunday,” airing Sunday, March 10 at 11 a.m. ET on OWN, the bestselling author, psychologist and ordained minister opened up about her personal experience with being emotionally and spiritually starving even when, on the outside, it looked like she had it all.
In this exclusive clip, Oprah says that Dr. Robin was not alone in feeling empty while in her prime. “I think this happens to everybody who has some level of success,” Oprah says. “[You call it being] ‘hungry for the high note.’”
“[In Hungry] I talked about Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston and their early deaths," says Dr. Robin. "People say that drugs killed them. Drugs didn’t kill them. What killed them is that they were striving and hungry. They were starving to hit the high note again.”
Dr. Robin explains, "Whitney said [to Clive Davis] right before she died, ‘I’m going to hit that note again.’”
“Yes, she did,” Oprah says. “And we all know that note was gone.”
In the clip, Dr. Robin and Oprah also discuss Michael Jackson’s metaphorical hunger and the importance of accepting our own particular “high notes” for what they once were, without trying to top them.
“Super Soul Sunday” airs on Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on OWN.
I saw this article a couple of months ago and I just thought about sharing it today.
Quote:
A Golden Voice: 10 Best Whitney Houston Performances
Written by Trent | Filed under Flaming Features,Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston performs during her ‘The Greatest Love World Tour’.
2013 is knocking on our front door like a late Christmas caroller who got drunk on eggnog and lost track of time. Before we welcome the new year, though, these final days are ideal for reflection on all of the events of 2012, specifically the loss of Whitney Houston. However, instead of mourning, we’ll celebrate her life by ranking her 10 best live performances!
Before being ravaged by the longterm effects drug abuse, smoking and natural ageing, Houston’s golden instrument stood as a monument of Pop music. There was no question that the diva raised the bar to near unreachable heights for every female singer who followed in her footsteps, thanks to the melodrama of her performances and a thunderous voice that shook audiences across the globe.
Of course, ranking Houston’s best showings seems impossible but I decided long ago never to walk in any blogger’s shadow so I made it happen. After sifting through hours of footage of sweating, towel-waving, lip-quivering and her mean side glances, my shortlist of Houston’s 10 best performances is now complete!
So, plug in those new headphones you got for Christmas or turn up the volume on your speakers, and watch Houston’s best live performances below:
10. ”Bridge Over Troubled Water (with CeCe Winans)”
Regardless of how successful she became as a Pop music singer, Houston never lost touch of her Gospel roots. She never hesitated to boast to fans about her love of the Lord and often shared the stage with several of her longtime friends, such as CeCe Winans.
Houston and Winans were true sisters in song. In fact, the tones of their voices were astonishingly similar and their emotional Vh1 performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” perfectly exemplified their bond.
9. ”The Star Spangled Banner”
During Houston’s performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 1991 Super Bowl, viewers instantly realised that they were witnessing a historic moment. Despite the rendition being lip-synced, hearing Houston’s voice boom from the speakers as jets flew overhead and the US national flag graced the sky at the tail end of the Cold War was enough to move even the greatest cynic to applause.
Still, this list is about live performances, so Houston’s equally powerful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Welcome Home Heroes concert should suffice. Some clear, powerful vocals and perfect pitch is good enough to make the cut, right?
8. “Home”
Clive Davis was the guiding force behind Houston’s career and he made it his life’s mission to spread the word about the woman he called “the greatest singer in the world.” So, just imagine his excitement when he introduced us to the young Houston for the first time on The Merv Griffin Show in 1983.
Standing with the poise of an artist twice her age, Houston dazzled her future fans with a rendition of “Home”. Just imagine how many of Diana Ross’ servants were battered with diamond-studded microphones when she saw a much younger diva, who had both the looks and the talent, to make her version of the classic tune seem – dare I say it – mediocre.
7. ”One Moment in Time”
Before Mariah Carey and Celine Dion battled on the charts for Barbra Streisand’s former schmaltz queen title, Houston was the indisputable champion of cheese. Yet, no matter how corny the lyrics, her enormous instrument made us enjoy the songs.
For instance, Houston cheered athletes to victory with “One Moment in Time” and made us all believe we could fly when she belted it live at the 1989 Grammy Awards. Forget about backup dancers and fancy light shows because Houston’s voice didn’t need the support of such gimmicks.
6. “The Greatest Love of All”
“The Greatest Love of All” was first recorded by George Benson in 1977 but true to form, Houston made it an even bigger hit for herself. Her version of the tune undoubtedly inspired Carey’s “Hero” and every self-help anthem by R. Kelly, Diane Warren Beyonce and Alicia Keys that followed.
Houston performed “The Greatest Love of All” at the 15th Arista Records anniversary special and it was in that moment that she claimed the title of the industry’s leading singer. Kelly Rowland once commented that this performance influenced her career but I’m still trying to figure out exactly what she learned.
5. ”I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
Houston wasn’t just a balladeer; she was also a brilliant uptempo singer. Everybody enjoyed her 1980s dance hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and watching her rock the crowd at the Arista anniversary show made us love it even more. Few people can improve on their studio recordings and the young Houston was certainly in that league.
4. ”I Will Always Love You”
“I Will Always Love You” was simple Country song by Dolly Parton but when Houston laid her vocals on the David Foster-rearranged track, it was elevated to legend status. Hundreds of karaoke singers around the globe have tried to imitate her vocal stylings but the dramatic key changes and tightly knit runs made that impossible.
Every time Houston performed “I Will Always Love You”, she made subtle changes to the arrangement and this was typified by her appearance at the 1994 World Music Awards. Just scan the crowd to see Kenny G and Prince getting lost in her voice, which kept them from falling asleep during the long show.
3. “Lover Man”/”All the Man that I Need”
My favourite performance by Houston was at the 1991 Billboard Music Awards where she sang a medley of “Lover Man” and “All the Man that I Need”. She was bobbing her neck and swishing her hair as she roared over the crowd. Additionally, the fact that she looked like a giant disco ball and my then 3-year old self loved shiny objects, didn’t hurt.
2. “I am Changing”
Now this is a performance that only true Houston fans would know! “I am Changing” was famously sung by her good friend Jennifer Holiday in the Dreamgirls play but she couldn’t resist singing her own version during her 1986 The Greatest Love World Tour in California.
Demonstrating her ability to keep people hooked on her every note, Houston extended “I am Changing” into an overdramatic affair of high belting and ad-libs. Pay close attention to the song and you will actually hear some of the highest notes that she ever produced live!
1. ”I Loves You, Porgy”/”And I Am Telling You”/”I Have Nothing”
New Jersey Hall of Fame nominees include Whitney Houston, Joe Pesci and Brook Shields
By Precious Petty | The Express-Times
on April 09, 2013 at 5:30 PM, updated April 09, 2013 at 5:38 PM
Brooke Shields arrives at the 135th Kentucky Derby in 2009 at Churchill Downs.
AP File Photo
From an award-winning singer who died too soon to a former president best known as a rest stop on a toll road, the 51 people nominated to be inducted into New Jersey's Hall of Fame are a diverse bunch.
The one thing they have in common: They lived in New Jersey at some point.
The public has until May 3 to make their choices among five categories online at NJHallofFame.org.
The nominees include Whitney Houston, Alan Alda, Joe Pesci and Brook Shields representing entertainment.
Super Bowl winning coach Bill Parcells and figure skating legend Dick Button are in the sports category.
Aaron Burr, who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, is in the history category along with President Grover Cleveland, the namesake of a New Jersey Turnpike service area.
A look at the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2013 nominees by category:
History
For deceased New Jerseyans whose contributions transcend one specific category.
— Aaron Burr. Newark (1756-1836). Attended Princeton University, served in Revolutionary War Army and was vice president under Thomas Jefferson.
— Alice Guy Blache. Fort Lee, Mahwah (1873-1968). French filmmaker who became the first female director in the motion picture industry; helped make Fort Lee the first film capital of America.
— Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Tenafly (1850-1902). Activist, abolitionist and a leading figure in the early woman's right movement.
— Grover Cleveland. Caldwell (1837-1908). The only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms, still praised by historians for honesty, independence and good character.
— Irene Hill-Smith. Woodbury (1926-2011). Led the NAACP, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King and was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights legislation. She also served governors and presidents.
—Joyce Kilmer. New Brunswick (1886-1918). Journalist and poet who wrote the short poem "Trees" before joining the National Guard and was killed by a sniper during World War II.
— Molly Pitcher. Trenton, Monmouth (1754-1832). Fought alongside her husband in Revolutionary War, carrying pitchers of clean water to soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth.
— Richard Stockton. Princeton (1730-1781). The first person from New Jersey to sign the Declaration of Independence, he was a state Supreme Court justice and New Jersey's representative in the Continental Congress.
— Sarah Spencer Washington. Atlantic City (1889-1953). A celebrated business executive in the black community who became a millionaire after founding Apex News & Hair Company and Apex Rest for the elderly.
— Thomas Paine. Bordentown (1737-1809). A great thinker born in England, he immigrated to the colonies in 1774 where he was an author, pamphleteer, revolutionary and leading intellectual in pre-Revolutionary War efforts.
— William Paterson. Bordentown (1737-1809). Somerset, Princeton, Trenton (1745-1806). After graduating from Princeton he became the first attorney general of New Jersey. Later he represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, became governor and served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Enterprise
Open to scientists, business leaders, inventors, leaders in medicine, entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
— Alice Waters. Chatham (1944- ). Chef who champions locally grown fresh ingredients and has attracted national attention for promoting food education in schools. She also is an advocate for a stimulus package that tries to give every public school student free breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
— Bobbi Brown. Montclair (1957- ) Celebrated make-up artist who launched her own product line in the early 1990s and built a highly successful corporation.
— David Sarnoff. Princeton, Camden (1891-1971). "The father of electronic communications" formed the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and the Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
— Dorothea Lynde Dix. Trenton (1802-1887). Activist who fought on behalf of the insane. Created the first mental asylums in the country after lobbying state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.
— Dr. James Still. Moorestown (1812-1882). Known as "the black doctor of the Pinelands," he used herbs and botanical remedies he devised to treat large numbers of patients, despite having no formal training as a physician.
— Fairleigh S. Dickinson (1866-1948). Former colonel, founded Becton Dickinson and was benefactor of the school now named for him, Fairleigh Dickinson University.
— John Roebling. Trenton (1806-1869). A German-born civil engineer, he originated the wire rope suspension bridge design, the same design he used to build the Brooklyn Bridge.
— Mary G. Roebling. Trenton (1905-1994). Broke the glass ceiling for women in business, particularly in banking and financial services. Was the first female governor of the American Stock Exchange.
— Paul Volcker. Teaneck (1927- ). A leading economist who chaired the Federal Reserve under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
—Raymond G. Chambers. Newark (1942- ). Businessman, philanthropist and humanitarian who currently serves as the United Nations secretary-general's special envoy for Malaria. Founding chairman of NJPAC.
Arts & Entertainment
For musicians, singers, songwriters, actors and actresses, artists, dancers and those who work in related fields.
— Alan Alda. Leonia (1936- ). Actor, director and screenwriter best known for his role as "Hawkeye Pierce" in the TV series "MASH," for which he was nominated for 21 Emmy Awards and won five.
— Brooke Shields. Haworth (1965- ). Actress and model best known for her roles in movies such as "Pretty Baby" and "The Blue Lagoon" and TV shows "Suddenly Susan" and "That 70s Show."
— Dionne Warwick. East Orange (1940- ). The Grammy-award winning singer ranks second, behind Aretha Franklin, as the most popular female vocalist ever, with 56 chart singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
— Dizzy Gillespie. Englewood (1917-1993). Renowned jazz trumpet player, bandleader, singer, composer and teacher. Pioneered Afro-Cuban jazz and won several Grammy Awards.
— Eddie Murphy. Englewood (1961- ). Comedian who rose to fame on "Saturday Night Live" and went on to star in films including as "Beverly Hills Cop," "Trading Places," "Coming to America" and "Shrek." He also starred in "Dreamgirls," for which he won a Golden Globe Award and earned an Academy Award nomination.
— Ernie Kovacs. Trenton (1919-1962). Often referred to as "Television's Original Genius," the comedian pioneered the ad lib routine and had several comedy shows and specials before dying in a car accident at the height of his fame.
— Joe Pesci. Newark (1943- ) Won an Academy Award for his role in "Goodfellas" and appeared in many other top films such as "Casino," "My Cousin Vinny" and "Home Alone."
— Joe Piscopo. Passaic (1951- ). Comedian, actor, musician, singer and true Jersey guy.
— Nathan Lane. Jersey City (1956- ). Veteran stage and screen actor best known for his work in "The Lion King" and "Stuart Little" movies and Broadway productions including "Guys and Dolls" and "The Producers."
— Whitney Houston. East Orange (1963 - 2012). An actress, producer and singer who topped the charts and dominated the Grammys in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sports
For athletes, coaches and others in sports:
— Bill Parcells. Englewood (1941- ). The former head coach of the New York Giants, New York Jets and New England Patriots, he has won three Super Bowls and is now the Miami Dolphins' executive vice president of football operations.
— Carol Blazejowski. Elizabeth, Nutley (1956- ). Three-time All-American basketball player for Montclair State University who played in the now-defunct Women's Pro Basketball League. She later became president and general manager of the WNBA's New York Liberty team in 2008.
— Dick Button. Englewood (1929- ) Two-time Olympic figure skating champion who won seven straight U.S. championships and five consecutive world titles.
—Jersey Joe Walcott. Merchantville (1914-1994). Boxer who broke the world record for oldest man to win the world's heavyweight title at 37.
— Joetta Clark Diggs. East Orange (1962- ). Track and field athlete who is a four-time Olympian, six-time U.S. Indoor Champion and five-time U.S. National Champion in the 800 meter race.
— Mary Decker Slaney. Bunnvale (1958- ). Distance runner who holds seven American records and was the first woman ever to break the 4:20 mark for the mile.
— Rick Barry. Elizabeth (1944- ). Basketball player who is the only player to ever lead the NCAA, ABA and NBA in scoring for an individual season. Ranked as one of the 50 Greatest Players in History by the NBA.
— Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier. Roselle (1932- ). Playing for Penn State University, he earned a place in the NCAA's 100th anniversary list of 100 influential student-athletes and was a part of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome."
— Sonny Werblin East Rutherford, Piscataway (1907-1991). Builder and manager of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and owner of the New York Jets and chairman of Madison Square Garden.
— Willis Reed. Newark (1942- ). Basketball player who led the New York Knicks to two championships and was named MVP.
General
Catchall category for educators, military leaders, writers, poets, scholars, artists and others.
—Brian Williams. Ridgewood, Monmouth (1959- ). Succeeded Tom Brokaw as anchor of NBC Nightly News and also serves as managing editor of the program.
— Connie Chung. Middletown (1946- ). Renowned journalist who has hosted 20/20 and the CBS Evening News, she is the second woman to co-anchor a major network's national news broadcast.
— Doris Duke. Hillsborough (1912-1993). Heiress, horticulturalist and art collector who became a philanthropist. She supported wildlife refuge, environmental conservation, historic preservation, medical research and child welfare.
— Dorothy Parker. Long Branch (1893-1967). Acclaimed writer and founding member of the Algonquin Round table, she was nominated for two Academy Awards for screenwriting.
— Gov. Tom Kean Sr. Bedminster (1935- ). New Jersey's 48th governor, he also chaired the national 9/11 Commission and was longtime president of Drew University.
—John McPhee. Princeton (1931- ). Pulitzer Prize winning nonfiction writer who leads a writing seminar at his alma matter, Princeton University.
— L. Seward Johnson. Newark (1930- ). Grandson of Robert Wood Johnson, he's the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson and artist best known for his life-size bronze statues that depict people engaging in day-to-day activities.
— Milton Friedman. Rahway (1912-2006). Nobel Prize-winning economist is among the most influential and honored in his field.
— Norman Mailer. Long Branch (1923-2007). Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Book Award receiver who was founding publisher of The Village Voice. He also adapted, produced and directed a number of movies.
—Peter Rodino. Newark (1909-2005). A congressman for 40 years who also chaired the House Judiciary Committee as it oversaw the hearing and subsequent impeachment of President Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal.
Brandy Dishes On Meeting Her Fiance, Playing Whitney Houston, & Singing With Beyonce In Pynk
Submitted by Danica Daniel on April 13, 2013 – 7:45
Brandy is at the top of her “game.”
The R&B singer is not only starring as Chardonnay Pitts on the sixth season of the hit BET series The Game, but the thirty-four year old is also riding high off the success of her latest album, Two Eleven, and recent engagement to her music executive boyfriend Ryan Press. In the latest issue of PYNK magazine, the singer showed no signs of stopping and explained how she manages to balance it all.
“It’s hard,” Brandy said in the cover story “Brandy: A Bran Nu Beginning.” “I haven’t worked this hard in my life! My daughter has her own life now. She’s getting older so she has her own schedule now. Sometimes, I want her to travel with me and she’s like ‘No, mom. I have a school trip I have to go on.’ [laughs] I have a great support system though. My fiancé, my mom and god-sisters they definitely help out.”
When the singer isn’t working on her music or on set, she’s hard at work planning her wedding to the man she initially met, where else, but on the job. “He’s a music executive,” said Brandy. “So, we actually met in the studio a long time ago. We reconnected at a music event sometime later and when we talked, it just felt like I knew him. Then I would just run into him in random places in New York…I’d walk into a restaurant for lunch and he’d be there. I ended up running to him at another event and he kept staring at me the whole night. It made me so uncomfortable because I thought he was married. So, I told him that he should stop staring at me because he’s married and it’s not a good look. He was like, ‘What are you talking about? I’m not married.’ [laughs] From there, we just started talking on the phone. Then, dating. When he told me he was relocating to LA for his job, I just thought to myself, He’s going to be my husband. I took that as a sign.”
Now that she’s met her dream guy, Brandy is hoping to one day land her dream acting gig. “Honestly, my dream role would be to play Whitney [Houston],” said Brandy. “I studied her growing up, I knew her. I just feel that connection with her. I would love to be able to play her. I believe it could happen.”
Besides dreams of embodying Houston on screen, Brandy is focused on changing the face of R&B. “I’m not okay with the current state of R&B,” she confessed. “That’s why ‘Two-Eleven’ was so important to me. I wanted to do an album that contributed to that genre of music. I think it was very necessary for the music industry and the hearts of people. As far as newcomers, I hadn’t really been paying attention because I was so focused on the album but I can’t help but pay attention to Kelly Rowland. I admire her so much and would love to collaborate with her. Beyoncé is phenomenal and Rihanna is amazing too.”
Read Brandy’s entire interview with Pynk here, check out the photo gallery above and go behind-the-scenes of her fab photo shoot below.
A Special Celebration: 5 Artists & Their Singing Mothers
Written by TriniTrent | Filed under Fantasia,Flaming Features,Mariah Carey,Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston and Cissy Houston
As you may know, today is Mother’s Day in several parts of the world and children are doing their best to honor their devoted parents. Even the biggest superstars have a special place in their hearts for the women who guided them to success and that’s why this is a perfect time to showcase these artists alongside their talented mothers.
Unlike our previous Flaming Features, this piece isn’t based on ranking or competition. Rather, it simply highlights incredible moments in entertainment when artists shared the stage with their mothers. In fact, the true beauty of this piece is that it proves that some singers were born to be great as they stand on the shoulders of the great women who brought them into the world.
Without further delay, watch five great artists and their talented mothers below:
Cher & Georgia Holt – “I’m Just Your Yesterday”
Fantasia & Diana Barrino – “He’s Done Enough”
Liza Minnelli & Judy Garland – Medley
Mariah & Patricia Carey – “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Whitney & Cissy Houston – “Wonderful Counselor (with Gary Houston)”
Note: If a case stating that Fantasia is a clone of her mother Diane is ever presented then the above performance of “He’s Done Enough” should provide sufficient evidence because resemblance between the two singers is incredible. Now, name some other great mother and son/daughter performances!
Whitney Houston: Karaoke Singer or Great Artist?
Written by TriniTrent | Filed under Boiling Point,Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston TheLavaLizard
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston will always be remembered as one of the greatest singers of our time with a voice matched by only her beauty and commanding stage presence. Yet, despite the magnitude of her many accomplishments, the grand diva’s legacy is marred by one glaring point: she was rarely involved in the making her biggest hits.
Throughout her career, Houston’s songs were selected in a collaborative effort by her, Clive Davis and other members of her A&R team. In fact, with the exception hits by other artists that she covered, all tracks recorded by Houston were tailored with her in mind, and they were presented as completed demos that only required her final approval.
That’s right, Houston wasn’t much different from Rihanna, who is regularly slammed by critics for her limited involvement in the creative process of crafting her seemingly endless string of releases. For the sake of fairness, Rihanna did supposedly co-write almost every track on her Rated R album, which totaled to more credits than Houston earned from all six of her studio albums.
Just take a look at the list of Houston’s Billboard Hot 100 entries to get a clearer idea of her contributions to her own music. From her thirty-nine hits on the chart, she only co-wrote two – “Count on Me (Ft. CeCe Winans)” and “Whatchulookinat”. The latter of those songs was widely panned by critics, probably because Houston followed the directives of then husband Bobby Brown, who was also its producer.
That leads us to the next point: Houston also didn’t produce her songs. Although her name appeared as an executive producer on all of her albums after The Bodyguard, Houston’s role in her projects, as such a title indicates, was essentially managerial and she rarely sat behind the board to add melodies or beats to her records. Indeed, Houston is only named as a music producer on a short list of her songs, such as “I’m Knockin’” from her I’m Your Baby Tonight album.
So, what separated Houston from acts like Rihanna and Britney Spears, who still very little to their music other than the unique tones of their voices? Houston was a brilliant interpreter of music and a gifted entertainer – the core facets of her artistry.
Similar to Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald and her cousin Dionne Warwick, Houston had the rare ability to make almost any song her own. She would turn the simplest of phrases into a passionate moment of incredible melodrama as her finely-tuned mezzo-soprano cooed then thundered to capture to essence of every expressed emotion.
Indeed, Houston was certainly more than just a karaoke act who just layered her voice onto the vocal arrangements of other singers; she was a virtuoso with both the ear and the instrument to take any tune she covered to new heights. As Patti LaBelle stated, once Houston sang a song, it automatically became untouchable.
Houston was also an unmatched live performer and possibly the last of a generation that is now fading into distant memory. With the conviction of Aretha Franklin and the glamour of Diana Ross, Houston was the US answer to Shirley Bassey when she stood onstage with a mix of sweat, sequens and gut-twisting soul.
Furthermore, Houston was never afraid to show her imperfections. Yes, she lip-synced several of her shows and used a backtrack for some of her most challenging hits – she never belted the climax of “I’m Every Woman” live – but those moments weren’t the norm. Houston would belt and riff until her wigs tilted and her trusty towel was dripping in sweat since being camera ready was never high on her agenda.
Still, despite her abilities as a vocalist and entertainer, there is no denying that Houston limited contribution to her music did her a major disservice. Beyond the impressiveness of her voice, there is little that is noteworthy about her catalogue, which boasts dozens of cliché self-help tunes and sappy love songs that trigger nausea when read on paper.
None of Houston’s albums were favourably compared the greatest works of Madonna (Ray of Light), Mariah Carey (Butterfly) or Janet Jackson (The Velvet Rope). Interestingly, there is key point observable at this juncture: Houston has no signature album!
Think about it: Does Houston have a definitive record that truly represents her story as an artist? Adele has 21, Mary J. Blige has My Life and Lauryn Hill has The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill but what is Houston’s signature piece?
Many of you will suggest My Love is Your Love as Houston’s definitive album but by following the dominant trends in music during the late 1990s, that record could have been easily recorded by any R&B artist of the era, particularly Blige. Really, the included songs were reflective of radio at that time and gave little insight into Houston’s life the way The Velvet Rope did with Jackson or Butterfly did with Carey.
Just imagine how great Houston’s I Look to You album would have been if she actually wrote more than just “Like I Never Left”. Given her divorce from Brown, drug abuse, the loss of her voice and the her plans to walk away from the music industry in favour of living on a tropical island, the record could have been the best of her entire career, regardless of her vocal condition.
Alas, we will never know Houston’s real potential. However, it is clear that she was more than just a karaoke singer like the thousands of American Idol contestants who have followed in her wake. The key facet of Houston’s legacy was rooted in her amazing talent as a vocalist and performer, and although her music was very shallow when compared to many of her peers, her name will forever stand among the greatest artists of our time.