Local Singers react to Whitney's passing

Richard Johnson

Monday, February 13, 2012

NEWS of American singer Whitney Houston's death has been sending shockwaves throughout the world, and Jamaica is no exception. The embattled singer — which Guinness Book of World Record has as the 'most-awarded female act of all time — was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel on Saturday. No cause was given for her death. She was 48.

For cabaret artiste Karen Smith, Houston's passing came with total disbelief and shock.

"I simply did not want to believe that such a thing had in fact happened and we would hear no more music from such a beautiful voice," she said.

It was Houston's perfect phrasing and idiosyncratic styling that most appealed to Smith and she ranks as her second favourite singer behind jazz great Ella Fitzgerald.

"Whitney had the ability to craft a phrase and interpret the music she was given, like no other. When you think of those big ballads from early in her career, she has the ability to reach straight for your heart. Then there's the voice... the power in the higher register is no easy feat, but she made it look effortless," Smith added.

Gospel singer Judy Mowatt said there will never be another Whitney Houston.

The former I-Three, Bob Marley's three female-strong harmony group, explained that when Houston came on the scene back in the 1980s, she became the standard by which all Jamaican female artistes would be judged.

"She gave Jamaican female vocalists a song, and everyone's ability to sing and showcase their vocal range was dependent on how they stacked up against Whitney Houston," Mowatt explained.

Mowatt said despite Houston's troubles, she would now find a resting place with God.

"Her latest music proved that she recognised the need to make a righteous comeback, and my hope is that she found peace," she said.

Houston had done I Looked To You and I Didn't Knew My Own Strength in August 2009 from the album I Looked To You.

"Whitney Houston can never be replaced and We will always love her," Mowatt concluded.