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I still have an autographed photo of Whitney Houston from when I wrote to her fan club at age 10, and we happen to share the same birthday, Aug. 9th.
I became a fan of Whitney’s before she captivated the world with her rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 1991 Super Bowl and before her breathtaking vocals on The Bodyguard movie produced the best-selling movie soundtrack of all-time.
So it was very painful to watch Youtube video of her singing The Bodyguard’s “I Will Always Love You”, the best-selling hit song ever written or sang by a female artist during her concert a few days ago in Brisbane to start off her tour through Australia.

Fans gave brutal criticism of Whitney after the concert in Australia.

Except for her “Star-Spangled Banner” performance, Whitney was always rumored to be a bad live performer even in her prime, but I doubt she ever struggled to find her voice and I hope she finds it again if her drug abuse hasn’t done irreparable damage.

Regardless, I will always love Whitney, and I’ll remember her better vocal days.

By Teneshia LaFaye
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I’m so embarrassed, that in my glee for Beyonce’s and Lady Gaga’s success at the recent Grammy Awards, I overlooked the fact that my birthday mate Whitney Houston didn’t receive one Grammy nomination.
Whitney sang at a listening party in her honor during last year’s Grammys in February 2009. It was supposed to signal her return to the throne as Queen of R&B. Her new album, I Look To You, was released ahead of schedule in August so that she would be eligible to receive Grammy nods in November to precede the actual awards ceremony last Sunday.
But Whitney, one of the world’s best-selling music artists with 190 million albums and singles sold worldwide, was overlooked by her peers and record executives who pick Grammy nominees and eventual winners in spite of her well-received songs, “Million Dollar Bill”, which she sang on X Factor (The UK’s American Idol) and, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”, which she sang on The Oprah Show.

Whitney hasn’t received a Grammy nomination or award in 10 years. Her sixth and final Grammy was for Best R&B Performance for “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay”. She won her first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal in 1986 for “Saving All My Love For You”, from her debut album and she received two other Grammy nominations. Two years later, she won her second Grammy for Best Pop Vocal for “I’m Your Baby Tonight”. Then in 1994, she won three Grammys and many other awards for her breathtaking performances on The Bodyguard movie soundtrack.
Whitney should be able to end her Grammy drought when her Greatest Hits album is released this year.

By Teneshia LaFaye
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I’m proud to be a natural-born American, but what does it say about this country that legendary singers have to venture overseas to London to make a comeback?
Are Americans that fickle and judgemental that our singers feel they have to test the waters in London and other parts of Europe?
Before his sudden death on June 25, King of Pop Michael Jackson was scheduled to begin his comeback tour with 50 performances in London’s O2 Arena.
Now Whitney Houston, whose voice made The Bodyguard soundtrack the best-selling movie soundtrack ever and who became the first singer to turn our country’s national anthem into a pop hit when she sang “The Star Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV in 1991, is over in London releasing songs from her new album, I Look to You that is due out Sept. 1.

Last week, she unveiled her album’s cover and previewed seven songs. She also allowed several interviews under the condition that her drug abuse not be brought up, and her request was honored.
Whitney’s request wouldn’t have been honored in America where the media practices our first Amendment rights to free speech and free press regardless of others rights being infringed on.
Take for instance, the coverage of Michael Jackson’s death. US Magazine got its hands on the never-before seen video of his hair catching afire during the taping of a Pepsi commercial with his brother, and now every “news” show and tabloid show keeps replaying the footage of his burning scalp. The reports are also on his addiction to pain killers, his eating disorder and the paternity of his three children.

Michael knew how unapologetic Americans could be, so he was ready to go off to London to reinvigorate a career that has produced a world-record 750 album sales.
Tina Turner is another American star who had to go to London to reignite her career after disappearing from the spotlight when she left her abusive husband Ike Turner. Her first two solo albums in America went bust. But when she created a huge buzz with “Let’s Stay Together” in the United Kingdom, the American arm of Capitol Records decided to bring her back to America to release a U.S. version of the song, which led to her career-turning “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and her album Private Dancer that sold 11 million copies worldwide and produced four Grammys.

But feeling more at home in London, Tina decided to move there in 1986 and has lived in various European countries ever since.
It’s not like London is hurting for talent. The U.K. is bursting with legendary singers, such as Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Paul McCartney. But the country also makes room for talented American rejects.
Hopefully, Americans wake up and welcome Whitney back to the stage and don’t let Beyonce and Britney Spears leave us for London.

By Teneshia LaFaye

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Michael Jackson’s influence is so vast that he is admired by musical icons in their own genres. Legends from Madonna to Tina Turner to Celene Dion to Diana Ross to Mariah Carey to Britney Spears to Paul McCartney to Whitney Houston to Usher to Beyonce and more paid their condolences to the late pop star, who died of cardiac arrest on Thursday.

Many of them have emulated MJ’s music, style and dance moves, like Rihanna who used the “Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa” chorus of Jackson’s 1983 hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” in her 2007 song, “Please Don’t Stop the Music”.

Various music icons voiced their respects to the unanimous King of Pop. But when death comes knocking at their doors, none of them will be as widely celebrated by their peers and as many races, genders and generations of people as Michael.

Here are some of the musical icons’ reactions to Michael Jackson’s death in alphabetical order by first name:

Alicia Keys: “There is no one in the world like MJ. Never has been. Never will be. We all know him in one way or another. In some way he has touched us, been the voice of one.”

Berry Gordy: “I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream – a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here? As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible. When I first heard him sing Smokey’s song, “Who’s Lovin’ You” at 10 years’ old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years. Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.”

Beyonce: “The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic.

“He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”

Britney Spears: “I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him.

“He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!”

Ciara: “He was part of the reason why for me. Whenever someone asks me who inspires me to do what I do, I always say Michael. That’s it for me. “He’s everything to me. He’s really a part of the reason why. He’s going to be remembered in so many ways for me. I feel it’s important for me to continue to let my generation know how important he was to music.”

Celine Dion: “Michael Jackson was not only an extremely talented person, he was unique. He was a genius. I was very privileged to work with the same record company as him. And I did have the privilege of meeting with him a long, long time ago. He will never die. He will never, ever die.”

Cher: “God gives you certain gifts.

“This child was an extraordinary child.”

Chris Brown: “Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer.

Chris Brown ended his 2007 MTV VMA Awards performance with an on-point duplication of Michael Jackson’s famous “Billie Jean” performance at Motown Records’ 25th anniversary celebration.
VMA’s 2007 Chris Brown Rihanna

“I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He’s the greatest, the best ever. No one will ever be better.”

Diana Ross: “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this.

“My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Justin Timberlake: “I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music but of all music.”

View the rest of Justin’s comments and his tribute to MJ, which includes videos of The Gloved One.

Kanye West: “Thank you for everything, Mike.”

Lil’ Wayne: “I personally can’t believe it. But it’s more unfortunate for the world of music. My love goes out to his family. A sad day in history, not (just) music.”

Liza Minnelli: “He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.

“I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life.”

Madonna: “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson.

“The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”

Paul McCartney: “It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael.

“He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones. I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world.”

Quincy Jones: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words.

“To this day, the music we created together on ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all. Talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother and part of my soul has gone with him.”

Mariah Carey: “My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world.

“I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.”

Slash of rock band Guns N’ Roses: “Michael Jackson was one of the most talented and dynamic performer/singer/songwriters I ever had the pleasure of working with, he was amazing.

“Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding his personal life in recent years overshadowed his unparalleled contributions to the music world, which is a tragedy in and of itself. But his music will live on forever no matter what and his memory will be adored and admired for years to come.”

Smokey Robinson: “It is always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know that his legend will live on and that the world will miss him dearly.”

Tina Turner: “I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing.

“I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”

Usher: “This loss has deeply saddened me. With a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire Jackson family, particularly Michael’s mother and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael.

“I have great admiration and respect for him, and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer. In so many ways, he transcended culture. He broke barriers. He changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”

Whitney Houston: “I am full of grief.”

By Teneshia LaFaye

Buy a limited edition I Was There, King of Pop Commemorative Journal featuring many of these stories to remember the positive side of Michael Jackson’s life. The journal went on sale at the pop icon’s public memorial in L.A., and a limited supply is left over. Don’t let this moment pass you by. Get the journal while supplies last as a keepsake for MJ’s passing with spaces for your personal experience and pictures.

To receive your copy, please send $8 per copy in cash or money order to King of Pop Journal, 3832-10 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 205, Jacksonville, FL 32217 and make sure your name and address is on the envelope.

Or you can buy now for $7.35:

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Mariah Carey recovered from a nervous breakdown to resurface with back-to-back platinum albums and multiple Grammys.
Hopefully, Carey’s longtime rival Whitney Houston will be able to do the same after shaking a highly-publicized drug addiction and finally divorcing bad boy Bobby Brown after 15 years of marriage.
Houston, nicknamed “The Voice” because of her powerful, breathtaking pop-gospel vocals, has a new album coming out on Sept. 1. It’s her first album in six years.
The 45-year-old diva has reunited with Clive Davis, who orchestrated her success from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s. Hit-making producers and songwriters Swizz Beatz, Ne-Yo and will.i.am also worked on Houston’s new album. The album has an appropriate title, Undefeated, which can describe Houston’s resilient spirit to try to revive a career that produced 140 million album sales worldwide, six Grammys and three movie-starring roles, including 1992 blockbuster The Bodyguard that showcased Houston’s vocals for the world’s best-selling movie soundtrack.
Houston’s seventh album is expected to be a hit after she gave a rousing performance at Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party in February.

Here’s home video footage of her pre-Grammy performance:

Here’s a photo gallery of her pre-Grammy performance:

Houston’s ex tried to steal her thunder by announcing the birth of his fifth child from his fifth baby momma, the day before Houston’s reps announced the release of her new album.
But after dropping Brown’s dead weight, Houston can focus on reclaiming her spot on the top of the charts to prove that she cannot be defeated.
And wouldn’t it be fun to renew the 1990s debate of who’s the better singer: Houston or Carey? Of course, the rival divas are likely more concerned about singing hit songs again rather than the blues.

By Teneshia LaFaye
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/teneshialafaye
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