Legendary singer and ASCAP member Whitney Houston, 48, passed away on February 11, 2012. Always able to give new meaning and life to the music she performed, Houston was a songwriter’s best friend whose powerful voice will continue to resonate throughout the industry.
The most-awarded female act of all-time, Houston earned two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, and 22 American Music Awards. Her career in music spanned a number of genres from pop to R&B, to dance and even gospel. Her multi-platinum albums featured unforgettable singles including, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “I’m Every Woman,” “So Emotional,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” and her brilliant rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”
The world of music felt the absence of Houston’s kind heart and energetic spirit the moment they heard the news. A number of ASCAP members have come forward to express their love for her, and have spoken on what her legacy means to them.
“I am devastated by the loss of Whitney. We have lost a true angel. My prayers, my heart goes out to her family. We have lost an extraordinary voice to the world.” – Lionel Richie (ASCAP Golden Note Award honoree)
“I’ve known Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her.” – Smokey Robinson (ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award winner)
“I think her contribution was her excellence of all levels. She was outstandingly gorgeous, an excellent performer ... Excellent vocalist. She was excellent on some many levels, and set the standard for what it is to be a great female artist.” – India.Arie
"The loss of Whitney Houston is painful…She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind. She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her.” – Beyoncé
“Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I’ve ever heard and she will be truly missed.” – Tony Bennett (ASCAP member and 2012 Grammy winner)
"How tragic to hear about Whitney Houston's passing. Such a shame. She had one of the most iconic voices of my lifetime.” – Nick Lachey
"I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just 16, and 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." – Quincy Jones (ASCAP Pied Piper Award winner)
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord' RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen." – Nick Cannon
"I think I damaged my hearing from listening to her so loud and so long. It's a sad day." – Steve Martin (2012 Grammy nominee)
"Whitney always hit you with that beautiful smile, that incredible energy. Whitney Houston had the greatest voice in the world. We truly lost an angel." – Sean “Diddy” Combs (ASCAP Founders Award honoree)
"I'm in Houston on the night we lose Whitney Houston…Tonight's show is dedicated to her legacy" – Tyrese Gibson
While at ASCAP’s Grammy Brunch, Grammy nominee and ASCAP member Kelly Price spoke about her last night with Houston, which occurred the day before Houston’s death.
ASCAP members Jennifer Hudson and Ashanti have both paid tribute to Houston in performing some of her exceptional hits including “I Will Always Love You” and “I Have Nothing.”