A PLATE OF THIS A CUP OF THAT: Music Monday

"As I Lay Me Down...Heaven Hear Me Now!!

I'm Lost Without A Cause After Giving It My All.. "

- W.Houston ( I Look To You)

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (8/9/63-2/11/12)

Never Can Say Goodbye

How do you remember a legend? Is there any just way to sum up the achievements, amount of joy; or the feelings felt going down memory lane when hearing Whitney Houston? Of course not.. for all of her fans, and peers in the music industry she is more than the Diva of Soul and R&B. Sure she was known for her power house chords and box office smashes "The Body Guard" , "The Preachers Wife ", and "Waiting To Exhale". Not to mention her humanitarianism. Being a supporter of Nelson Mandela, and the anti-apartheid moment. As well as creating the Whitney Houston Foundation, a non-profit organization for children's needs around the world.

Sadly she has been more recognized for her outlandish antics through her immense struggle with substance abuse. As well as her tumultuous relationship and divorce from Bobby Brown. The thing we most forget about our childhood icons, is that they are just like us... HUMAN!! Having flaws like everyone else. Sometimes this can be overshadowed by the immense talent that one possesses. The only difference between her and us; is that her mistakes were broadcast.

Yet when it all comes down to it, her work, talent, and love for her craft outweighs her careers downward spiral. Whitney Houston has paved the way for many other female artist like Janet Jackson and Anita Baker. Breaking barriers by being the first African American female; to have continuous air play on MTV with her video for " How Will I Know". As well as wining a MTV award in 1987, one of the many 415 rewards received in her career. Not to mentioned being recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records in 2009, as the most cited female artist.

However before the spotlight of fame shun on her; she was a regular Newark, New Jersey girl. Following in her mothers footsteps, embarking in music at the tender age of eleven. Inspired by her cousin Dione and Dee Dee Warwick; as well as her well known god-mother Aretha Franklin. Listening to greats like Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack who have all had a impact on the artist she had yet to become. She soon went from the church choir to singing alongside he mother, being sought out by endless record company's. Then at fifteen, she finally signed with Clive Davis. The head of Arista Records in 1983. Whitney's amazingly unique voice, led her to sing on Teddy Pendergrass " Hold Me" in1984. And the rest is history in the making. Topping the billboard charts with a single from her first album "You Give Good Love"1985, then singing a untouchable rendition of the " Star Spangled Banner" at the 1991, Super Bowl xx v. A performance so inspiring that they made it into a commercial single.

So with all that she has done in and for music, we 1stClassLadies felt the need to pay tribute and respects... to Whitney and her family. After all she was a ICONIC figure in our lives. Most importantly though, she was a MOTHER,DAUGHTER,FRIEND!! So rather than focus on the negative we celebrate her life, along with her legacy.

Our Favorite Whitney Houston Songs & Performances