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Live Local Music

Music World Mourns the Death of Whitney Houston

Posted by Matt D'Ippolito on 02/12 at 12:57 AM

Multiplatinum R&B singer Whitney Houston was found dead in her hotel room Saturday, as reported by the L.A. Times and other media outlets. According to the reports, the cause of death is unknown at this time. She was found in a Beverly Hills hotel room she was staying in for the tribute to Clive Davis.

Houston was an inspiration to countless artists whose full contribution to the music industry can’t be fully measured. She had a profound effect on comtemporary singers like Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson and Lady Gaga. Her voice was also an influence on countless aspiring singers. One vocal musician friend of mine cried out “no” after hearing the news before saying, “You don’t understand, I love her!”

Another lesson that could be learned from Houston’s life is the terrible effects of drug abuse. The singer fell from grace in the late 90s and early 2000s amid rumors of the use of crack and other drugs. She admitted to drug use in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009. Some critics have said that since her return to music after years of drug abuse, her voice has not been the same.

Nonetheless, the singer’s contributions to the music industry are immense. Her once-great voice helped define popular music as we know it. She will surely be missed.

To read more about the music icon’s life, you can read her obituary by the Associated Press here.