In 1995 at the VH1 Honors event, there was a moment that captured the essence of Whitney Houston’s incredible voice. As she performed “This Day,” her vocals seemed to dance among the angels, evoking a feeling of awe. Houston herself acknowledged the power of the moment, expressing how the church’s influence can take hold and overwhelm one’s emotions. The crowd, undoubtedly experiencing what she felt, rallied behind her, connecting on a profound level that only a select few artists can achieve. Whitney Elizabeth Houston, who would have turned 60 today, August 9th, may no longer be with us, but her voice still brings forth immense joy.
There is an anecdotal story about Houston’s early years that demonstrates how close the world came to missing out on her extraordinary talent. It is said that as a baby, she playfully placed a hanger in her mouth, only for her brother’s erratic movements to cause it to go back further. She instinctively removed the hanger, narrowly avoiding damage to her vocal cords. This twist of fate allowed the world to witness the blossoming of Houston’s incredible gift. But what exactly set her voice apart?
Houston possessed a vibrato and timbre that were considered flawless and unmatched. Her voice was both operatic and incredibly emotive, possessing strength and power in abundance. With seemingly boundless vocal stamina, she was able to incorporate her mother CeCe Houston’s musical background into her performances. Houston’s vocal range and control were so impressive that she effortlessly transitioned between high and low registers, utilizing her head voice as a delicate ornamentation to her phrases.
It is worth noting that Houston not only excelled in the studio but also on stage. Unlike many other artists, she was able to replicate or even exceed the same level of tone, power, and range in her live performances as she did on record. This mastery made her stand out from her peers, solidifying her as the standard by which all other singers would be judged. While her recorded music remains timeless, it is her live performances that truly illuminate Houston’s legacy as The Voice.
In the biographical film “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” her life story is framed by her unforgettable performance at the 1994 American Music Awards. For a staggering ten minutes, Houston delivered an awe-inspiring vocal display, seamlessly transitioning from “I Loves You Porgy” to “And I’m Telling You (I’m Not Going)” and ending with “I Have Nothing.” Each song independently demanded significant vocal prowess, but to perform them consecutively, while maintaining intensity and power, showcases a level of skill that few can rival. This live performance solidified her position as a top diva and virtuosic performer, captivating audiences nationwide and leaving a lasting impact on her legacy.
However, Houston’s relentless performance schedule, combined with her struggle with substance abuse, gradually took a toll on her voice and ultimately her life. As a result, listening to her music today evokes a sense of joy, tinged with a visceral sadness for what could have been. We remember the incredible talent she possessed, and what we lost. Indeed, we were so close to having it all.