2011-J3270

Mourning the death of famed singer and actress Whitney Houston

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2011-J3270


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of famed singer and actress
Whitney Houston

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to the
lives of those esteemed individuals of national renown who distinguished
themselves through their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Born in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Houston died on Saturday,
February 11, 2012, at the age of 48; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Houston's death was on the eve of the Grammy Awards
which sent shock waves through the music industry, with many stars
expressing surprise and sadness; and
WHEREAS, Overcoming many obstacles in her life, Whitney Houston shall
be forever remembered for her remarkable contribution to music fans in
general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and
her Grammy wins and nominations over the years; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Houston first started singing in the church as a
child; in her teens, she sang backup for Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson
and others, in addition to modeling; it was around that time when music
mogul Clive Davis first heard her perform; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Houston made her album debut in 1985 with "Whitney
Houston", which sold millions and spawned hit after hit; "Saving All My
Love for You" brought her her first Grammy, for best female pop vocal
and "How Will I Know", "You Give Good Love", and "The Greatest Love of
All" also became hit singles; and
WHEREAS, At her peak, Whitney Houston was the golden girl of the music
industry; from the mid 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the
world's best-selling artists; she wowed audiences with effortless,
powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church, but
made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Houston's success carried her beyond music to movies,
where she starred in hits like "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale";
she had the perfect voice, and the perfect image of a gorgeous singer
who maintained perfect poise; and
WHEREAS, Six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's
greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical
soundtrack spanning the past three decades; she surpassed the Beatles
and the Bee Gees to become the first recording star to have seven
consecutive No. 1 hits; and
WHEREAS, A musical legend, Whitney Houston possessed one of her gener-
ation's most powerful gospel-trained voices, but eschewed many of the
churchier mannerisms of her forerunners; she used ornamental gospel
phrasing sparingly, and communicated cool self-assurance and strength,
building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity; her long
contributions of entertaining society will indefinitely withstand the
test of time; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Hoston is survived by her daughter, Bobbi Kristina,
mother, Cissy, cousin Dionne Warwick, godmother, Aretha Franklin as well
as numerous other family members; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Whitney Houston leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of famed singer and actress Whitney Houston; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Whitney Houston.

actions

  • 13 / Feb / 2012
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 01 / Mar / 2012
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 01 / Mar / 2012
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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