Whitney Houston Dies At Age 48

The demise of Whitney Houston, her frail frame, loss of one of pop’s purest voices, and battle with drugs.

On Saturday, Houston’s publicist confirmed to the Associated Press that the award-winning “I Will Always Love You” singer died. She was 48. The timing of her death, the eve of the Grammys, the biggest music event of the year, makes the horrible news even more tragic. According to CNN, Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. PT at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Houston’s sound made sense when considering her pedigree. She was the perfect melding of the styles of her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston; cousin, 1960s pop singer Dionne Warwick; and godmother, queen of soul Aretha Franklin.

On stage, Houston made light of her vocal struggles, and even seemed to be confident when doing so.

But the public scrutiny intensified, and was followed by additional stints in rehab.

While the cause of death has not yet been revealed, one can only wonder whether it was drug-related.

Anyone who remembers Houston’s early work and the impact it had on music can only be saddened by her death.

I extend condolences to her family and friends, especially her daughter.