The World has lost a Musical Legend

Yesterday, Saturday February 11, 2012, I learned of some shocking news.
I was lying in bed watching a movie and having a chat with my mom and daughter while of course browsing through my Twitter feed when I noticed RIP Whitney Houston. What?!
I instantly googled her passing to see if it was just one big stupid hoax, like the ones that have been circulating on Twitter as of late, but sadly this was not a hoax.

I was flabbergasted! Both my mother and I were stunned watching the News Flash update on television.
Not only was my mother a huge fan of Whitney (Whitney was one of her favourite artists), but as was I.
I grew up listening to her beautiful voice, a voice that many have tried to imitate but can never duplicate.
I sang to her songs in my room, danced to her music, was lifted by her lyrics during days when I felt blah.
She is truly a legend.
There is no other Whitney Houston.

Her death Saturday afternoon in a Beverly Hills hotel room came hours before she was scheduled to appear at an annual pre-Grammy party that introduced her to the industry decades ago and was expected to honor the six-time Grammy winner.
Houston struggled for years with addiction to cocaine, marijuana and pills and the years of hard-living took a toll on her once-pristine voice. 
During rehearsal for a pre-Grammy event Thursday, Houston appeared disheveled, sweated profusely and her breath smelled of liquor and cigarettes, said a source who was present but not authorized to speak publicly.  Despite more than a decade of problems, including her divorce from Bobby Brown and numerous instances of erratic behavior, Houston was working toward a potential comeback. She had just completed work on a remake of the film Sparkle, a project she'd worked to develop for years.

The true fans will remember her for her amazing voice and nothing else.

Whitney leaves behind her 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina. 

Her death on the eve of the Grammy awards has already prompted changes to the broadcast today, with Jennifer Hudson scheduled to perform a tribute during the show.

My thoughts go out to Whitney's loved ones as they find peace during this very tragic time.

RIP Whitney. Your music will echo a lifetime.

What's your favourite Whitney Houston song? What do you remember most about this wonderful artist?