The world is abuzz with speculation and assumptions as to the cause of death of Whitney Houston, found dead in a room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel at the age of 48, on the eve of the Grammy Awards. What I can say with certainty is that artists have it hard; that there is often a certain self destructiveness to those gifted with creativity is hardly a secret.
The list of artists and musicians who have ended their lives prematurely is rather extensive. This is hardly a coincidence.
I often wonder if it's the fame that kills them or if it's because artists are already emotionally tormented people who have to make art. I imagine its usually a mixture of both, but who can ever say.
Whitney Houston was at the top of her game at times during her career. She had seven straight No. 1 hits and sold 170 million albums, singles and videos. She was the picture of success for a singer. This would undoubtedly bring a world of pressure down upon any starlet. On top of this, she had a tempestuous personal life that kept food on the tables for many a vulture tabloid journalist.
We don't know yet why Houston died, but I will say she lived a hard life and out of that pain came beautiful music. Such is often the case with artists. Their creativity is born of pain and tribulation.
Her voice and music is in some ways unrivaled. I've little doubt she will live on in legendary status in the pantheon of musical deities like Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and more recently, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Rest in Peace, Whintey Houston: Thank you for the music that came with your beautiful voice.
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