Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, I performed as the opening act for an Elvis Tribute Artist. After my performance, I sat back watching the show, enjoying the music. After 10pm, I checked e-mails on my Blackberry, discovering a report that Whitney Houston was dead at the age of 48. This can’t be true, I thought, rereading the e-mail from a reputable source. Later, arriving at home, I turned on MSNBC, hearing the latest news about her death.

Whitney Houston was an icon. She had an amazing, beautiful voice that soothed and hit notes I could not sing. When I sang at the age of 15, I could hit some of those notes, but over the years, my voice has deepened, more of a bass tone than soprano. This got me to thinking.

When Whitney Houston performed at recent concerts, people were critical, saying she sounded terrible. Many of them walked out, refusing to listen to her when she could not hit those notes anymore. Did anyone stop to recognize that our voices do deepen later? Many are blaming drugs as the reason for her shocking, unexpected death. I truly hope drugs are not the reason. According to recent reports, drugs were found in the bathroom — prescription drugs.

While it is true, no one will ever know exactly what Whitney Houston was thinking on Saturday, the morning and afternoon of her death. Was she afraid that she would not be able to sing, like before, and people would boo her and walk out? Reportedly, there were discussions of her stating that she wanted ‘to go see Jesus.’ Did she have a premonition of her death?

Whitney Houston had it all. Fame. Money. Popularity. A precious, beautiful daughter. A caring, loving mother. Family. Perhaps she wasn’t as lucky or blessed in love since she had the tendency to fall for guys with major issues, such as Bobby Brown. Nevertheless, she was a woman to admire. I listened to many of her songs in total amazement of how beautiful her voice carried the tune. Many times, I got chills just listening to her powerful voice. She was truly gifted!

Never was I blessed to see her perform in concert, but I still play her music. Most of her songs I know, but I have only attempted one of them, recognizing that I had to lower the notes, simply because my voice is deeper now…raspy sounding. I can sing the blues fairly well, but no one and I truly mean NO ONE can sing like Whitney Houston.

To those who are critical and judgmental, let us all recognize that we are human. It is time for the world to mourn Whitney Houston, by listening to her music. Now, she is in the hands of God, perhaps singing in the heavenly choir with other performers and my father. Whitney Houston, you are missed. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. The world mourns, and Whitney, We Will “Always Love You!”