" God bless America and the American people. Today let us remember all those who died in the tragedy of 9 / 11 and
particularly those whose natural bravery determined they're sacrificing their own lives in trying to save other people's
who needed their assistance and help. Their humanity can never be applauded enough and they will be remembered
always.
It is a day also to remember the 40 passengers and crew members of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93
who lost their lives when the aircraft crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The flight from Boston to San
Francisco had its flight path diverted to Washington D.C.The heroes were not members of the US Military or trained in
combat techniques. They were American and foreign citizens who said goodbye to their families that morning called to
an act of heroism mid - air in attacking the hijackers to protect their country from a direct attack on the Presidential
White House.
My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives on September 11 th 2001 "
With my deepest condolences and love to you all.
Diana xx
We will always love you, Whitney.
Whitney Elizabeth Houston August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012
Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday February 11th 2012 in Suite 434 at the Beverly
Hills Hilton Hotel, California, hotel where she was staying dying on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards at the
Staples Center in Los Angeles which the 48 year old singer was due to attend. Prior to this Whitney.Houston was
supposed to attend her mentor Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party at the Hilton on the Saturday night.
Whitney was found face down in the bath in her suites bathroom and all resuscitation efforts failed. The coroners
report from her autopsy toxicology report indicating that she was "acutely intoxicated from cocaine" at the time of her
death and was a "repeated cocaine user." Drug paraphernalia near by the bath confirmed the coroner's initial report
that she died of accidental drowning. In the suite an open bottle of champagne was on top of the mini bar. In a 2009
interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston talked about doing cocaine and smoking marijuana. In May 2011 the
Diva got help for her much-publicized struggle with drugs and alcohol in re-hab
The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age was the daughter of famous gospel singer
Cissy Houston and husband Musical Executive John Russell Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised as
a Baptist like her two older brothers Gary and Michael. At the age of 11yrs Whitney started performing as a soloist in
the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano. Her
gospel roots illustrated in her film " The Preachers Wife " though the film she is most remembered by is " The
Bodyguard " also starring Kevin Costner and in which Whitney sang the classic song " I will always love you " and
noted my many as an iconic performance of the song originally written and performed by country legend singer Dolly
Parton
World acclaimed songstress Dionne Warwick was Whtney's cousin and soul singer supreme Aretha Franklin her
Godmother. Whitney sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide. Whitney released six studio albums,
one holiday album and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold
certification. In 2000 the singer earned her sixth Grammy for best female R&B performance and, a month later, she
was named female artist of the decade at the "Soul Train" Music Awards.
Her career stalled, however, in subsequent years as she entered rehab for addiction problems. Whitney Houston
took a hiatus for several years before releasing her first album in seven years, "I Look to You," in 2009 which
received mixed reviews as clearly her voice having been affected by the consistent abuse of drugs and alcohol. Her
fame was ending and tragically was something she could not control, influence or stop from happening! Whitney
Houston was buried on Sunday, February 19, 2012, in Fairview Cemetary, in Westfield, New Jersey next to her father
who died in 2003
Her legend lives on after her as her original songs are vocalised by the voice of an Angel; that was Whitney Houston!
God bless and Goodnight
Andrew Russell - Davis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAM2-hg7xJs "When You Believe" .. Duet with Mariah Carey
"Whitney Houston will always be remembered for her inimitable and amazing voice as she brought gospel
into pop in a unique way. Her death is a tragedy but poignantly it seems so was her life in the months prior to her death
so perhaps release was the kindest relief for a woman clearly troubled though for her loved ones, and most especially
her daughter, something incredibly difficult to come to terms with but hopefully time will prove to be a healer and her
life will be something remembered and celebrated and so too her songs which already have touched so many hearts!"
With love from,
Diana xx
Mariah Carey, who was often compared to Houston, said, "Whitney has been a big influence on me." None of us
would sound the same if Aretha Franklin hadn't ever put out a record, or Whitney Houston hadn't."
Celine Dion on February 13, 2012, telling "Whitney's been an amazing inspiration for me. I've been singing with her
my whole career, actually. I wanted to have a career like hers, sing like her, look beautiful like her."
Beyonce told that Whitney Houston "inspired her to get up there and do what she did". "I, like every singer, always
wanted to be just like Whitney. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her
cadence, her control. So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. Whitney is our queen
and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us."
Mary J. Blige said that "The first Whitney Houston CD was genius. That CD introduced the world to her angelic yet
powerful voice. Without Whitney, half of this generation of singers wouldn't be singing."
Kelly Rowland told that "I wanted to be a singer after I saw Whitney Houston on TV singing 'Greatest Love of All'. I
wanted to sing like Whitney Houston." Kelly added that " I have never, ever forgotten that song! "
Alicia Keys said "Whitney is an artist who inspired me from the time I was a little girl"
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson cites Whitney Houston as her biggest musical influence. Jennifer saying that she
learned from Whitney the "difference between being able to sing and knowing how to sing".
