Why Whitney, Why?

It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since we lost Whitney Houston. She died the night before the 2012 Grammy Awards, and even now, her absence is deeply felt.

As far back as I can remember, I have loved Whitney Houston—her music, her movies, her magic. My mom bought her red cassette tapes, and I would borrow them (okay, maybe steal them) and play them nonstop. I knew every lyric. Whitney’s voice was unlike anything else, effortless and powerful.

In 1990, my mom and I went to Sacramento to see her in concert. It was right after I finished our Reed High Softball Easter Tournament, we hoped in the car and drove to Sacramento. The show was incredible—her voice was flawless, the energy was electric, and we sang along to every song. But then... she made an announcement. She told the audience she was in looooovvvve—with Bobby friggin’ Brown. Eye roll! Even then, I had a bad feeling. I didn’t think he was a good match for her, especially given the challenges that came with her fame, addiction struggles, and the immense pressure she was under.

Whitney was an icon to me, someone I held in the highest regard—just like Marlena Evans Brady (Deidre Hall) from Days of Our Lives (yes, I probably wore people out talking about both of them growing up!).

Why, Whitney, Why?

Why did you have to leave so soon? Thirteen years later, I still remember your breathtaking performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl. I have heard a lot of great National Anthem singers, but Whitney's was iconic. Why couldn't you have ended up with someone like Kevin Costner or Denzel Washington? Or just figured out how to keep your relationship with your girlfriend, Robyn. Who cares...you are Whitney. I mean…

I never missed a Grammy Awards show, always hoping Whitney would perform. She dominated the industry, much like Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie did. And when she passed, the music world mourned. Jennifer Hudson’s tribute at the 2012 Grammys, singing I Will Always Love You, still gives me chills.

The Rise, The Fall, and The Blame

Okay, I know Whitney’s downfall wasn’t solely because of Bobby Brown—but I firmly believe he was the catalyst. The struggles were there—fame, pressure, addiction—but he made them worse. The media didn’t help either. They built her up to be this untouchable superstar, only to tear her down when she struggled.

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is the way the music industry treated Black artists, especially Black women, in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The pressure to fit an image, to be “marketable,” to be everything the industry wanted—it took a toll. Many artists faced identity struggles and turned to substance abuse to cope.

Could Whitney have been saved with the right support system? I think so. And then came the unthinkable—The Tragedy of Bobbi Kristina. It’s heartbreaking how history seemed to repeat itself. Losing Whitney must have shattered her daughter, and we all know how that story ended.

The Legacy Lives On

Despite the heartbreak, I will always be a Whitney Houston fan. Her music still brings me joy, and I love when artists remake her songs—especially as dance remixes (now that’s my jam!).

I know I’m an old soul when it comes to music—I get that from my mom. It was something we shared, something that always brought us together. And the silver lining? My mom is up in heaven, enjoying Whitney’s music firsthand. Amen to that!