No, this isn't a pop-culture site. But sometimes events happen that transcend - especially when you are my age. Singer Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48. Why does this have anything to do with a sports blog? For me it was the Super Bowl in 1991, when the United States had just entered a war in the Persian Gulf. Tensions were running high - around the country and at the Super Bowl. Much like 9/11, 1991 saw Red, White and Blue everywhere. That day, Whitney Houston was selected to sing the Star Spangled Banner.
Here performance changed everything. Much like the NFL and the Super Bowl itself, everything around the big game has exploded since then - who sings the National Anthem at the Super Bowl is a big deal because of Houston's performance that day.
Her struggles since then - with drugs, alcohol and Bobby Brown - are well documented. That said, her voice was simply one of the best ever, and her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that day, at a time when American Pride was at an all-time high, was a thing of beauty.
RIP Whitney Houston. Here's hoping the demons that have plagued you will finally allow you to rest.
6 recs | 20 comments
I heard as well...very sad
RIP Whitney.
Horsepower - February 11, 2012
I'd trade Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Britney, Nikki Minaj, and Taylor Swift
just to get Whitney back for 1 concert.
Zac Man - February 11, 2012
as someone who has been brought up "forced" to listen too the aforementioned artists...
I logged in just to rec this… my has the music industry has fallen
iP_OnB - February 11, 2012
*how
iP_OnB - February 11, 2012
It would have to be the pre-crack whitney
although if Katy Perry did hers naked I would have to think about it.
coloradoSportsguy - February 11, 2012
it's night and day
how things changed for her
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Awesome, as Always.
bronco4ever15 - February 11, 2012
Very, very sad
I remember her singing that like it was yesterday. That was the best version of the Star Spangled Banner ever.
weazel - February 11, 2012
R.I.P Whitney
You will be missed. I hope have found peace
Brandon Gilchrist - February 11, 2012
RIP
H-bizzle - February 11, 2012
RIP
She’s past my time, and all i really know about her, is her drug history. But RIP nonetheless
Scotty Payne - February 11, 2012
Great rendition
Can’t believe it was that long ago already. Rahim Moore was a year old.
OrangeRhino - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Much love and respect, Whitney
And props to you, John, for recognizing the validity of the story and contextualizing it for this site.
She moved me in many ways with her music — some of which I was not even aware of until a few moments after reading about her death. I always had a strong feeling she’d be back. She had to be. She had too much to offer. But sometimes it doesn’t work that way. Sometimes people burn once, incredibly bright, and that’s it.
It’s a great and sad reminder of the need to live in the present and appreciate this moment — it’s all any of us have, from celebrity superstar to “common” fan.
broncomack - February 11, 2012
Just say NO kids.
ThorpeBroncosfan - February 11, 2012
I remember this very well! Thanks for bringing back a great memory!
Whitney was an amazing performer—what a talent, a beautiful woman that somehow stepped off the road and got lost………….sure hope she died with complete peace…I’m sure msm will be telling us all about it for days to come!
Thanks for sharing the thoughts and video, John!
Tim4Tebow - February 11, 2012
My first crush
I was 6 or 7, nevertheless, I know she’s in a better place!
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Whitney never acted slutty
she didn’t have to because she could sing, enough of the superficial bimbos like Brittney Spears
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Wow! What a fabulous voice!
She clearly sang it with joy and conviction.
The whole drug thing is so sad. To think what she might have been without drugs and Bobby Brown.
bill2975 - February 12, 2012
Her singing was so effortless
Which was in contrast to the rest of her life. RIP Whitney Houston. My teenage years were filled with your songs…
orange&blue_aussie - February 12, 2012
I've been a very good singer all my life....She was brilliant.
I still consider her to have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever enjoyed listening to. “I will always love you” is one of the best vocal performances ever. I’m not a ballad guy generally, but that one rocks!
Her story is the dark side of pop culture and celebrity. I feel sorry for anyone who has the Paparazzi trailing them for years on end….just waiting for a meltdown moment.
RIP Ms. Houston.
Broncotodd - February 12, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Mile High Report to post a comment.