Didn't She Almost Have It All?

By: Lois-Ann Clark, Grace Carter

Whitney has been an amazing inspiration for me ... It's just really unfortunate that drugs, bad people or bad influence took over. It took over her dreams. It took over her love and motherhood. When you think about Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse, to get into drugs like that, for whatever reason. Is it because of the stress and bad influence? What happens when you have everything?

When songstress Celine Dionne spoke those words to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America the week after Whitney Houston’s death, she verbalized what many people were thinking, what was it that made Whitney and so many others before her, lose their way? What is it about the music industry that seems to take in our brightest stars, chew them up, and then spit them out with a vengenence? While it is premature to speculate on the cause of Whitney Houston’s death, this much is known; she was a bright star who burned out long before she should have.

In 1984 when Whitney Houston came onto the scene, she was paired with an established artist, Teddy Pendergrass, on the song Hold Me. There was no YouTube, no American Idol, no The Voice, and the music video genre was in its infancy. At that time you had to find an afternoon talk show to see and hear artists. But, it didn’t take long for the buzz to begin about the gorgeous young singer with the golden voice.

Whitney was blessed with gifts of good looks, a svelte body which looked magnificent in everything she wore, and a voice that has been unsurpassed, and which we unlikely hear again in our lifetimes. With a mother who had been a member of the Sweet Inspirations, and a background singer for Elvis and many others, a cousin, Grammy-wining songstress, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, as her godmother, Whitney was born into show business royalty. Surely, she had been cautioned about the pitfalls of the music industry and the accoutrements that follow fame and fortune. How could she, of all people, have fallen prey to the perils of a system that seems to build you up, only to tear you down in the end?

One clue was suggested by Kevin Costner in his remarks at her funeral; she was like so many young women, plagued by self doubt. As beautiful and talented as she was, she wondered, if she were good enough was pretty enough, and if people would like her. Unfortunately, she did not realize that she did indeed, have it all. She was the total package.

We live in a society that is plagued by substance abuse, legal and illegal. We are constantly told by advertisements that there is a pharmaceutical cure for whatever ails us, so, it should not come as surprise that many people turn to “meds” to help them over the rough spots. Feeling lethargic? There’s something to pep you up. Need to chill out? There’s something to help you relax. No one seems to address the long-term effects these of “aids ‘.

As the stories and comments poured in and opinions were stated, I began to ponder on an industry and a culture that cares so much and wants your soul, only to use your talents and then sit back and watch the train wreck .We all know the talent of many who came before her and suffered similar fates, but the question is: why is the ultimate price for stardom for some, their precious lives.  We are sure that Whitney was warned of the dangers of the business, but is being warned enough? Can having the right inner circle keep you on the right path?  Can family around you be a help or a hindrance, if you alone have the responsibility of keeping everyone clothed and feed and can this, too be a burden?

I ask myself is this a business that I would want my family members to be a part of. Oh yes, the perks appear great from the outside but as we all know appearances can be deceiving. So, as Whitney Houston is laid to rest, lets us take a moment to say thank you Whitney for sharing your talent with us. Let us also be mindful of our future talent. To nurture them, enjoy their gifts and offer positive advice. .

Grace Carter contributed to this article.