Whitney Houston. Oh, man. I attended her very first performance. Ever. I still remember how her untainted smile lit up the room. Her eyes were bright, her vocal chords were strong and her youthful innocence was appreciated.

I think I probably own every song she's ever done and I have sung each in a performance SOMEWHERE at some point in time. Speaking of time....I remember performing Whitney's "One Moment In Time" for the legendary Humanitarian (another of my mentors) Mother Wright, before SHE passed.

Wow. The news of legendary talent Whitney Houston, pronounced dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, at 4pm today, only 48 years old, on Grammy weekend (no less) is VERY hard to accept. We know that she's had drug and alcohol problems for years--even going back to rehab--but the actual cause of death is still unknown and the investigation is ongoing. Medics performed CPR for 20 minutes...but it was Whitney's time to depart.

This is SO sad. We just went through this with Michael Jackson, didn't we? Etta James. Don Cornelius and more.

Unfortunately, it doesn't end, folks.

Today, we not only lost another legend, but our sister, mentor, inspiration and someone who paved the way so entertainers like myself, everywhere, could have phenomenal songs to perform.

Whitney Houston will be missed!!

Life is short, friends. Live each day not as a promise, but a gift. Everyone has a time clock. Before we punch out, let us get our lives RIGHT. Not now, but RIGHT NOW. I could go into details, but.....

You know EXACTLY what I mean.

Much love,
LaDeana Michelle