SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Utah artists are reacting to Whitney Houston’s sudden death. They described her as a chameleon. She tried different music genres and took on new projects. Whitney climbed to the number one spot several times around the world.
The power of her voice has impacted many in the entertainment industry, including the local artists here in Utah.
Utah singer Joslyn Poole and her husband, producer-musician, Craig Poole are in disbelief by her sudden passing. Josyln became a fan when Whitney Houston released her first album and she became the first female vocalist to debut at number one before the 90s.
"She has this strength and this power, but at the same time has this finesse that any singer would want to immulate." said Joslyn Poole. "It was very shocking, but at the same time I went back to all my memories of when I was young and belting out her tunes."
She became a Hollywood favorite and with the commercial success of her albums, film-makers poured in scripts but reeled her in, in her first starring movie role, "The Bodyguard" with Kevin Cosner, which she won 3 Grammy awards for the soundtrack.
Host and executive producer of Talking Pictures, Tony Toscano commented, "The jump into movies was really easy for her because people really loved her."
On tour Whitney's back up dancer, Tre Holloway, said she was explosive. "She would chase me and I would chase her, it was my favorite moment on tour by far."
Whitney captivated generation after generation and her memory will carry on.
"Everyone was aware of her troubles, but we were hoping she could rebound." added Craig. "It's timeless. People will listen to her 50 years from now and still be in love with her voice and her sound."
Despite her troubles, her colleagues will remember her for breaking boundaries and in many ways changing how music is made today.
