Few people in this world can boast of a talent so immense that it is often referred to as “divine.”

When you factor in Guinness World Book records and 170 million albums and singles sold worldwide, the number is even fewer.

Some would argue it was only one: Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

On the eve of the Grammy Awards, a music industry event once ruled by the songstress, it was reported that Whitney Houston had passed away Sat., Feb. 11th.

She was 48.

The daughter of gospel great Cissy Houston, cousin of R&B icon Dionne Warwick, and goddaughter of Aretha Franklin, it would seem that Houston was genetically groomed for greatness. 

But for all her success, there were troubles too – a conflictive relationship with then-husband Bobby Brown, and a tormented one with drugs.

“The manifestation of genius is often tortured,” laments Bronx resident Kevin Hill. reminiscing on a legacy that began some 30 years ago. 

“Whitney came in at 17 years old and made jaws drop and raised the bar for singers in a way that hadn’t been done since Chaka Khan,” recounts Hill of Houston’s ability to emotionally move listeners. After singing back up for her mother and the likes of Chaka Khan and Teddy Pendergrass, it would be a number of years before she would record as a solo artist. But then in 1985 the debut album Whitney Houston was released, selling 25 million copies worldwide and the rest was history.

“I have great memories of Whitney’s music in my life growing up,” says Chyrisse Crisp. “The last few years of her life played out publicly, it’s relieving to know that she’s finally at peace.”

Anyone with a passing interest in music alive today will have one, if not many, Whitney Houston songs, in the personal soundtrack – as well as the collective one.

In January 1991, at Super Bowl XXV, Houston’s riveting rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” galvanized the nation’s support for troops fighting in Operation:  Desert Storm and has ever since remained the benchmark for which all subsequent performances of the national anthem have been measured.

“Whitney was one of the most phenomenal singers of all time, black or white,” says Nette Byam.

Among the many tributes, a simple one was evoked, time and again.

Rest in peace, Whitney Houston.

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