Music world stunned by death of Whitney Houston

LOS ANGELES - Stars and music industry leaders paid tribute Saturday to singer Whitney Houston, who died aged 48 on the eve of the annual Grammys show.

Grammys organizing chief Neil Portnow called Houston "one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades.

"A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice," said the head of the Recording Academy.

Many stars took to Twitter to voice shock after Houston was found dead in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, hours before a traditional pre-Grammys dinner which she was due to attend.

"It's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed," wrote veteran crooner Tony Bennett.

Mariah Carey added: "She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth." while "Queen of Funk" Chaka Khan tweeted: "I'm speechless...I'm in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family."

Jermaine Jackson, whose brother Michael died in similarly shocking fashion at the age of 50 in June 2009 in Los Angeles, said his thoughts went out to Houston's gospel singer mother Emily "Cissy" Houston.

"I can imagine what she's going through, because I... , we've been through with my mother and its very tough to lose a child, and for your to outlive your child," he told CNN.

Christina Aguilera added: "We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed."

Motown great Smokey Robinson, who recently attended a tribute to Jackson in Hollywood, called Houston "one of the greatest voices in the history of music," adding "I will always love her."

From the younger generation, Canadian teen sensation Justin Bieber tweeted: "Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family."

"California Gurls" singer Katy Perry added: "So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P," while award-winning rap artist Nicki Minaj: "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time."

"No words! Just tears," added US singer Rihanna, while Hawaiian-born Bruno Mars said" "This is terrible news..I'm sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney."

Reality TV star Sharon Osbourne said she was "devastated" by the news. "My heart goes out to (Houston's daughter with Bobby Brown) Bobbi Christina. Always be proud of your mother, she was magnificent," she said.

source: interaksyon.com

Whitney Houston died in Beverly Hills hotel room

Singer Whitney Houston died Saturday in Beverly Hills, according to law enforcement sources.

Authorities are trying to determine a cause of death. [Updated at 5:46 p.m.: She was found in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where emergency medical personnel were called sometime Saturday, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous because the investigation is ongoing.]

Houston, 48, was in the Los Angeles area for a musical tribute to music executive Clive Davis and had performed and spoken to reporters earlier in the week.

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston, 1963-2012

The performer had drug and alcohol problems for years, and in May her spokeswoman said she was going back to rehab.

Publicist Kristen Foster told the Associated Press on Saturday that Houston had died but did not provide further details.

According to AP:

At her peak in the 1980s and '90s, Houston the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world's best-selling artists.

Among her hits were “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love for You” and “I Will Always Love You.” She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies like “The Bodyguard.”

But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.

source: latimes.com