It shocks us still that 48-year-old Whitney Houston has passed away. Though her last few years have been marked by substance abuse, drunken performances and a mess of a love life, Whitney’s golden years cannot be forgotten. This was the voice who gave us classics including, “I Will Always Love You,” “How Will I Know,” and “Saving All My Love For You.” Whitney also inspired a generation of balladeers and divas — everyone from Beyonce to Christina Aguilara.
Though it was Jennifer Hudson who sang the tribute for Whitney at this year’s Grammy’s, our favorite tribute has been 17-year-old Filipino singer Charice Pempengco’s tear-strewn “I Will Always Love You.” Capturing Ms. Houston’s subtle, emotive, melismatic (melismas are those quick runs up or down the scale on one syllable) style best, Charice reminds us of the legacy one woman has left behind.
