Sunday, 12 February 2012

Another Legend Leaves the Stage

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Whitney Houston was one of my favourite female artists of all times, so news of her death today came as a shock to me.  I remember listening to Whitney in the 90s and being mesmerized by her powerful vocals and the passion that came across in her music. 

For me, she represented an era when music was music. Then we had the likes of Michael Jackson, the old Mariah Carey and boy bands like Backstreet boys and Boys II Men. Today, I feel music no longer has taste or purpose. In our present era, hype triumphs over substance;  generic formulas over talent; raw, powerful vocals have been replaced by squeaky, digitilised voices; we no longer savour the joy of the lead/bass guitar pulling at our heartstrings; reckless commercialisation is the order of the day. 

Today I mourn the passing of a legend, but I also mourn the dearth of quality music and desperately wish for a return of the good old days.  Goodnight Whitney.



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12 comments:

  1. *Michael Onobote*12 February 2012 at 13:10

    Sad ending I tell you. Choices, choices, that's what keep ringing in my head. May her soul rest in peace.

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    Replies
    1. DLaw13 February 2012 at 14:24

      To support Michael: Let's remember that the choice of who you marry is a beginning, not an end. It can either begin your sorrow, or begin your joy.

      Delete
    2. Oluchi13 February 2012 at 15:14

      I second that, Dlaw. Marriage can either make or break.

      Delete
  2. Oluchi12 February 2012 at 13:15

    That's true, Michael. Our choices can make the difference between death and life. Thanks for your comment.

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  3. Anonymous12 February 2012 at 22:48

    On a lighter note, may be talented musicians are also wanted in heaven.

    Regards,
    Prof-G.

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    Replies
    1. Oluchi13 February 2012 at 00:15

      Ha ha ha, Prof G. That is a possibility. Thank you for your comment.

      Delete
    2. DLaw13 February 2012 at 14:26

      Ha Ha Ha! Inspiration needed for the angels?

      Delete
  4. chuks13 February 2012 at 02:59

    Or maybe the good musicians cannot stand the rubbish parading as music these days so they are all taking a leave.. I think an Obituary to good music is in order, save the world from the lady gaga's and Souja boy's

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    Replies
    1. DLaw13 February 2012 at 14:27

      I agree with you Chuks. But rather than an obituary, why not let's think of a way to revive the soul of good music? Any ideas?

      Delete
  5. Anonymous13 February 2012 at 06:56

    Oh yeah, Chuks. I'm with you on that. An obituary to good music is in order. On second thoughts, we need a channel to promote 'alternative music'. I have heard some amazing artists in small gatherings & makes me wonder why they haven't made it big. So you're right, there is still talent; just no conduit for them to make it to the headlines. (Oluchi)

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  6. DLaw13 February 2012 at 14:31

    Witney indeed represented excellence and talent in singing combined. Her negative experiences later in life do not negate her gifts. Yes fresher-angle, good music is gone. What strangled it out? Where has it gone? Is there anything that can be done to resurrect it? Or isn't music birthed by the society? Maybe the society is just too ill-class to produce or want good music!

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  7. Oluchi13 February 2012 at 15:14

    Dlaw, it's not just about music; it is a sign of the times. Everything is commercialised. Just think of how much time you spend trying to 'sell yourself' whether it be writing a job application or even giving a talk. It's difficult to be original when people are chasing after hype and appearances. If you remain 'true to yourself', you will literally earn a dime. Shame but that's the way it is. Thanks for your comment.

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