Whitney Houston: Gone too soon

Just this morning, I was having a conversation with a friend about Whitney Houston. We were talking about Kelly Clarkson's Super Bowl performance of the National Anthem, and I said that while I thought Kelly did great, Whitney's version is still the "gold standard" by which other singers will probably always be measured.

Even further, I went on to say, Whitney probably has the best voice of our generation, in her prime anyway, ranking up there with the greats from previous generations, including Judy Garland and Billie Holiday. There was something about her that made you believe she really felt the words she was singing and her vocal abilities were beyond stellar.

Tonight we learned that Whitney is gone, dead at only 48 years old. And while we don't know what killed her, considering her history of drug and alcohol abuse, there is a great deal of speculation as to whether this may have been a contributing factor.

I remember Whitney's interview with Oprah in 2010 when she said she was "free of her demons." Implying she was cured told me she still didn't "get" what addiction is all about. An addict is never completely free of his or her demons, and is never cured. People can live drug and alcohol free for years, but addiction is, as they say in the 12-step programs, cunning, baffling, and powerful. A recovering addict must continue to work some kind of program and remain vigilant, avoiding those people, places, and things that can trigger a relapse. And feeling above it all and "cured" is a sign of impending danger.

Whatever her personal demons, Whitney leaves an incredible legacy. A singer and actress, Whitney won two Emmys, six Grammys, 30 Billboard Music Awards, and 22 American Music Awards. She has sold over 200 million albums and singles worldwide, and is ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the US, having sold 55 million albums in the US.

That voice has been stilled, too young, too soon. Rest in peace Whitney. Finally, you are free of your demons.