Yesterday, Whitney Houston was laid to rest in her native New Jersey along side her father, John. After a week filled with shock and awe from news agencies coast-to-coast, music lovers everywhere were given the opportunity to be a spectator at the singer's funeral on Saturday morning.
The New Hope Baptist Church (which Houston grew up in) was filled with family, friends and colleagues including Houston's mother, Cissy, daughter Bobbi Kristina, industry 'father' Clive Davis, 'Bodyguard' co-star Kevin Costner, and good friends Be Be and Ce Ce Winans. Winans sibling, Rev. Marvin Winans, officiated at the service.
Some of the most heart-stirring moments included tributes by gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, who seemed to get happy (emotional) while singing his signature song, "Stand." Subsequently, artists following McClurkin including Kim Burrell, Be Be Winans, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, and Stevie Wonder were visibly shaken as well.
Memories of the singer shared by actor Kevin Costner and record executive Clive Davis were heartfelt as well. Costner urged the spirit of Whitney Houston to remember that she was "good enough," while Davis encouraged Whitney's daughter to "make her mother proud."
One of the surprises of the service was the speech given by film and television producer, Tyler Perry. Perry's delivery left many wondering if he might not have a new career waiting for him as a minister once his producing days are over.
As far as the singer's ex-husband, Bobby Brown is concerned, sources report that he and his party of nine left the service after a short time because there was not enough room to seat them all. Allegedly Brown was given the okay to bring up to three guests (which he exceeded by adding six more people to the list). Nevertheless, many felt that he should have been allowed to stay for his daughter's sake.
The service concluded by Houston's silver-laid casket (similar to Michael Jackson's) being lifted up on the shoulders of the pall bearers and carried from the church while her song "I Will Always Love You," played in the background.
Her last film, "Sparkle", a re-make of the 1976 film starring Irene Cara and Philip Michael Thomas is slated to be released Summer 2012.
Her last film, "Sparkle", a re-make of the 1976 film starring Irene Cara and Philip Michael Thomas is slated to be released Summer 2012.
As for Houston's legacy, she will be remembered for her unmatchable vocal talent, beauty and grace.
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| © Matt Sayles/AP/Press Association Images |
Thanks for everything, Whitney!
Tyler Perry's New Film -
Speaking of Tyler Perry, the actor/producer/writer has a new movie that will hit theaters on February 24th called "Good Deeds."
The film which stars Perry as Wesley Deeds also stars actors Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Eddie Cibrian, and Gabrielle Union.
Perry, himself, performed a "good deed" last week by offering his private jet to fly Whitney Houston's body home to New Jersey from L.A.
Black History Month Screen Gems -
Sunday's broadcast of the 84th Annual Academy Awards will most likely bring actress Octavia Spencer a golden statue for her portrayal of a maid in the runaway hit film, "The Help." Spencer is nominated for best supporting actress in the four-time nominated film, which also holds a nomination of best actress for Viola Davis.
Another film that hopefully will be an Oscar contender in 2013 is the George Lucas film "Red Tails."
Red Tails is the story of the first African-Americans who were trained as fighter pilots during World War II, and later became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
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