Whitney Houston’s influence in Pop and RnB was one of the spotlights of Entertainment Tonight’s ‘Black History Month’ feature this year, and it was none other than her protégé – Monica, who reflected back on the late songstress’ legacy.
During a recent conversation with ET’s Kevin Frazier, Monica not only reflected in the vocal gift that inspired ‘The Boy Is Mine’ singer to pursue her dreams, but also her warm and motherly nature that touched her in her personal life.
As February is the time to celebrate black history every year, 11th February also marks the death anniversary of Whitney Houston, who passed away at the age of 48 in the year 2012.
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“The fact is no voice has come close, no one sacrificed as much as she did,” Monica told ET during her interview for the ‘BHM’ special.
But apart from Houston’s groundbreaking achievements as an artist and a star, that inspired her, it was what she did in her personal life that touched Monica the most.
The ‘For You I Will’ singer remembered:
“When I was 18, I lost my grandmother. I witnessed a suicide. I lost my cousin. Whitney didn’t call on the phone. Three black trucks pulled up in the hood and she jumped out.”
“Its forever etched in my mind and my heart.” – she stated.
Adding further on how the late singer gave her all to her art and to the people, Monica said:
“There were multiple times she was self sacrificing for our entertainment. You can’t disrespect a woman who gives that much.”
Truly, the late Whitney Houston touched many lives not just through her music but also because of her acts of sheer humanity, as noted through the countless personal accounts of nearly everyone who crossed paths with her.