ANYONE WHO hears singers from all over the borough will know that Whitney Houston was a huge influence upon them.
The tragic death of the american legendary soul diva has led one of the borough’s singers, Charlotte Dawson to put together her own Whitney Houston tribute.
Charlotte explains why she likes the music of Whitney Houston
I started singing at the age of 5. I was initially influenced by the song ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion, from the film Titanic.
A few months later I remember hearing Whitney’s version of I Will Always Love you, on the radio when my family and I were driving to Butlins. I told my parents that I wanted to sing that song on the radio one day.
I began having singing lessons at stage schools and outside of school when I was around 6 and continued doing so until I left school. Through this time, Whitney Houston became my idol.
I was in love with her voice and her music and her success and talent inspired me to continue singing. I took part in musicals, competitions, showcases, charity events and more; often singing Whitney Houston classics.
My favourites: I Will Always Love You, Greatest Love Of All, Saving All My Love For You, Run To You and I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Through the years, stories began circulated about Whitney’s domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse. As a fan, I was disappointed in her. I felt that she had let a lot of people down. But then I used to think to myself ‘us normal people surely cannot understand the pressures of the lifestyle she has’. There are so many unfortunate people who get drawn into such lifestyles through fame and fortune.
Even through all the awful media being spread, I remained a fan of her work.
She inspired me and encouraged me to do what I wanted to do in life: Sing.
Now, here I am, 16 years later, still a fan and still singing to the best of my ability, often singing the beautiful songs Whitney Houston has blessed us with.
A true talent, a phenomenal vocalist and performer has sadly left us, but I believe she will be remembered for many, many more years to come. Her music and vocals have touched not thousands, not millions, but billions of people throughout the world. She was a much loved artist and I think that aspect will remain.
Despite the road she sadly chose to take her life down, she still inspired and touched an incredible amount of peoples’ hearts and I think, even though she’s no longer with us, that she will continue to do so through her music.
As a tribute to the most incredible singer of my generation, I have made up my own medley of her songs and posted this to youtube.
Please visit my youtube page for my own personal tribute to the lady that inspired me to become the vocalist I am today: www.youtube.com/chazzdawson
And did you know that Whitney’s most famous film, The Bodyguard was directed by a Grays man! Mick Jackson was born in Grays and then brought up in Aveley.
