The music world was shocked yesterday when news came that Whitney Houston, the 48 year old soulful legend, was found dead at her 4th-floor room inside the Beverly Hilton hotel.
STORY: Whitney Houston Dead At 48
The man that discovered Houston and mentored her career, Clive Davis, held his annual pre-Grammy’s party last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and had a few words to say on her behalf.
STORY: Crying Bobbi Kristina Denied Access To See Whitney’s Body
Consoled by Alicia Keys, Davis opened the festivities with a few heartfelt words for the fallen superstar. Read the full statement below:
By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends.
I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years.
Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform.
She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.
My heart goes out to her daughter Bobbi Christina, to her mother Cissy, to all of her relatives and to so many of you here tonight, her extended family who loved and cherished her and her spirit.
Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years.
Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.
I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.
There were tributes in honor of Houston all night; Alicia Keys said she can remember standing in front of a mirror as a girl and hamming Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
