Whitney, We Will Always Love You

On Saturday night, I received a text from a friend wondering if there were any truth behind news that Whitney Houston, the legendary singer, had died. Upon subsequently checking the news outlets on my laptop, I was smacked with confirmation that the 48-year old entertainer had indeed passed away. I returned her text with this shocking news and went about texting others, wondering if they'd heard as well. Of course, in this age of instant communication, they had, and the tributes flooded in. For many of us who were children of the '80's, the death of this singularly talented woman, whose powerful vocals were a regular part of our youth, this comes as an acute loss and she will be missed. Rest well, Whitney, you and your music are eternal.

Farewell Etta James

Etta James, the legendary blues singer, has died. The belter of such hits as the rocker "Dance with Me Henry" the sassy "W-O-M-A-N" and the now-classic ballad "At Last" succumbed to leukemia at age 73 in a hospital in Riverside, CA. Ms. James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA and beginning at around age 14, embarked on what would become an illustrious career. During this career, she won 6 Grammies, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is survived by her husband Artis Mills and her two sons Donto and Sametto, and despite whatever personal tribulations she may have experienced in her life, the most important thing to recognize is that she has left the world a more soulful place to live. Thanks, Etta.