Community Corner

Stamford Misses Whitney Houston

As the shock of Whitney Houston's death passes, Stamford residents reflect upon their memories of the legendary singer.

What's your favorite memory of Whitney Houston? Share your comments below!

The news of Whitney Houston's death on Saturday, Feb. 11 shocked those around the world who loved her music, and Stamford residents are no different.

"I remember when I got married in 1993. 'I Will Always Love You' was playing. For me and my wife, she was our idol," resident Emmanuel Doreste told Patch, describing news of Houston's death as 'painful.'

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Indeed, many older Stamford residents remember Houston for her role in The Bodyguard and the soundtrack she provided for the movie, which is one of the best-selling film soundtracks ever.

Local park-patron Cosmo Iadamza stated that his best memory of Houston was of her performance in The Bodyguard.

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"When she sang at the Super Bowl, she turned it out," Stamford resident Kennely Charles said of his favorite Whitney Houston memory. "We're going to miss her.

Most familiar with Houston simply enjoyed her albums and her unique sound.

"It's very sad...she had a very nice voice," said Marta, a resident living near the beach at the Cove.

"I kind of crawled in a corner for a little while, I was very hurt. I have all of her albums...I had to kind of walk it off," said Buchard Walmsley, a hobby fisherman.

However, even Walmsley had to admit that Houston, who often had a publicized, constant problem with drugs was a troubled woman.

"If it wasn't for Bobby Brown...he got her into drugs, and that didn't help her health," Walmsley suggested. Walmsley remembers Houston's "quiet" departure as a full-time singer, and believed that her health was in decline even then.

Houston's activities dropped off significantly from 2000-2010, and the reality show 'Being Bobby Brown' debuted in 2005. The show gave viewers an inside look into the world and family of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, but displayed a Whitney Houston who was often distant and disoriented.

Most Stamford residents don't recall or care about that Whitney Houston, instead preferring to remember her as a star.

"I'm really into music...it had a grip on me. Other stars might not have the same impact," Walmsley said.

A 'criminal' angle to Houston's death is not being pursued, according to the Huffington Post. Her family is attempting to organize a wake at Newark, NJ's Prudential Center, in which they expect over 18,000 people.

The exact cause of Houston's death has not been determined as of Feb. 14, 2012, and may not be determined for several weeks.


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