[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF WHITNEY HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest sympathy to 
the family, friends and fans of Ms. Whitney Elizabeth Houston whose 
sudden death on February 11, 2012 has left us all saddened. Her passing 
leaves a void in the lives of those of us who knew and loved her. It 
also marks the silencing of a voice that was one of the greatest in the 
history of the recording industry and one that will be missed 
throughout the world.
  Ms. Houston, known lovingly to her legions of fans as Whitney and to 
her family and friends as ``Nippy'' was born and raised within the 
borders of the 10th Congressional District in the cities of Newark and 
East Orange. Whitney made her singing debut at the family's longtime 
church home, New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. The fact that Whitney 
would love to sing came as no surprise to anyone who knew her family's 
history. The Drinkard Sisters, on her mother side were legendary in the 
Greater Newark area and beyond. Her mother, Cissy Houston and cousin, 
Dionne Warwick are both well known talents. What we would discover over 
the course of Whitney's career would be her incredible international 
appeal driven by her angelic voice and God given talent. Not only was 
Whitney a gifted singer but she was an actress, a model, film producer, 
record producer and songwriter.
  Whitney Houston was a Super Star and in 2009, the Guinness World 
Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. These 
awards include two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music 
Awards and 22 American Music Awards. She was a trend setter and 
influenced many of the artists performing today. Her incomparable style 
will live on forever with every mention of incredible voices.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives agree that our nation has lost one of its greatest 
talents in Whitney Houston. Fortunately for her family especially Bobbi 
Kristina, her legacy will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with 
you.

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