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"Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades," Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow says in a story posted on the Grammys website. "Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice."
The academy has posted a video of her Grammy moments — but incredibly attached a commercial to the front of it. More from the Grammys people:
Arguably one of the most successful female pop singers of all time, Houston released her self-titled debut album in 1985, garnering a GRAMMY nomination for the prestigious Album Of The Year honor. She won her first GRAMMY that same year for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for the No. 1 hit "Saving All My Love For You." Houston experienced continued success at the GRAMMY Awards through the '80s and mid-'90s, subsequently earning trophies for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" in 1987, and Record and Album Of The Year in 1993 for "I Will Always Love You" and The Bodyguard — Original Soundtrack, respectively. Houston's most recent GRAMMY win came in 1999 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "It's Not Right But It's Okay." Her most recent release, 2009's I Look To You, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Houston's third career chart-topping album
The show must go on, I guess: The Grammys blog has already posted a later news item they must feel is more pressing than Whitney Houston dying: GRAMMY Glam Squad: Finding The Perfect Dress
Statement from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Saturday night:
Today, Los Angeles mourns the loss of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of all time.It is with deep sadness that we reflect upon a life taken from us too soon, and a woman whose talents touched so many.
During my years as Mayor, I was fortunate to have the chance to meet and know Whitney. Not only was she the most awarded female recording artist of all time, but she was one of the world's best-selling singers.
These stunning achievements are not only hard to overstate, but they will unlikely be eclipsed in our lifetime. Her music inspired millions and the power of her voice was hard to match in its depth and crystalline beauty.
I am thankful that we will have her beautiful music as a constant reminder of the light she brought with her.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
On the eve of the Grammy Awards, and as we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to pause and honor Whitney, Etta James and Don Cornelius, who have all passed in recent weeks. We recognize their departures have left a wake of sadness and loss, but know that their legends and accomplishments will live on.
Earlier on LA Observed: Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48