In partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, Legacy Recordings will release Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) on Friday, November 8, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Houston’s historic visit to South Africa. The live album features hits like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “I Will Always Love You,” “How Will I Know,” and more, alongside her renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “Home” from The Wiz.
Clive Davis, who signed Whitney to Arista Records, praised the album, saying, “There will never be another Whitney Houston.” Pat Houston, executor of her estate, shared her excitement, noting the album’s long-anticipated release and its ability to showcase Whitney’s unmatched vocal talent.
Alongside the album, the never-before-seen concert film from Durban, beautifully remastered in 4K with enhanced audio, will be released in cinemas worldwide on October 23 and 27. The screenings will occur across 30 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., South Africa, and more.
Houston’s 1994 South Africa concerts, including the Durban performance, were more than just musical events; they celebrated freedom and unity following Nelson Mandela’s election. Portions of the concert proceeds benefited South African children’s charities.
The live album will be available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats with different track listings. The CD and digital versions will also include the first-ever release of the studio recording “Love Is.”
Legendary Grammy winner Dionne Warwick shared a heartfelt statement following the passing of her aunt, Gospel, R&B, and Pop icon Cissy Houston, who died peacefully on October 7th, 2024, at the age of 91.
“I’m so deeply saddened,” Warwick said. “However, knowing that my Aunt Cissy died peacefully and that she is in a much better place, is a consolation and comfort to me.”
Cissy Houston died peacefully Monday morning in her New Jersey home under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by family, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed to The Associated Press.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston gained fame as a member of the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations, singing backup for legends like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. The group also collaborated with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Elvis Presley. Houston’s powerful vocals featured on hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”
After her success with The Sweet Inspirations, Houston launched a successful solo career, recording over 600 songs across multiple genres. She collaborated with icons such as Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, and her daughter Whitney Houston. Houston won Grammys for her gospel albums “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me.”
Beyond her music, Houston authored several books, including “Remembering Whitney,” a heartfelt memoir of her daughter’s life and legacy. Houston leaves behind a profound musical influence and a legacy of faith.
Sadly, another entertainment legend has gone on to glory. According to a family spokesperson, Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, and gospel music pioneer has died at the age of 91 years old.
In a statement shared with the Associated Press, Cissy’s daughter-in-law Pat Houston, confirmed that heartbreaking news.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” she said. “We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are ‘unparalleled.’ Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
The outlet reports, Cissy’s death was tied to her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of monumental role she played in the vocal shaping of Whitney Houston, Cissy’s individual career and time with The Sweet Inspirations was also noteworthy.
As a singer, Cissy’s award-winning voice can be heard on Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and ”(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” as well as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Dr. Cissy Houston is preceded in death by her daughter Whitney Houston and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown. Cissy’s niece, Dionne Warwick has not yet released a public statement.
Cissy Houston, the celebrated gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away at 91. She died peacefully Monday morning in her New Jersey home under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by family, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed to The Associated Press.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston gained fame as a member of the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations, singing backup for legends like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. The group also collaborated with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Elvis Presley. Houston’s powerful vocals featured on hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”
After her success with The Sweet Inspirations, Houston launched a successful solo career, recording over 600 songs across multiple genres. She collaborated with icons such as Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, and her daughter Whitney Houston. Houston won Grammys for her gospel albums “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me.”
Beyond her music, Houston authored several books, including “Remembering Whitney,” a heartfelt memoir of her daughter’s life and legacy. Houston leaves behind a profound musical influence and a legacy of faith.
Another day, another clash between the Barbz and the Bardi Gang. This time around, it’s because of a Whitney Houston meme that Cardi B used on Twitter, one that led many to believe that she was copying Nicki Minaj’s style of online pop culture reference jokes. “You sure bout that??” the Bronx femcee responded to skeptical Minaj Stans online, sharing a screenshot of a meme of the late legendary singer that she posted back in 2021. “Now go see if b***hes was posting this meme before that date.” Do bragging rights for a meme’s viral status and ownership really have a place in this rap beef?
Even if the answer is no, that’s the reality that we’re living in right now. The last clash between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj was the latter teasing laid-off employee’s at the former’s record label. “Dear fired executives & A&R’s: Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring. Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt [Nicki’s imprint with Republic Records],” she tweeted. “They’ve been wanting empty arenas so bad. Obsessed with me while all your friends r getting fired is nasty work.”
But Cardi B has bigger fish to fry, such as her newborn daughter and her nasty split from Offset, which looks like it’s for real this time. “This is around the time that I’m promoting, promoting, promoting the f**k out of ‘Enough,’” she recalled on social media when looking back at their relationship issues amid her third pregnancy. “So I’m like, damn, I’m pregnant. But I’m not really thinking much of it. Me and my baby dad, we were on very bad terms. I still called him and we kind of laughed about it because it was like, ‘What the f**k? That s**t is so random.’
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj is sticking up for her marriage with Kenneth Petty. “Dear weak loser,” she retorted at a fan criticizing her for including a picture that showed Petty in a post about her son’s birthday. “Tweeting about someone else’s bday b/c you have nothing to rejoice about in your own sad existence. & clearly don’t feel loved & definitely not paid attention to due to your ugliness…”
Apple Music’s Best 100 Albums list has successfully polarized the internet, and maybe that was the plan all along. The list does a fine job of highlighting many projects worthy of recognition. However, there are plenty of albums that were snubbed in the process, leading many to question the criteria behind their top 100 albums of all time. Firstly, R&B albums are barely on that list. Secondly, some albums were snubbed in favor of other less impactful works from the same artist. A primary example is Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city which was shockingly chosen in favor of To Pimp A Butterfly.
Finally, there are defining albums that shifted the stratosphere of music that Apple Music conveniently left out. Unsurprisingly, there are projects on that list that many believe are simply meant to pander to younger audiences. As a result, legendary bodies of work were pushed to the side. Too many important artists were sidelined, including the following seven, which will forever remain a shock.
While R&B was greatly excluded from Apple Music’s 100 Albums, the exclusion of this album still came as a shock. Songs In A Minor remains one of the most influential albums of the 2000s. Alicia Keys’ debut album set the stage for her illustrious music career. Infused with elements of neo-soul, Keys shines through the album. Ignoring the album that birthed the tracks “Fallin’” and “A Woman’s Worth” is certainly a bold decision.
Let’s get one thing straight: Apple Music would have been spoiled for choice with Brandy’s discography. However, they refused to include a single album from The Vocal Bible. The legacy of Full Moon cannot be denied and helped shape the future of R&B. This influential masterpiece of an album also definitely deserved a spot on Apple Music’s 100 Albums list, which begs the question of whether the platform has any respect for R&B at all.
5. Long Live The Kane – Big Daddy Kane
While Apple Music’s 100 Albums list is littered with Hip Hop projects, it’s hard to deny the obvious pandering to mainstream audiences. After all, several iconic, yet grossly underrated Hip Hop projects were overlooked. One of these is LongLive The Kane by Big Daddy Kane. Following this release in 1988, the golden age of Hip Hop would never be the same again. With a nasty flow, and armed with the wittiest lyricism and rhyming patterns, Big Daddy Kane’s debut album birthed an entire generation of rappers.
Perhaps one of the biggest shocks was the exclusion of The Voice. With a nickname like that, you should not be exempt from any list that celebrates music as a whole. Even today, Whitney Houston remains the gold standard for vocalists across the globe. While the record-smashing The Bodyguard soundtrack album is also a strong contender, her self-titled debut album was the masterpiece that unleashed the force of Whitney unto the world. Notably, it was also the foundation for the careers of many artists after her. Whitney Houston’s debut album influenced several mainstream acts of today, including Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, and more. It really doesn’t make sense for it to be excluded from any other list highlighting the “best.”
3. Tha Carter III – Lil Wayne
Another defining and influential rapper left off Apple Music’s Best 100 Albums list is Tunechi. Lil Wayne raised a generation of rappers, and his exclusion understandably resulted in backlash. After the success of Tha Carter II, all eyes were on Lil Wayne for Tha Carter III. Not only did he surpass expectations, Tha Carter III remains one of the best-selling rap albums of all time. A milestone album in his career, this project holds a place in the hearts of several millennials across the globe.
When you’ve been dubbed The Songbird Supreme, there should be no question of your validity as one of the world’s best. Mariah Carey, ironically, influenced most of the women on Apple Music’s Best 100 Albums list. That’s why her exclusion has left a sour taste in several mouths. Her Daydream album helped popularize Pop-Rap collaborations, and The Emancipation of Mimi is widely regarded as a comeback album for the ages. However, it was with Butterfly that Mariah fully immersed herself and her fans into a world of Hip Hop and R&B. A defining and impactful album of the 90s, this record served as a musician taking control of her art, and excelling at it.
2Pac’s final album before his death remains a significant project in the overall sphere of music. The rapper was at his most confident, seamlessly detailing his contrasting life. Although a double-length album, there’s nothing overdone on this project, and it goes to show why 2Pac is widely considered by many to be the greatest of all time. To exclude All Eyez on Me from such a list is a huge mistake.
In 1995, Waiting to Exhale took the world by storm. The classic movie offered a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery among four black women. Directed by Forest Whitaker and based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, the movie not only struck a chord with viewers but also showcased a talented ensemble cast. It soon became a staple in homes around the world. Moreover, the film’s soundtrack is still widely adored today. Almost three decades later, fans still wonder: where are the stars of Waiting to Exhale now? Here’s what they’ve been up to.
Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Savannah Jackson, a successful television producer struggling with the complexities of love and career, was equal parts powerful and relatable. After Waiting to Exhale, she continued her incredibly successful music career. She also ventured further into acting, starring in films like The Preacher’s Wife, Cinderella, and Sparkle. Houston passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled talent, and an unmistakable voice.
In Waiting to Exhale, Angela Bassett took on the role of Bernadine Harris, a woman dealing with betrayal, and rebuilding her life. As is expected of Bassett, her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. After the film, her career continued to grow exponentially. Bassett is now an Oscar winner, and known for her powerful, gripping roles in film and television alike. Decades after Waiting to Exhale, and her drive hasn’t stopped. Angela Bassett’s talents continue to shine, earning her numerous accolades and admiration from audiences around the globe.
At the time, Loretta Devine, like much of the Waiting to Exhale cast, was already a household name. She starred as Gloria Matthews, the supportive friend and single mother facing her own romantic challenges. She has since then remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films and TV shows. Now in her 70s, Devine is still capturing the audience’s attention, with no indication of slowing down.
Lela Rochon’s portrayal of Robin Stokes resonated deeply with audiences. Robin Stokes was a woman searching for love and fulfillment, while juggling her personal demons. Since Waiting to Exhale, Rochon has continued to work in entertainment, particularly in television. She will star in a lead role in the upcoming BET+ drama, The Family Business: New Orleans.
Gregory Hines brought charm and sophistication to the role of Marvin King, Gloria’s neighbor and love interest. Before Waiting to Exhale, Hines was already a respected figure in the entertainment industry. In the same vein, he continued to showcase his talent in several projects. Hines sadly passed away in 2003 as a result of liver cancer. He left behind a catalog of incredible performances and contributions to the arts.
The iconic Dennis Haybert played Kenneth Dawkins, a man entangled in a complicated affair. His portrayal definitely added depth and complexity to the film. Since then, Haysbert’s career has soared, particularly in television. He became widely recognized for his roles in projects like Soul Food and, most notably, 24. His illustrious career spans film, television, theater, and voice acting.
These days it would be pretty hard to not notice Offset appearing in something. The rapper rose to prominence as a member of Atlanta hip hop trio Migos around a decade ago and hasn’t left the public view since. Last year he released his new album Set It Off which did impressive numbers. It spawned hits like “SAY MY GRACE” with Travis Scott and “JEALOUSY” with Cardi B. The track “WORTH IT” featuring Don Toliver recently re-entered the Hot 100 and sits at #93 this week.
But during a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Offset recalled a time before he was famous. He told the story of his mother seeing a billboard advertising auditions for a Whitney Houston music video. I pulled up. I remember my mama told I’ll never forget, ‘When the music come on, just go out there and do your thing. I was smaller than everybody. Everybody was 11 or something, and I was like 8. Then I did it,” he begins. Clearly something about his dancing impressed Houston. “I remember she came from the back and pointed me out. When we shot the video, she was just a nice, sweet soul. Bobby Brown was cool too. He was making us laugh. He was cool. Yeah, both of them. I got a lot of cameos too,” he revealed. Check out the music video that a young Offset danced in below.
After a few months of questions about their relationship, Cardi B and Offset seem to be righting the ship. Things started back in December when when fans noticed they had unfollowed each other on Instagram. But Cardi just released her new single “Like What” last week. The Migos rapper served as the director of the music video attached to the song, which fans had a variety of reactions to.
What do you think of Offset appearing in a Whitney Houston music video before he was famous? Are you surprised to hear that he was a childhood dancer before becoming a successful rapper? Let us know in the comment section below.
The producers of Whitney Houston’s biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, are being sued by Sony Music Entertainment (SME) for not paying to use the late singer’s music in the film.
Music Business Worldwide notes a California lawsuit stating Boston-based Anthem Films, NYBO Productions, and Los Angeles-based Black Label Media entered a licensing deal days before the film’s release. The filmmakers never paid the agreed licensing fees with the deal in place.
“Unlike other types of films, musical biopics by their nature require use of the subject musician’s music, as it is nearly impossible to explain the importance of a musician’s creative genius or unique style and talent without the use of the musician’s music,” the legal team states. “To date, Anthem has not paid the fees, or any portion of the fees, due under the agreements.”
SME seeks unspecific damages, including potential profit loss, citing the producers’ “willful and deliberate infringement.”
Specifically, Sony has filed a lawsuit against Anthem Films, Nybo Productions, and Black Label Media, claiming that payments for including Houston’s catalog in the movie should have been paid by July 2023. The publication noted that the exact amount owed is unknown.
“As a result of Anthem’s failures, Defendants’ use of the SME Recordings in the Film has been unauthorized, and Defendants have had no legal right to use the SME Recordings,” Sony’s claim said. “Despite being given notice of their infringing conduct, Defendants have continued to distribute and otherwise exploit the SME Recordings in connection with the Film without authorization.”
“Defendants’ conduct has caused and continues to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Plaintiffs and the estate of Whitney Houston while enriching Defendants at the expense of Plaintiffs and the estate of Whitney Houston,” it added.
The producers are now being accused of “direct copyright infringement” and “vicarious copyright infringement,” but both parties did not return Rolling Stone‘s request for comment on the lawsuit matter.
