Remembering Singer, Actress Whitney Houston

It's not every day that a musician's voice finds its way to its listeners heart, but Whitney Houston's found mine. I started listening to Houston's music in 1985 when her hit song, "Saving All My Love for You" was released. I remember at the time I was listening to the likes of Tears for Fears, Lionel Richie, and Madonna. It seemed natural that I would give Whitney's music a shot and I'm so glad I did.

By late-1985, my all-time favorite,"How Will I Know," was released. I was newly married and expecting my first child. We lived in a small town without cable so I listened to a top 40 radio station that played the same songs repeatedly. "How Will I Know" was my sanity saver. Alone in my apartment, I would sing and dance to the song. My inhibitions set free, I had a blast twirling around with my big belly! It was one of the funnest songs of the time.

I was stunned when I learned Houston remade Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." It just didn't seem right. When I heard it for the first time, I remember thinking how beautiful Whitney sounded and amazed at how she took this iconic song and made it her own.

Whitney Houston and her music has been a part of my life since I was 16-years old. Her songs have been around for the joys and sorrows in my life. I would describe her music as bookmarks for my life events.

"The Greatest Love of All" was released just prior to the birth of my son in 1986 and "Didn't We Almost Have it All" was released around the time my first marriage hit the skids in 1987. I remember listening to it and crying as I mourned the end of my marriage.

Houston's music was fun, emotion provoking, and meaningful. Her voice was powerful and unique. I missed her in the time she'd taken for herself away from the spotlight and I was thrilled to see her perform on ABC's "Good Morning America" in 2009.

Yahoo! Music reported Houston died of unknown causes on February 12, 2012 in her Beverly Hilton hotel room. She was 48.

The world lost one of the most talented singers of our lifetime, but her legacy will live on. Whitney Houston will be missed tremendously by this fan and fans all over the world.