On Friday, November 8th, one of the most iconic vocalists in music history was honored in a heartfelt tribute at the esteemed Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The event, titled "The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration," celebrated the unforgettable legacy of Whitney Houston.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Steven Reineke, the evening featured a unique experience for fans, showcasing original master recordings of Whitney's powerful vocals. These recordings were paired with newly arranged orchestral interpretations of her most beloved hits, bringing a fresh and immersive sound to her timeless music.
In addition to the musical performances, the celebration included a captivating display of home movies, film appearances, and exclusive footage that the public had never seen before. This combination of music and visual storytelling created a magical atmosphere, allowing attendees to connect deeply with Whitney's artistry and personal moments, ensuring that her incredible legacy continued to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The evening commenced with a medley of beloved songs before progressing to a compelling sequence of classic hits: "I'm Your Baby Tonight," "You Give Good Love," and "The Greatest Love of All." It is noteworthy that, following the election results on Tuesday, the message conveyed in the latter song—namely, that the greatest love of all begins with self-love and that both challenges and triumphs characterize the journey toward accepting and loving oneself—was particularly impactful. Other highlights in the first act included "Count On Me" and the lively closing rendition of "How Will I Know."
Whitney's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" kicked off the second act, which was met with an overwhelming response from the audience. Her hits "I'm Every Woman" and "It's Not Right but It's Okay" were also included. However, it was the medley of "I Loves You, Porgy" / "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" / "I Have Nothing" that brought me to my feet. The evening concluded with her signature song, "I Will Always Love You."
While it's been twelve years since we lost Whitney, events such as The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration validated that her legacy lives on.
Final Grade: A