Davy Jones dead at just 66. Though he had a solo music career as well as an acting career, he was best known for being the hilarious “heart throb” front man of the Monkees. The Monkees were formed to star in the TV show of the same name. The show lasted just 2 seasons, 1966 through 1968, though the group, itself, lasted for several years, but not continuously. By many, The Monkees were the American equivalent of the Beatles. In reality, however, Davy Jones was himself, British. He is survived by his wife Jessica and four daughters Talia, Sarah, Jessica and Annabel from his two previous marriages.
It is with sadness that Musically Connected says good bye to Davy Jones and at such a young age. To many around the world, he will certainly be missed, especially by the baby boomer generation. He was a great performer. To his family, he was a brother, a father and a husband. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this time.
LL Cool J is alright in my books. He took no time in demonstrating that he was the best person to MC this year’s Grammys. Starting with a heartfelt prayer, he quickly brought the audience and viewers alike into a solemn attitude. Right on cue, memorable video footage was shown of Whitney. From that moment on, little time was wasted between acts and awards. The entire evening was a time of remembering and celebrating. Not just remembering Whitney, but also remembering other artists who passed on this past year such as Etta James and Amy Winehouse.
The Grammys of 2012 is going to stand out for many years to come. This is not only because it occurred within 2 days of the death of Whitney Houston, but because of the quality of performances. In recent times, I cannot remember a time when the artists preformed so well during the Grammys. Of course there were exceptions, but generally it was a well organized and entertaining show.
Like I said, on the whole, the show was well organized. For me, there was one glaring organizational flow. I was blown out of the water with Jennifer Hudson’s performance and tribute to Whitney. This performance should have been, however, near the beginning of the show. I know that many people missed seeing her live as it was nearer to the end. In addition most of the tributes to Houston came at the beginning. Unless there is something that I am missing, I see no reason for her performance not to have been placed near the beginning and to have been more connected with the other memorials.
Although this is not an original thought, the Grammys could not have happened at a better time. So many lives were touched by Whitney’s life. Many of those in attendance, at the Grammys, either knew Whitney personally or were inspired by her. It could have been “the day the music died” all over again. The gem here is that people came together during the Grammys, supported each other and kept the music alive despite Whitney’s death. This is what Whitney would have wanted.
It is with sadness and disbelief that my first blog is regarding the death of Whitney Houston. A musical icon, in her own right, Houston has passed away at just 48: thus joining the eerie distinctions of Richie Valens, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson of leaving us much too early. Houston, who gave us great songs as “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All”, passed away February 11, 2012, from not yet determined or disclosed causes.
While it is true that Houston was living a fast and destructive life style, of late, now is not the time to focus on that. She was an incredible musician whose voice will live on. Her voice was powerful and clear Her passion was evident in every note. She lived for music. Ironically Houston was found dead in her hotel room hours before the traditional pre-Grammys dinner hosted by veteran host Clive Davis. Davis is the producer who discovered and developed Houston.
This is a dark day for music. Yet another artist dies way before their time. It may even be probable that she died due to a drug over dose. Writers, including, myself are being very careful not to speculate on the cause of death. We do not know for sure, at this point, and we should not allow these rumours to take away from the great talent that we have lost this weekend. There will be plenty of time to search for the truth. Today let’s celebrate her life as we look forward to the Grammys tonight.
Houston’s passing is going to have a dampening effect on the Grammy’s scheduled for this evening, but in true form they will continue as Houston would have wanted. Jennifer Hudson is going to do a tribute as well as other respectful additions will be included in the program. Neil Portnow, president of The Recording Academy, the organization that runs the Grammy’s said, “We will do something appropriate tomorrow, and nothing could be more appropriate than having Jennifer Hudson sing on stage for Whitney”. Although Portnow, couldn’t elaborate further, we do know that Houston’s contribution to music will be a highlight in tonight’s Grammys. The show will go on, but Whitney Houston will never be forgotten.
