MSN Music Blog - Reverb

Chaka Khan is too overcome to pay tribute to her former backing singer Whitney Houston

Reports vary as to whether she signed on or not

By Mark C. Brown Feb 12, 2012 9:58PM
Chaka and WhitneyWas she or wasn’t she? According to media reports, Chaka Khan was tapped to be part of a tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys tonight. According to CNN, Khan said she couldn’t do it – Houston was once one of her backing singers.

But press reports went ahead saying she’d be there, until Khan issued a statement shortly before the Grammys.


"As I grieve the loss of my friend and 'little sister,' I don't feel it appropriate to perform at this time," Khan said on Twitter. “Continue to pray for the family."


Here are Khan and Houston doing "Tell Me Something Good" at the L.A. Forum not so long ago.




It's a relief to see an artist decide to not get a career boost off of a friend who died.

Nice job, Chaka Khan.
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13Comments
DRG598
Feb 21, 2012 3:29PM
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I actually agree with the last sentence, here people are trying to sell her clothes and costumes to make a buck, she's not even cold in her grave, and some not all, trying to get a career boost from someone so very talented and missed, trying to get a career boost off her, shame on you..........
Jodysgirl
Feb 13, 2012 12:18PM
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Last comment of the article was completely unnecessary. I am sure your mother taught you better manners than that.
Timberwolf60
Feb 13, 2012 11:27AM
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To allwho say Whitney's journey has come to an end, I say that it has just begun! RIP
jcflutes
Feb 13, 2012 11:21AM
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As an X user, I agree with Whitney...no body forced me to use. Don"t blame Bobby. It's all about sin and redemption...Rest in Peace Whitney, in the loving arms of Jesus...

june12
Feb 13, 2012 11:10AM
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of all the coverage given to whitney's passing, it is unbelievable that no reporter has mentioned the one most obvious and necessary observations of all------that the shear beauty in the very face of whitney houston was beyond belief----her perfect features---her matchless smile and gentle loveliness was without equal.  the missing comment by any observer reporting on this terrible tragedy has to be that this lady is probably the only person who has ever left us who's voice was as beautiful has her face................​....................​........

RIP sweet lady-----the world has lost a source of its true beauty

jweyant1000
Feb 13, 2012 9:19AM
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1st song i ever learned to sing was done by whitney.   r.i.p.
Mayra Torres de Galarza (I dont know...)
Feb 13, 2012 8:08AM
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Its so sad to see such a beautiful life end so tragically but....it was very obvious that this was going to be the way it was going to end.  I would have to say that one of Whitney's biggest mistake was Bobby Brown!  The best part of that duo was their daughter "Bobbie" who hopefully will make better choices in her life.  My condolences go out to Whitney's Mother who must be devastated and to her daughter!  I pray that God will bless them and help them along this very difficult time.  I feel honored to have enjoyed the talent of such a special lady.  Rest in peace Whitney Houston.  Red rose
MRS NERISSA TORRES
Feb 13, 2012 5:55AM
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TO ALL READERS, AND EVERYONE WHO IS GOING TO READ THESE ARTICLES.  THIS IS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO PAY TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL WOMAN, WHO HAS GONE ON TO MEET HER MAKER, AND FINALLY GET A PLACE OF REST FROM ALL THINGS THAT WAS NOT GOOD FOR HER.          SO LET US LIFT OUR HAND AND VOICES T AND LET US JUST LIFT HER UP IN PRAYER.  FOR A VESSEL HAS RETURNED TO HER CREATOR.     HEAVENLY FATHER WE COME BEFORE YOU ASKING YOU, FOR YOUR LOVE AND MERCY, AND FOR YOUR SPIRIT TO BE POURED OUT ON EVERY HEART THAT IS AFFECTED BY THIS GREAT LOSS.  AND AS WE STAND BEFORE YU, WE ASK YOU FOR PEACE THAT SURPASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING TO HELP THIS FAMILY RECOVER SPEEDILY FROM HURT AND PAIN.    YOU SAID LORD NOT OUR WILL BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE.  AND IT WAS YOUR WILL LORD TO ALLOW WHITNEY'S JOURNEY TO COME AT SUCH AN END.   SO FATHER LORD EVEN RIGHT NOW WE PAY RESPECT TO HER, BUT WE WORSHIP YOU AND HONOR YOU LORD FOR WHO YU ARE.     YOU ARE A GOD THAT IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.  SO FATHER AS WE PRAY FOR HER WE ALSO PRAY FOR EACH AND EVERYONE ELSE AND THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND ALL THAT WE ARE ACQUAINTED TOO FOR PEACE AND LOVE TO REIGN A MIGHTY WAY CHANGING THE HEARTS OF ALL TO BE JUST LIKE YOU.   USE THE MEDIA TO BRING HOPE IN THE LIVES OF ALL AND TRUTH TO HELP THE POOR THE NEEDY AND EVEN THOSE THAT HAVE A LITTLE MORE TO REMEMBER THOSE THAT AARE IN WANT. RIGHT NOW JESUS WE STAND TOGETHER WITH HANDS AND HEARTS JOIN TOGETHER TO SAY FAREWELL AND NOT GOODBYE TILL WE ALL MEET AGAIN TO WHITNEY HUSTON. GODS SPEED AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. FATHER WE THANK YOU NOW AMEN.                                                                     
bgmuggins
Feb 13, 2012 3:24AM
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I'd rather remember Whitney at her best, when her voice was breathtaking and pure.....This video portrays her as being "out of it" - not in control of herself - whether

drugs or alcohol, and the destruction of what these years of abuse have done to her

voice and performance.  As she once said to Diane Sawyer - "I am my own worst

devil - no one has made me do anything I didn't want to do"...

Very tragic, very sad ending to what started as a beautiful life. 

I will pray for her loved ones, and grieve for what might have been. 

punkrocker140
Feb 13, 2012 3:19AM
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Though each person, adult or child, are responsible for their own actions, it is a shame that some are coerced into relationships with low-lifes like Bobbie Brown.

Whatever possessed such a beautiful and talented woman to be attracted to such a slime ball. His type of trash is what has caused the deterioration of American morals in our younger generation, especially the African-American that emulate his style of music and life style.

 

If he really sincerely broke down during his New Edition performance where was he when she could have used his "love" to help her from her deamons which he strongly assisted her with in the first place.

 

We not only have lost a beautiful person with magnificent talent but hopefully in retrospect, maybe young people will learn that peer pressure to be cool does not end up as they anticipate. Peer pressure is bullying in disguise. Peer pressure to use drugs to be cool should be considred a crinme. What Bobbie Brown did to such a beautiful person is a crime and now he will be tortured inside and out for the rest of his life. 

kentuckyhoney
Feb 12, 2012 11:35PM
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I am soooo sad about Whitney's passing.  Here are two of the most dynamic singers on stage singing one of my favorite ol' school songs! I understand how Chaka Khan feels about not being up to performing. I know it would be very difficult for me to do while grieving. May the Lord have mercy on Whitney and continue to have her in His care now! I love you, Whitney and will always continue to sing and listen to your wonderful hits that you have left behind.  The Bodyguard will always be remembered as one of my favorite old movies. Many prayers and condolences to her daughter, mother, aunt, godmother, and other family and friends!  I hope all the cherished and loving memories will sustain her daughter to help her through the most difficult time of her young life.  Her mother should be at peace knowing that she loved her daughter unconditionally and stood by her through thick and thin, good times and bad. Such a terrible tragedy for someone on her way to making a great comeback! The Lord must have other plans for you on the other side, Whitney for you sure made a big impact while on this earth. Your work is done here and I thank the Lord for allowing us have you for 30 years of sharing your musical and acting talents. Will miss that beautiful and genuine smile! Be in peace and blessings forever!

becca2572
Feb 12, 2012 11:02PM
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Beautiful and gifted  Actors and Singers are you not tired of being used by  producers and managers? Are you not tired of being ate-up and spite out when a CD doesn't make it when a Movie doesn't hit big time. Are you not tired because you have no personal time with your families. People always taking your pictures for profit. The public sees Star after Star Falling. I am sorry for you. What you have traded your life in for. You have to feel like a deer hit on the side of the road and the prey living off your bones..
zan79
Feb 12, 2012 10:20PM
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WOW! Did we need the snide comment at the end??  "It's a relief to see an artist decide to not get a career boost off of a friend who died." WOW!
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