The tragic and sudden death of Whitney Houston on Saturday was at the forefront of everyone’s mind on Saturday night at The Recording Academy and Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala, which the late singer was supposed to attend.
Music mogul Clive Davis began the evening remembering Houston.
“I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music,” Davis — who was Houston’s longtime mentor — told the crowd.
Davis took time to mention Houston’s 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina, who the singer had with ex-husband Bobby Brown.
“My heart goes out to her daughter Bobbi Kristina, to her mother Cissy, to all of her relatives and to so many of you here tonight, her extended family who loved and cherished her and her spirit. Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years,” Davis continued. “Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.”
He then asked the crowd to pause and remember the late singer.
“I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney,” he added.
Tony Bennett then took the stage and performed, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” followed by Alicia Keys, who performed and dedicated part of “No One” to Houston.
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