Whitney Houston : Diva In Training

It was long before the term diva was used to describe women of great talent. 

It was back in the early 80′s and I was still working in radio at WKKC (Kennedy King College) and lots of things were still in their infancy. I was able to attend one of the College Music Journal’s first conferences that was held in Chicago at the downtown Marriott. 

Little did I know at the time there were so many things there that would go on to change our lives. Today the College Music Journal now has a four-day conference in New York and even includes a film festival. It was also at the CMJ conference in Chicago where I was first introduced to Wally Amos’ Famous Amos cookies. Famous Amos himself was giving away his cookies, four in a baggie, (this was before ziplock) and the cookies were a hit. He said to look for them in stores soon. Yes, they were there on the store shelves a few months later and were enjoyed by millions until he sold the company. There is still a Famous Amos cookie available today. 

In that same room sitting by the window was a young lady. Clive Davis was there making introductions. I didn’t realize at the time what a star-discoverer Clive Davis really was. He said that this young lady was going to be the next musical star. What I remember about that was, when I was introduced to Whitney Houston, as were many other people, she never got up from the chair she was sitting in. Everyone had to lean down to shake her hand and greet her. She was very young and probably didn’t know the etiquette involved when meeting people and making introductions. That always stayed with me. And the funny part about it, there was none of her music to be distributed or playing in the room. No demos of any kind, just Clive there saying she was going to be a star. I shook her hand, said it was nice to meet her, told her I worked in radio and said I would listen for her music.

It wasn’t until a year or so later when I realized after seeing a few articles, the videos and hearing her on the radio that I realized, Whitney Houston was the same young lady I met at the Chicago Marriott introduced by Clive Davis at the CMJ conference. I watched her become the star Clive Davis said she would be and it was about the time the term diva was being used to describe women of great talent. I thought about the introduction and suddenly thought of the term diva. Was she in training that early.

We have lost another star. Though the constellation of artistic creativity continues to birth new stars, when one burns out we remember when they were at their brightest point, they gave a light that all will remember, be compared to and will attempt to emulate. Stars can’t totally be replaced but the ones to follow know the brightness they have to live up to. 

I’m glad I had an opportunity to meet a star. We were both so young at the time and who knew what was to come in the years ahead. Whitney Houston will live on in all the music she has given us. Her star will always shine bright.

The Soul Train is still on track

It was quite a shock to learn the untimely passing of Don Cornelius. Speaking with my cousin early that morning, he said, “I’m tightening up my ‘fro in honor of Don Cornelius.” I was puzzled and he went on to give me a few details. I was shocked and saddened. I mentioned I had just saw Don on Labor Day at the Soul Train 40^th Anniversary in Millennium Park. 

I didn’t write anything on the blog in 2011 but I did write something I thought I would publish at the time. This was written but never published, (I have a lot of those for 2011). I’m publishing it now. Though Don Cornelius is gone, the Soul Train is still on track.

 I almost didn’t go. Labor day was colder than normal and quite overcast. It was something that had been talked about all week. It was at the absolute last minute I decided to go. I’m glad I did.

The Soul Train 40^th Anniversary event in Millennium Park was a good time. Everyone was there and they all had similar memories. Soul Train’s humble beginnings in Chicago gave way to an African-American lifestyle and way of life. It also gave those on the outside a look inside into what was hip and happening in African-American culture. 

From 1971 in Chicago through 1993 Don Cornelius was the conductor on the Soul Train introducing acts that would have other wise gone unnoticed. There were even some that crossed that Soul Train track to boost their exposure (Gino Vanelli was the first Caucasian performer on Soul Train). Soul Train is part of history and made history. 

I’m glad I went down to the party in Millennium Park to hear the Impressions (the first 45 I ever bought.), the Emotions, the Chi Lites and Jerry “Ice Man” Butler do that hit as only he can do it, Only the Strong Survive.

Don Cornelius addressed the crowd and couldn’t believe what had transpired since the humble beginnings. It was good to hear him reminisce and tell stories of the time. Don went on a little bit longer than expected. The crowd wanted more performers (who may not have been there yet) but Don went on about his radio days. It almost made you wish there was a Soul Train today. But things have so totally evolved that the music then is now being sampled in the hip hop and rap of today.  

It wouldn’t have been a Soul Train party if there weren’t a Soul Train line. Herb Kent and Richard Steel led the early crowd in probably what could be called the biggest and longest Soul Train line ever. As well, to hear the Soul Train theme done in full orchestral arrangement with strings and all was an over the top experience for me. 

Everyone had their Soul Train memories and some even dressed the part for the occasion. It will be even better when the 45 and 50^th anniversaries are celebrated. I hope to be there. It’s always a good time for people all over the world.

‘You can bet your last money it’s gonna be a stone gas….wishing you love, peace and SOOUL. Don Cornelius