I would like to tactfully interject on this subject. As a singer, I feel that Whitney really does have a good and powerful voice, but am not sure how she keeps her throat in shape or if the way she sings is technically correct or healthy for the voice.
Whitney's style has had a direct influence on how I chose "not" to record my songs. In the studio, we continually discussed how we would not get overly "frilly" with notes like Whitney. What happened to me is that I began to get stifled artistically and afraid to interpret the song for fear I would sound like her. It created quite a conflict in me. In my version of "Eleanor Rigby" which was the first song I recorded, I did wail a little bit at the end because my heart was trying to express the loneliness and the emptiness of people living such a mundane existence. I truly had a purpose for expression. Though it may have been slightly flawed in execution, the purpose was there. The problem is that now I am singing to avoid sounding like Whitney Houston which doesn't work artistically. My thoughts are; whatever sounds one vocalizes should be done from the heart and to express oneself artistically. Maybe people are sensing that the sounds Whitney vocalizes are not coming from the heart and therefore, may not be true artistic expression. (though her fans will beg to differ) I grew up listening to gospel choirs and hearing singers vocalize with absolute freedom. Sometimes, it's been a little much, but I have appreciated the depth of spirit that accompanies the singer's voice. Some of Patti Labelle's high notes are a little much for me, but many times, I get goosebumps listening to her sing, because I can feel her soul in her voice. I don't hear in Whitney what I hear in Patti's voice. I'll stop there because a musician friend told me to always watch what you say about other artists; you never know when you might appear with them. I respect Joe Elliott of Def Leopard's screaming voice as much as Luther Vandross' sultry one. For me, each is good in it's own way. I guess I have to hear the soul of a person come through in the voice. That's also why I love the scruffy-voiced Bob Dylan as well. There are some who would say his voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I just hear his soul and I love it. Sherelle
