Anne Edwards

Whitney Houston

Aug 08, 1963 - Feb 10, 2012

Beverly Hills, CA

"I Will Always Love You," singer and "The Bodyguard" actress Whitney Houston met her tragic end 13 years back. Born in 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Houston died in 2012 in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48. She was an American actress and singer who was one of the best-selling musical performers of the 1980s and 1990s. Her fantastic vocal ability and dynamic, emotive power became the benchmark of excellence on which all other pop singers were judged in her lifetime. Indeed, it was her talent that earned her the apt nickname "the Voice." The six-time Grammy winner had an incomparable singing ability when she burst onto the scene, having been discovered by Clive Davis when she was 19. Her debut album sold 12 million copies in the United States, and she became one of the best-selling artists ever. In 1992, Whitney Houston made her motion-picture debut in "The Bodyguard." The film featured her rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," which stayed at number one for obvious reasons for 14 weeks. The soundtrack of the film dominated the Grammys and won awards for "Album of the Year," "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance," and "Record of the Year." In February 2012, the 48-year-old singer was found unconscious and underwater in the bathtub in her room. She left behind her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, who eerily shared a similar fate three years after her mother's passing when she was also found unconscious in a bathtub at the age of 22. In 2020, Whitney Houston was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is respected as one of the greatest singers of all time. However, Houston will always be remembered as one of the saddest stories that the music industry has to offer.

Melinda Ledbetter

Oct 02, 1946 - Jan 29, 2024

Beverly Hills, CA

Melinda Ledbetter passed away at 77 on January 30th, 2024, at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She played a pivotal role in the life of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson. She was born on October 3rd, 1946, in Pueblo, Colorado. Melinda's journey from car saleswoman to Wilson's wife and manager was marked by determination and love. Meeting Wilson in 1986, Melinda embarked on a relationship that would challenge the control of psychologist Eugene Landy over Wilson's life. Recognizing Landy's unethical influence, Melinda reported him to the California attorney general, eventually leading to a court order banning Landy from contact with Wilson. Married in 1995, Melinda became Wilson's manager, ensuring his well-being and aiding in the completion of the iconic Beach Boys album, ""Smile."" Despite criticism and family tensions, Melinda's dedication to Wilson was unwavering. Her impact on Wilson's life was profound. She allowed him to resume his career and pursue his passion for music. In the face of challenges, Melinda remained a steadfast companion and advocate for Wilson, leaving behind a legacy of love and support. Survived by Wilson and their five adopted children, Melinda's influence on Wilson's life and music will be remembered for years to come.