There were occasions when Whitney and I would take the bus together to our homes in New Jersey. I lived in Montclair at the time, and we would head to Port Authority after a day at a studio. We would order ice cream cones and sit laughing and talking until it was time to board the bus. I would sometimes drive her to her home in East Orange, and on one of those days, knowing that she was about to graduate from high school the following month, I asked Whitney what her plans were after graduation. I can picture her sitting in the passenger seat of my car, her books on her lap as she turned to me and said, “I really want to be a singer. Like my mom. I just love to sing. But I’m scared and nervous I won’t make it. Do you think I have a chance?” Here was this unbelievably talented girl who was about to thrill the world with her magic questioning whether she might make it in the music industry. Of course, neither of us could even imagine at the time the incredible impact she would have upon the music and entertainment world. I looked at her and said, “Whitney, you are a beautiful person and you have an amazing voice. If you can’t succeed, I don’t know who can. I’m pretty sure you’ll make it, Whitney.” She smiled her sweet, lovely smile and thanked me for the words of encouragement. And just three years later, in 1986, I wept tears of joy as I watched her on TV accepting her very first Grammy. “You made it Whitney!” I thought. Today, it’s tears of sadness and my heart goes out to her mother and daughter, to her mentor, Clive Davis, and to all her friends and family. I will always treasure the very special memories I have of this beautiful, loving person and, dear Whitney, I hope you know that we will always, always love you. —Diane Forden
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 03:33:16 +0000
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