The music world rocked yesterday with news that pop music icon Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48. Inside, get reactions from celebs like Quincy Jones, Bobby Brown, Clive Davis, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey as they reflect about Nippy.
Since news of her death began to spead Saturday, many of Whitney's industry friends and admirers have posted/tweeted or released statements about her legacy:
Her mentor, Clive Davis, arrived to his pre-Grammy party and told the crowd:
By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends. 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.
My heart goes out to her daughter Bobbi Christina, 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. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.
I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.
As Bobby Brown took the stage tonight in Mississippi, he told the crowd: First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you, Whitney! The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage."
Quincy Jones: I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just 16, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly.
Justin Bieber: just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family.
Kathy Griffin: She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a 'reality star.' No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.
Spike Lee: God Bless The Dead. Whitney Houston R.I.P. She Was Only 48 Years Young.
Paris Hilton: So sad to hear the news about Whitney Houston. :( She was such a beautiful and talented woman. My heart goes out to her family.
Cory Booker (Newark, NJ mayor): A legend has died. As the world mourns the loss of one of the all-time greats, we in Newark feel an especially deep sadness. She went from a Newark church to global stage, but he always remained a deep part of our pride and collective heart.
Tony Bennett: It's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed.
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins: Whitney Houston was by far one of the greatest artist I ever worked with. One of the most amazing, anointed, gifted voices I've ever had the chance to capture in the studio. Most importantly she was a beautiful person, she had such a sweet, beautiful spirit. She blessed us with so much greatness in songs that we can never ever forget her. Whitney was a dear friend and my family will truly miss her. Our love and prayers go out to the entire Houston family! We love and miss u Whitney!
Chilli: I can't believe this news about Whitney Houston..I am so upset, i loved her very much and I'll never forget her....another Angel gone 2 soon
DJ Khaled: R.I.P Whitney Houston god bless her soul
Toccara Jones: #RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones. She will be missed.
Aretha Franklin: My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.
Mariah Carey: Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.
Diggy Simmons: RIP to the legendary Whitney Houston.. Voice is unmatched.
Fabolous: Im sittin here thinking, Whitney was prolly going to the Grammys 2moro.. #YouNeverKnowWhichDayCouldBeYourLast
Wyclef Jean: This is the saddest thing I've ever had to write in my life, R I P to one of the greatest humans that I have ever known Whitney Houston
Mike Tyson: Condolences to the Houston family, especially Bobbi Kristina. I'm lost for words. Prayers and love.
Zonnique Pullins (Tiny's daughter): RIP to a legend and a great woman, Whitney Houston! Glad that the girls and I got to meet her before she passed!
UsherRaymondIV: R.I.P Whitney Houston... A true icon of our time. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to the family in their time of distress. URIV
Tyrese Gibson: WHITNEY HOUSTON HAS PASSED AWAY.. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.. THIS IS UNREAL.. MAY GOD BLESS HER DAUGHTER AND FAMILY REST IN SINGING HEAVEN ...
Solange Knowles: At this time, the question is not how she went... It is how she will be remembered. I will always remember Whitney Houston as a true legend.
Sherri E. Shepherd: I cannot believe it... Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48... I'm shocked... I'm speechless... too soon
Selita Ebanks: #Moment of silence for one of the greatest voices of all time.... Whitney Houston :-( #RIP
Stacey Dash: I feel so sad, may she rest in peace #whitneyhouston
Rihanna: No words! Just tears #DearWhitney
Diddy: Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can't believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever..
NeYo: We love you Whitney Houston...
Nick Cannon: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen.
Niecy Nash: Her voice captured our hearts. Acting captured our minds. Being Bobby Brown made her a friend/auntie in our heads.#ripwhitneyhouston
Q-Tip: I had the pleasure of knowing /wking w whitney. Known her 4 long time. My prayers r w/fam, robyn, bob, ect.. RIP whitney "THEVOICE"
Queen Latifah: Oh Dear Lord! Huritng so Bad!!! MY Sister Whitney!!!!!!! Newark please Pray!!! World Please Pray!
Bre Scullark: Whitney was not trendy, she was timeless
Nia Long: Just finished a cover shoot. The theme was I'm Every Woman...I love you Whitney.
Kimora Lee Simmons: RIP Whitney my lady... Always one of the Most Beautiful! Maybe now u will be at peace....love you and the family forever.
Terrence J: RIP Whitney Houston. So sad to hear this news. My condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.
Young Jeezy: R.I.P. Whitney Houston, 1 of the most talented&beautiful black women of our time. She shared her pain&triumphs with us. #GoneButNotForgotten
Toni Braxton: My heart is weeping...RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole! She's paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble...1 the best in the world
Taraji P. Henson: LORD HAVE MERCY!!!! We've lost another great! RIP Whitney Houston! My heart hurts.
Russell Simmons: deeply saddened by the death of Whitney Houston...may she rest in peace
Nicki Minaj: Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.
Jennifer Lopez: Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney.
LA LA Anthony: I love you Whitney Houston. There will never be another. Ill always remember the sound of your voice and the impact ur music had on my life
Tameka "Tiny" Harris: So sad to hear about Whitney! I just took @therealomggirlz 2meet her last wk! I'm so glad they got to meet such & Amazing Icon! R.I.P WH☹
Tika Sumpter (Sparkle co-star) Heart broken and a crying mess. I love you mama Whitney. You taught me far more than you know. RIP.
LeToya Luckett: Her smile. Her grace. Her Voice. The ICON. Whitney Houston R.I.P
Fabolous: One of the best Movie & Soundtrack combinations ever... #RipWhitneyHouston
OMARION: R.I.P Whitney Houston rest well
Willie Taylor (Day 26): RIP Whitney Houston..... The voice of an Angel!!!! You will Never be forgotten!!!
Kevin Hart: I just Heard that Whitney Houston passed away 2day, I want everyone 2 remember her for what she was & that's a LEGEND & A music Icon! RIP My prayers go out to her family & friends!!! I'm speechless right now......RIP Whitney Houston
KEYSHIA COLE GIBSON: Whitney??? Pls No!! R.I.P my beautiful! This REALLY hurts my heart!!!!
Marques Houston: RIP to my auntie Whitney Houston! Your voice was that of an Angel! U will be remembered as a legend!
Kelly Price: My heart is so heavy.....#WHITNEY my friend.
BONUS:
On Thursday night, Whitney was partying at Tru nightclub when she ran into singer El Debarge. The two shared a very touching embrace (as they've both had their struggles with drugs. Her daughter Bobbi Kristina, can also be seen in the video.
