Music world mourn Whitney Houston

Singer and actress Whitney Houston, winner of six Grammy Awards and best known for her hit "I Will Always Love You," was found dead at a Beverly Hills hotel on Saturday at the age of 48.
 
The music industry via statement, Twitter or to news agencies mourn the death of a star.
 
"I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby." said good friend Aretha Franklin.

Neil Portnow, president and CEO, The Recording Academy said, "Six-time GRAMMY winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice."

Mariah Carey wrote on Twitter: "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston."

Lionel Richie spoke to CNN and said, "She was just a gift in voice ... She was just so innocent in the business, and that voice was so pure and her life was so pure. That's what I'm holding on to. I think what we're going to do in the long run of her life story is focus on the voice, not the tragedy, but the voice."

Smokey Robinson mourned her death, "I've know Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her."

Berry Gordy, Motown founder, said, "Whitney Houston was not only an amazing artist but also a beautiful person. She was so smart and her knowledge and appreciation for the musical art form was remarkable."

Former CEO and chairman of Sony Music Entertainment Tommy Mottola told CNN: "It is so so heartbreaking, and we are all filled with sadness. It's a loss of one of the greatest treasures to the world of not only music but to everyone around her, her family, her mother Cissy, her aunt Dionne. It is just a tremendous tragedy for all of us."

"So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P." -- Katy Perry on Twitter.

Houston was in Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards, the music industry's biggest honors program that will take place on Sunday night. She died hours before she was expected to perform at record producer Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammy party on Saturday, which is held at the Beverly Hilton.

"I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing," legendary music producer Quincy Jones said in a statement. "... 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."
 
Pop star Rihanna posted on Twitter "No words, just tears," and rapper Nicki Minaj tweeted "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.

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