babybugz said:

The same backlash when Diana didn't show up at Michael's funeral . As long as they paid their respects in private it's fine. Some people don't like funeral's.

She committed to attending . . . .

Timmy84 said:

carlcranshaw said:

Where are the Whitney forums and is there a Condlences page?

http://classicwhitney.yuk...Hope-Bapti

Thanks!

carlcranshaw said:

Timmy84 said:

http://classicwhitney.yuk...Hope-Bapti

Thanks!

No prob.

The funeral was beautiful & Cissy made a wise choice to have it at the church where Whitney started singing. But I feel Bobby should have been accommodated whether he had 9 people with him or not & also should have been allowed to speak & sit next to his & Whitney's daughter Bobbi Chris. I mean he was married to Whitney for 15 years.I just don't like the media coverge he has been given.Its very negative. Whitney did love him & was the one that pursued him..He is a big part of her life & should be treated that way not like an outsider.HE IS BOBBI CHRIS FATHER!!!

No excuse Aretha can give for not showing up. Unless she was hospitalized. I don't understand her. I thought R Kelly performance was #Epic.It had me in tears, I don't care what anybody says.

The Winans were all good. But it was a lil overdrive. Too much talking and not enough preaching. But their singing was amazing they all have really good voices & I 've always thought Ce Ce's voice sounds exactly like Whitney's more than any other female singer. Stevie was perfect. His rewriting of R.I.T.S was appropriate. Alicia was off tune but very heartfelt.

Tyler took it to church & to me was better than Marvin Winans sermon .

Kevin Cosner very heartfelt speech and very touching he really cared about Whitney & revealed some unknown facts for most. I enjoyed his speech the most out of all besides Tyler Perry's.

Clive even though he is responsible for Whitney's success. He was nothing but her pimp. His speech was all business & very cold. I just didn't pick up any compassion at all from him whatsoever. Not taking away from all the stars he created. But its all $$$$ signs I see in his eyes...

Bodyguard Ray gave a realistic view of the real Whitney.She always seemed to get what she wanted.

[Edited 2/18/12 15:45pm]

@SUPR, yeah that was my thing with ReeRee... I mean I'm sure she did but she had told people she was going to sing there. Like I said from reading here, it didn't seem like the congregation knew she wasn't there. I can understand why Aretha probably didn't wanna go but she had told people she was going to be there. Never heard that from Diana concerning Michael's memorial/funeral services. Therein lies the difference.

Ottensen said:

missfee said:

Damn, you think so?

At this stage of the game I think that's just silly and presuming waaay too much. Aretha Franklin has said herself in interviews and concerts in wake of Whitney's passing that her God daughter was the greatest singer to ever step before a microphone.

From the few clips I did see of Aretha in interviews this past week, I saw a woman who was eloquent & strong but clearly upset, and was very open that she didn't know if she would have the strength to sing at her God daughter's funeral. If anything, I would imagine that after what she's been saying this week that she simply is grieving and simply couldn't manage it, and hell, I even forgive her for it... besides, it's between her and the Houston family, and it's their slight to forgive, really (if there's anything to forgive in the first place).

I honestly don't know what to think about Auntie Ree...I would hope that she would have cancelled a couple of shows but I don't know what her situation is.

OzlemUcucu said:

Yes, I thought the church pastor is usually responsible, so I thought he would have ended this, specially since he was looking so bored throughout, I mean surely if he is a pastor of the church, the guy can't be a wimp, so this didn't make sense to me, moreso after I saw the marvin pastor play the piano and begin to sing in the end. LOL!

This is all new to me, and if people are sitting just up there, I'd have thought they are of some religous authority, but I guess i am wrong.

SUPRMAN said:

I thought she was singing with someone else and that Kim was there with them? Not sure on that.

Marvin Winan was a singer before becoming a minister. I could be wrong on that. He was singing after he spoke.

The pastor of the church never got the chance. Not a slight, just the way it worked out. In another situation, (Sunday, non televised service) after the pastor and choir finished the he would have let the pastor of the church do open the door of the church, do an appeal, pray and dismiss.

But no slight in this situation.

It's not about the authority of the home church pastor, it's about family wishes- and their close friend Pastor Winans was in charge of the service (insofar as remarks and the direction of the memorial was concerned). this kind of stuff is ironed out before hand... although the "Tomorrow" song was impromptu. it will be the same way at my funeral, God willing i remain in the same place until i die. whoever the home pastor is of my church will be in attendance, make opening remarks, but my service will be likely tended to and eulogized by someone else whom i & my family have a closer relationship to

babynoz said:

Ottensen said:

At this stage of the game I think that's just silly and presuming waaay too much. Aretha Franklin has said herself in interviews and concerts in wake of Whitney's passing that her God daughter was the greatest singer to ever step before a microphone.

From the few clips I did see of Aretha in interviews this past week, I saw a woman who was eloquent & strong but clearly upset, and was very open that she didn't know if she would have the strength to sing at her God daughter's funeral. If anything, I would imagine that after what she's been saying this week that she simply is grieving and simply couldn't manage it, and hell, I even forgive her for it... besides, it's between her and the Houston family, and it's their slight to forgive, really (if there's anything to forgive in the first place).

I honestly don't know what to think about Auntie Ree...I would hope that she would have cancelled a couple of shows but I don't know what her situation is.

Like I said, it was weird. If she didn't wanna go because she didn't wanna cause a scene then I understand but her reasoning just seemed suspect. Plus she does have a concert tonight. Maybe Aretha is just dealing with it her own way but I'm guessing she didn't alarm folks she wasn't coming and that may be where there's confusion. But Aretha's weird. I didn't wanna try to spite her for not attending.

Regardless of everything though, I'm glad the funeral didn't turn into a circus and that Whitney was giving her just due.

babynoz said:

Ottensen said:

At this stage of the game I think that's just silly and presuming waaay too much. Aretha Franklin has said herself in interviews and concerts in wake of Whitney's passing that her God daughter was the greatest singer to ever step before a microphone.

From the few clips I did see of Aretha in interviews this past week, I saw a woman who was eloquent & strong but clearly upset, and was very open that she didn't know if she would have the strength to sing at her God daughter's funeral. If anything, I would imagine that after what she's been saying this week that she simply is grieving and simply couldn't manage it, and hell, I even forgive her for it... besides, it's between her and the Houston family, and it's their slight to forgive, really (if there's anything to forgive in the first place).

I honestly don't know what to think about Auntie Ree...I would hope that she would have cancelled a couple of shows but I don't know what her situation is.

Exactly. I don't know either..but for all I do know she coulda been fell out on the floor in grief somewhere and heartbroken in a panic attack. I just think in a moment like this it's kinda messy to speculate. I just know how grief has overtaken me in a few choice instances in my own life and it wasn't pretty, so I'mma just have to leave Auntie Ree alone on this one.

I wasn't able to see the actual funeral service since I was at work today. Even though it's been a week it still seems unreal that someone practically the same age as I am has died and is being buried. As far as Aretha not showing up, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She's no spring chicken herself and while she has a show scheduled for tonight, she may cancel that one, or if she does feel well enough to go on, would certainly have to include some sort of tribute to her. I'm willing to just wait and see what she does before making any hasty judgements.

UnderMySun said:

I wasn't able to see the actual funeral service since I was at work today. Even though it's been a week it still seems unreal that someone practically the same age as I am has died and is being buried. As far as Aretha not showing up, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She's no spring chicken herself and while she has a show scheduled for tonight, she may cancel that one, or if she does feel well enough to go on, would certainly have to include some sort of tribute to her. I'm willing to just wait and see what she does before making any hasty judgements.

She did tributed her in Charlotte earlier in the week.

Ottensen said:

babynoz said:

I don't remember who was sitting around Jesse. Wasn't that interested.

The blond woman is one of Whitney's former MD's (music directors) who plays keys and piano in her bands. She's been around almost as long as Ricky Minor, but it's late over here and her name escapes me at the moment. Jewish..but can't get the anme off the tip of the tongue, and hubby is falling asleep so I can't ask him

Thanks and congrats, btw.

well, once again i must add that i am very thankful to have been able to virtually attend the audio and visually transmitted funeral of Ms Whitney Houston. it was very cathardic for me also in that i've felt like i've been having a giant tear drop over my heart.

especially after the passing of:

amy winehouse on - 23 July 2011

etta james 20 Jan 2012

don cornelius 01 Feb 2012

whitney houston 11 Feb 2012

in such a short span of time seemed to have really affected me. i was feeling so

seeing how much whitney houston was loved has really made me feel better. to see the outpouring in her honor has helped me to deal with and let go of the grief.

after witnessing the beautiful music and many heartfelt condolences, i now know in my heart Whitney sings with the angels.

[Edited 2/18/12 15:15pm]

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

The funeral was beautiful & Cissy made a wise choice to have it at the church where Whitney started singing. But I feel Bobby should have been accommodated whether he had 9 people with him or not & also should have been allowed to speak & sit next to his & Whitney's daughter Bobbi Chris. I mean he was married to Whitney for 15 years.I just don't like the media coverge he has been given.Its very negative. Whitney did love him & was the one that pursued him..He is a big part of her life & should be treated that way not like an outsider.HE IS BOBBI CHRIS FATHER!!!

Thats how I feel although I think bringing a whole entourage of people is a bit much for that setting I still think HE should have at least been accomadated. Like you said, he is Bobbi Kristinas father and was with Whitney for more than half her life... He should have been treated with respect and welcomed.

ONCE AGAIN... this wasnt about Bobby or his personal issues with Whitney during their marriage...

this was about REMEMBERING WHITNEY.. they did not have to treat him like that.

[Edited 2/18/12 15:09pm]

free2bfreeda said:

well, once again i must add that i am very thankful to have been able to virtually attend the audio and visually transmitted funeral of Ms Whitney Houston. it was very cathardic for me also in that i've felt like i've been having a giant tear drop over my heart.

especially after the passing of:

amy winehouse on - 23 July 2011

etta james 20 Jan 2012

don cornelius 01 Feb 2012

whitney houston 11 Feb 2012

in such a short span of time seemed to have really affected me. i was feeling so:bluv:

see how much whitney houston was loved has really made me feel better. to see the outpouring in her honor has helped me to deal with and let go of the grief.

after witnessing the beautiful music and many heartfelt condolences, i now know in my heart Whitney sings with the angels.

This was a lovely and heartfelt tribute regardless of who wasn't there. I'm so glad Cissy decided to bring her daughter home for a proper homegoing.

free2bfreeda said:

well, once again i must add that i am very thankful to have been able to virtually attend the audio and visually transmitted funeral of Ms Whitney Houston. it was very cathardic for me also in that i've felt like i've been having a giant tear drop over my heart.

especially after the passing of:

amy winehouse on - 23 July 2011

etta james 20 Jan 2012

don cornelius 01 Feb 2012

whitney houston 11 Feb 2012

in such a short span of time seemed to have really affected me. i was feeling so:bluv:

see how much whitney houston was loved has really made me feel better. to see the outpouring in her honor has helped me to deal with and let go of the grief.

after witnessing the beautiful music and many heartfelt condolences, i now know in my heart Whitney sings with the angels.

i hear you!!...

mjscarousal said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

The funeral was beautiful & Cissy made a wise choice to have it at the church where Whitney started singing. But I feel Bobby should have been accommodated whether he had 9 people with him or not & also should have been allowed to speak & sit next to his & Whitney's daughter Bobbi Chris. I mean he was married to Whitney for 15 years.I just don't like the media coverge he has been given.Its very negative. Whitney did love him & was the one that pursued him..He is a big part of her life & should be treated that way not like an outsider.HE IS BOBBI CHRIS FATHER!!!

Thats how I feel although I think bringing a whole entourage of people is a bit much for that setting I still think HE should have at least been accomadated. Like you said, he is Bobbi Kristinas father and was with Whitney for more than half her life... He should have been treated with respect and welcomed.

ONCE AGAIN... this wasnt about Bobby or his personal issues with Whitney during their marriage...

this was about REMEMBERING WHITNEY.. they did not have to treat him like that.

[Edited 2/18/12 15:09pm]

Ottensen said:

missfee said:

Damn, you think so?

At this stage of the game I think that's just silly and presuming waaay too much. Aretha Franklin has said herself in interviews and concerts in wake of Whitney's passing that her God daughter was the greatest singer to ever step before a microphone.

From the few clips I did see of Aretha in interviews this past week, I saw a woman who was eloquent & strong but clearly upset, and was very open that she didn't know if she would have the strength to sing at her God daughter's funeral. If anything, I would imagine that after what she's been saying this week that she simply is grieving and simply couldn't manage it, and hell, I even forgive her for it... besides, it's between her and the Houston family, and it's their slight to forgive, really (if there's anything to forgive in the first place).

I just started reading some of the posts because i missed the program because

i had to work and i wholeheartedly agree. People are just assuming about Aretha

without facts. I'm pretty sure if i keep reading the posts will get more interesting.

Aunt Ottie, I'm serious about Dionne and re Uncle Teddy, trust me, you didn't want that fool anywhere near a funeral. I have stories...

Ottensen said:

babynoz said:

I don't remember who was sitting around Jesse. Wasn't that interested.

The blond woman is one of Whitney's former MD's (music directors) who plays keys and piano in her bands. She's been around almost as long as Ricky Minor, but it's late over here and her name escapes me at the moment. Jewish..but can't get the anme off the tip of the tongue, and hubby is falling asleep so I can't ask him

Her name is Beth Sussman and she played keyboards for Whitney. She had been with her for a very long time from the beginning and continued to be close to the family.

SUPRMAN said:

OzlemUcucu said:

Kim? Isn't this the same lady that Whitney sang a song together on stage 2 days before she died?

The Winans family was not the pastor in the end, was it?

Why did the other pastor not finish this, if he was the pastor of the church? Sorry, I'm just trying to make sense of this gospel black church ceremony.

I thought she was singing with someone else and that Kim was there with them? Not sure on that.

Marvin Winan was a singer before becoming a minister. I could be wrong on that. He was singing after he spoke.

The pastor of the church never got the chance. Not a slight, just the way it worked out. In another situation, (Sunday, non televised service) after the pastor and choir finished the he would have let the pastor of the church do open the door of the church, do an appeal, pray and dismiss.

But no slight in this situation.

Kelly Price was singing with Whitney at a party to celebrate Kelly Price's nomination for a Grammy. Kim Burrell was Whitney's friend and spiritual sister... is a gospel singer and was reportedly on her way to hotel to see Whitney but did not make it to the hotel in time.

Kim says Whitney called her and told her to stop by when her flight got into town. By the time Kim got to the hotel, Whitney was deceased.

I just read somewhere that Aretha wasn't Whitney's only godmother, so was this woman:

[img:$uid]http://lesliebloom.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/darlene_love.jpg[/img:$uid]

Darlene apparently said this on her Twitter.

Does anybody know any Aretha fansites? I cant find any strange all the divas have them

I'd love to know what her fans are saying if she could'nt attend her funeral then why the hell is she working tonight

shellyk84 said:

Does anybody know any Aretha fansites? I cant find any strange all the divas have them

I'd love to know what her fans are saying if she could'nt attend her funeral then why the hell is she working tonight

As far as I know Aretha doesn't even have a message board for her...

Timmy84 said:

shellyk84 said:

Does anybody know any Aretha fansites? I cant find any strange all the divas have them

I'd love to know what her fans are saying if she could'nt attend her funeral then why the hell is she working tonight

As far as I know Aretha doesn't even have a message board for her...

Speaks volumes Timmy84

Cinnamon234 said:

Timmy84 said:

I don't know. Something about Aretha... I don't think Aretha and Whitney's family was as close as they lead on. Dionne keeps talking about Aretha as a sister but I never known of Cissy to bring her up. Someone said that she and Cissy had beef and it wouldn't surprise me if Aretha was jealous of her goddaughter's success.

Honestly, it wouldn't surpise me. I think Aretha is very sensitive about her status in the music industry and perhaps may have felt threatened at all of the praise for Whitney's voice especially. I've noticed that when Aretha spoke about Whitney in recent interview, she was VERY careful with her words in regards to Whitney's talent. I've seen her state several times that Whitney knew how to be a real "star" but never really talked about or brought up Whitney's singing talent.

All i've heard her say is that Whitney "could sing" but she seemed reserved or hesitant to praise Whitney's talent beyond that.

I don't know. It could be in my head, but this is the feeling that I get. I don't think jealousy is the reason she canceled though. As you said, who know's why? But I really wished she could have been there.

um, no

I saw a youtube video that Aretha was in concert in the last few days and sung Whitney's song, I will always love you. 4

She was playing the piano and started the first few notes.

People didn't recognize the song yet and Aretha introduced the song by saying she was giving homage to the greatest singer to ever stand in front of a mic. By that time, the audience recognized the music as the music to Whitney's song and stood up on their feet.

Then Aretha said, This is for Whitney Elizabeth Houston... and went on to sing the song.

To me, if ARETHA FRANKLIN calls you the greatest singer to ever stand in front of a mic... that means she thinks you are better than herself... and everybody else.

I can't believe that Aretha wasn't at the funeral... but I don't think she was jealous of Whitney.

Her comments at that concert, her comments out of the blue to Wendy Williams a few months back commending Wendy for saying what she said to Whitney to me sounds like Aretha loved Whitney like a mama bear and wanted the best for her.

Over and over in interviews this week, she talked about Whitney having challenges, and how hopeful and relieve she felt when she thought Whitney had turned the coner on her recovery and comeback.

shellyk84 said:

Timmy84 said:

As far as I know Aretha doesn't even have a message board for her...

Speaks volumes Timmy84

I can't even see her having a messageboard PERIOD. I find it funny when I see a lot of these older artists having twitter lol. Most of their hardcore fans don't have time to post ..

Pokeno4Money said:

When Bobby was invited to the service, did he ask if it was okay to have X number of people seated next to him in the family section? Usually the seating arrangement is planned ahead of time.

I'm sorry, I think he should have stayed even if his brother/kids/fiancee could not sit next to him (although I would hope they would have allowed one person next to him). He's not the one running the show, therefore he shouldn't have assumed that he could have brought that many people without getting advance permission.

As for Aretha, they don't call her a diva for nuthin'. Hell they even made a commercial about it.

I've got tickets for tonight's New Edition concert, it will be interesting to say the least.

please come back and report how the show went... any words or gestures of honor from Bobby or the boys... etc.

babybugz said:

shellyk84 said:

Speaks volumes Timmy84

I can't even see her having a messageboard PERIOD. I find it funny when I see a lot of these older artists having twitter lol. Most of their hardcore fans don't have time to post ..

That's true. Aretha was always old fashioned anyway.

shellyk84 said:

Timmy84 said:

As far as I know Aretha doesn't even have a message board for her...

Speaks volumes Timmy84

I don't know if it's because they can't afford to or just don't want to, I don't know...