LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued the following statement Saturday on the passing of Whitney Houston: “Today, Los Angeles mourns the loss of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of all time. It is with deep sadness that we reflect upon a life taken from us too soon, and a woman whose talents touched so many.
During my years as Mayor, I was fortunate to have the chance to meet and know Whitney. Not only was she the most awarded female recording artist of all time, but she was one of the world’s best-selling singers.
These stunning achievements are not only hard to overstate, but they will unlikely be eclipsed in our lifetime. Her music inspired millions and the power of her voice was hard to match in its depth and crystalline beauty.
I am thankful that we will have her beautiful music as a constant reminder of the light she brought with her.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
On the eve of the Grammy Awards, and as we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to pause and honor Whitney, Etta James and Don Cornelius, who have all passed in recent weeks. We recognize their departures have left a wake of sadness and loss, but know that their legends and accomplishments will live on.”
