Thank you Whitney
- By Richard Branson -
- Feb 13, 2012
Clive Davis, the Recording Academy, and the entire world lost Whitney Houston on the weekend of the Grammys, the biggest music celebration of the year.
I was with Clive in LA the night before the Grammys to receive the Grammy Salute To Industry Icons® President's Merit Award.
Our emotions went from great anticipation for his "hottest ticket in town" party to utter shock and devastation over the loss of one of our most beautiful, angelic voices.
Saturday night's event was a sad but wonderful time to be among the entertainment community. We had our share of tears, laughter and love. Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, and Alicia Keys expressed our collective sadness through incredibly moving songs, and then Ray Davies, Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne electrified the room with a fresh jolt of rock and roll. Diana Ross sent us off with full hearts during her impromptu performance of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'.
That night, Clive and his team lived up to the phrase "the show must go on" with resolve, dignity, and star power.
My acceptance remarks are here. Perhaps they'll bring a smile or two during this sad time.
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
