CeeLo Green, Pat Houston, Terri J. Vaughn and Trina Braxton were just some of the stars who gathered with family and friends at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 9 to celebrate what would have been Whitney Houston’s 60th birthday at The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation Presents the Legacy of Love Gala.
Presented by the estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, along with Sony Corporation of America as the premium partner, the gala was to honor and support the important work and mission of the foundation.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and broadcaster Karyn Greer, six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist and songwriter BeBe Winans performed Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” and “Father in Heaven” for the fête. Gospel music songstress and songwriter Kim Burrell performed the legendary singer’s “I Believe In You and Me” and “I Love The Lord,” both from the Preacher’s Wife: Original Soundtrack Album.
Whitney’s brother, Gary, who toured and recorded with his beloved sister for more than three decades, sang a birthday tribute and performed one of his favorite Preacher’s Wife songs, “You Were Love.”
Two-time Emmy Award-winning producer Rickey Minor, who served as Whitney’s longtime musical director for nearly three decades, shared stories about Houston’s various high-profile television appearances and worldwide tours.
Harvey Mason, Jr., president of The Recording Academy, shared words about some of his music and recording experiences with The Bodyguard star.
Multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and musician Narada Michael Walden talked about his historic productions that helped launched Houston’s early career into superstardom.
Honorary gala chairperson Clive Davis presented a moving virtual tribute to his beloved friend and superstar, while 16-time Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster presented a virtual tribute to his longtime collaborator and friend.
“The celebration of Whitney was beautiful and breathtaking,” said Pat Houston, executor and president of the estate who is Houston’s sister-in-law. “We are honored that so many people traveled to Atlanta to be with us for this momentous and monumental occasion. Whitney would have been honored by the love and support of everyone. More importantly, she would have been proud of the outstanding work demonstrated by our young people.”
The Foundation presented to its 2023 grant recipient, the Living Live Foundation’s “Lighting the Way Youth Mentor” program initiative and provided three scholarships to students studying the arts at three HBCUs, which include Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland; Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi; and North Carolina Central University in Durham.
In 2020, The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation was formed to continue the mission and important work with today’s youth through program initiatives and services that reflect the values and needs of our young people. It also serves as a source of empowerment to help rebuild, repair and restore the self-esteem of youth and assist them in living productive lives. The Foundation received a generous donation from Scent Beauty’s 225 Perfumania and Fragrance Outlet stores, who donated $5 from every bottle sold of Whitney Houston Fragrance, to continue its work.
This year’s annual fundraiser also included a silent auction that featured more than 40 curated auction packages that are still available for bidding on charitybuzz.com.
