What do you value? What do you want to give to the world?
Those were the questions that circulated in my mind during YWiB SFU‘s The Pursuit of Happiness workshop. The panel consisted of three driven women from various industries – non-profit, photography, and fashion and health – who shared their invigorating and inspiring insights on finding satisfaction in one’s career with an engaged audience of young professionals.
As host LL Cool J said at the opening of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, the night was about something truly universal and healing – music. Devastated by the passing of Whitney Houston (to whom this year’s ceremony is dedicated to), the music community paid their respects to the late, great vocalist by letting the beat go on. The music-makers celebrated this past year by recognizing the achievements of their fellow artists and by creating some of the finest and most memorable Grammy moments in the show’s history.
These were some of my favourite moments…
My goodness. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing about Etta James’s passing. I can’t believe that we’re saying goodbye to yet another music legend – the remarkable Whitney Houston.
Whitney Houston is regarded by many as one of the greatest singers of our time. Since the 1980s, she has released multiple hits, from her first #1 record in 1985, “Saving All My Love for You” to her latest single, “I Look to You“. Even more, Whitney is esteemed as an artist who has touched millions of lives. Her songs resonate with people and inspire them to fall in love with music, to become music makers, and to follow their dreams, no matter what. In the wake of her death, I’ve heard many stories from her fans about how Whitney has had an tremendous influence on them. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” brings back fond high school memories. “I Will Always Love You” moves many to tears and encourages many aspiring singers to pursue careers in music. “When You Believe“, her duet with Mariah Carey, was an unforgettable moment for fans of the two superstars.
Along with “I Have Nothing“, which I consider to be one of the most powerful and passionate vocal performances of all time, I’d like to remember Whitney by “The Greatest Love Of All“. This song contains an important lesson I wish everyone could hear: “Love yourself for who you are“. There was something very human about Whitney. Like any person, she faced her share of challenges in life, but she worked hard to overcome the obstacles in her path. Whitney is an example of resilience and strength, and a symbol of empowerment to women who want to achieve greatness in their lives.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the iconic Whitney Houston. May you find the peace you deserve.
She’s a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock and roll. Together, they make crazy good music!
Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler are the latest musicians to team up for CMT Crossroads, a program that pairs country artists with stars from a different genre. Some of my favourite duos that resulted from Crossroads include Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson; and John Mayer with Keith Urban and Brad Paisley.
I thought pairing Carrie up with Steven again (they performed “Undo It / Walk This Way” during last year’s ACM Awards) was a really cool idea because they seem to have so much fun on stage together. Their setlist consisted of “Sweet Emotion / Love in an Elevator”, “Before He Cheats”, “Cryin'”, “Born to Be Wild”, and my favourite, an emotionally-charged mash-up of Carrie’s “Just a Dream” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On”.
I really hope that a duet between Carrie and Steven is in the works because I can’t get enough of this dynamic duo!
Elizabeth Rosalyn 