Jordan Sparks and Whitney Houston from the movie "Sparkle." Photo: Ryan Seacrest - Sony via ryanseacrest
"Celebrate" is the new song from the soundtrack "Sparkle" featuring Whitney Houston(1963-2012) and Jordin Sparks. An incredible uplifting song that's guaranteed to make your body move and put a smile on your face!
Look for the movie to open in theaters on August 17th.
I posted this video because I think people forget Whitney Houston was the blueprint that female pop singers study and emulate and people forget how much uptempo music she performed.
This video shows her in a playful and happy mood, while at the top of her game.
If you listen to her vocals notice what she does better than any of the others is convey feeling. The others study her riffs, vibrato and power, but lack the ability to use them in the same fashion. Whitney even changes the pronunciation of words for emphasis - this illustrates how much she was into making songs her own.
What I love most of all is she didn't stack her vocals as thick as those who copy her, which allowed her voice to cut through the mix clearly.
You have to realize, Whitney Houston is from Newark, New Jersey and there are many great singers from the NJ/NY area, but the Newark/Oranges area in particular. The amount of talent vocal talent that existed in New Jersey at the time Houston developed her voice was enough to push any vocalist to be the best.
Gwen Guthrie, Gloria Gaynor, Faith Evans and Lauryn Hill are singers to come from the Newark area. I say this to say, Whitney Houston evolved in a place that had the ability to create exceptional talent and she was an exceptional singer among the best.
As you listen to any of her songs know that you are listening to one of the best singers you will ever hear in your life... and she's from Newark, New Jersey.
The King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew included artist Whitney Houston, The Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, Tina Marie, J.T. Taylor(Kool and The Gang), New Edition,Stacy Lattisaw, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Menudo and many more.
Monday, May 21, 2012 
Jordan Sparks and Whitney Houston from the movie "Sparkle." Photo: Ryan Seacrest - Sony via ryanseacrest
