In the days since Whitney Houston died in a Beverly Hills bathtub, there have been emotional tributes on the Grammys and TV specials.
Radio stations have replayed her hits, and "Glee" -- perhaps by coincidence -- featured "I Will Always Love You" in its Valentine's Day episode.
So one Southern California lawmaker figured the Congressional Record ought to pay its respects to Houston's life and musical legacy as well.
On Monday, Rep. Laura Richardson, a Democrat representing a southern portion of Los Angeles County, made a statement honoring Houston as an "instant musical sensation" with an "extraordinary voice [that] touched the heart of America."
"She will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices who ever graced the Earth. To have heard the voice of Whitney Houston was to have witnessed singing perfection. My heart goes out to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and all of her family and friends who are mourning the loss of this remarkable woman."
And then, she tried to work in as many references to Houston's work as she could.
"Mr. Speaker, where do broken hearts go? [1] Millions of hearts broke at the news that with her passing, we lost one of the greatest gifts of all; the pure joy we felt whenever Whitney sang one of those songs that made us get up and want to dance with somebody [2]. "Yes, we almost had it all [3]. Whitney Houston left us too soon, but her remarkable voice will live in our hearts as one moment in time [4] we will never forget."So one Southern California lawmaker figured the Congressional Record ought to pay its respects to Houston's life and musical legacy as well.
On Monday, Rep. Laura Richardson, a Democrat representing a southern portion of Los Angeles County, made a statement honoring Houston as an "instant musical sensation" with an "extraordinary voice [that] touched the heart of America."
"She will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices who ever graced the Earth. To have heard the voice of Whitney Houston was to have witnessed singing perfection. My heart goes out to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and all of her family and friends who are mourning the loss of this remarkable woman."
And then, she tried to work in as many references to Houston's work as she could.
Richardson also took time Monday to enter a statement honoring Don Cornelius, the legendary "Soul Train" host who fatally shot himself earlier this month in his Los Angeles home.
"As one of the millions of young girls who tuned in every week to 'Soul Train' to sing and dance along with that week's musical guests, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Don Cornelius for the sheer joy and happiness he brought to so many people and for 'Soul Train's' positive impact in bringing people of diverse backgrounds together around their shared love of good music and dance."
She said the show will be remembered for its bold fashion and "revolutionary" dance moves as much as the music it showcased.
"Don Cornelius lived a consequential life. He made a difference," Richardson said. "And for that, I conclude by wishing him, as he always concluded each 'Soul Train' show by wishing us, as always, 'peace, love and soul!'"
