Whitney - The Greatest Hits
Six Million Copies Sold!! - Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits On 2CDs Featuring 36 Tracks, Video & DVD Featuring Rare Live Performances & TV Appearance Footage...



Global Request Whitney
CLICK ON GLOBAL REQUEST WHITNEY & INCREASE WHITNEY'S AIRPLAY
GLOBAL REQUEST WHITNEY HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY
ARISTA RECORDS & THE WHITNEY HOUSTON PLATINUM CLUB

Dear L.A. Reid
WRITE A LETTER TO L.A REID, WHITNEY'S NEW BOSS AT ARISTA
REQUESTING BETTER MARKETING OF
WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
FOLLOW LINK FOR DETAILS


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 9 December 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Off The Chart (27 weeks on) - DOUBLE PLATINUM

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.92 (from No.76) - 13 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


Paul Robeson Event Images...

 
[CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW IN LARGER SCALE]

[Thanks Nikesh]


Nothing Wrong...

[Two Reports Addressing Recent Rumours]

Whitney & Bobby: Talk Abpout 'The Rumors'

(Newark, New Jersey-AP) -- Bobby Brown says all the talk about his wife Whitney Houston and rumors of drug abuse are just "garbage." Brown addressed the subject after performing with Houston at a tribute to legendary performer Paul Robeson. It was one of the couple's few public appearances since a marijuana possession charge against her in Hawaii was resolved this month. Asked about the talk of drug use, Brown said he didn't even want to discuss the subject because the rumors were "garbage." And, Brown, said Houston's performance at the Robeson tribute should put such talk to rest. Brown said anyone who saw Whitney perform at the tribute would know -- quoting here -- "ain't nothing wrong with her." During the performance, Houston sang two songs -- one a cappella -- from the play "Porgy and Bess," in which Robeson had starred. Brown also performed, singing his hit "Every Little Step," with Houston singing backup. He was the only artist on the tribute who didn't perform a song connected to Robeson or his era. But, then again, as his wife often reminds us, he IS the king of r-and-b.


Whitney, Bobby Pay Tribute To Paul Robeson


(Newark, New Jersey-AP) -- Bobby Brown says the rumors of Whitney Houston's
drug use are untrue. Brown and Houston performed Tuesday at a tribute to Paul
Robeson. Brown says he doesn't even want to discuss the talk about Houston
because it's "garbage." He says anyone who saw Houston perform would know
there's nothing wrong with her. Houston sang two songs from the play "Porgy and
Bess," in which Robeson had starred. Brown performed his hit, "Every Little Step." He
was the only one who did not perform a song from Robeson's era -- and he
performed in a leather skirt.

[Thanks Dzemil]

 

NEWSFILE: 30 NOVEMBER 2000


Concert Last Night...

[Report On Last Night's Paul Robeson Concert]

Athlete, actor, activist: To many, 'this was a hero'

11/29/00

BY JAY LUSTIG
STAFF WRITER


Pop star Whitney Houston hasn't made many public appearances lately, but she was
there last night for the Paul Robeson tribute at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

"Why I stand here today is because of Paul Robeson," Houston said after speaking
about being inspired by his voice and versatility. She then sang two numbers, a brief, a cappella version of the "Porgy and Bess" ballad "I Loves You, Porgy," and the inspirational "You'll Never Stand Alone."

The "Voice for the Millennium" tribute at the Newark theater was a multimedia show,
with one of the biggest crowd-pleasing moments coming from a vintage film segment of Robeson himself singing "Ol' Man River" in his memorable bass baritone.

Audience members donned 3-D glasses for a "fantasy film" segment in which an actor playing Robeson visits Harlem's Cotton Club and sings "Danny Boy" with backing by Duke Ellington on piano.

Robeson, born in Princeton in 1898, was a singer, actor, athlete and political activist.

Paying tribute to Robeson's theatrical career, Avery Brooks acted out several scenes from "Othello" on film, and James Earl Jones read from the Eugene O'Neill play "The Emperor Jones."

Show-stopping numbers included "Jesus Is A-Listening" by the Marble Collegiate Community Mass Choir and Angela Bofill's dramatic interpretation of "God Bless the
Child." Sam Harris drew a standing ovation for his equally dramatic version of Simon
and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," though no attempt was made to connect the song to Robeson's life.

Jazz musician Branford Marsalis, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, classical musician
Denyce Graves and the Dance Theatre of Harlem all took to the stage to salute
Robeson with their performances.

Houston's mother, Cissy Houston, closed the show by singing a song she wrote for the occasion, called "This Day." Backed by two gospel choirs, she sang such uplifting lines as: "Starting right here, starting right now, let's do our best to make a brighter world."

The concert was preceded by the first Paul Robeson Humanitarian Awards Dinner, a
projected annual affair, in the ballroom of the Robert Treat Hotel.

Awards were presented to eight people from fields reflecting Robeson's many talents and pursuits and included former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and hip-hop guru Russell Simmons. Arista Records chief executive L.A. Reid was also honored, and returned the favor by giving the New York-based Paul Robeson Foundation $25,000.

Afterward, Paul Robeson Jr., 72, quoted words his father wrote in 1936 that he said apply to our times: "Beneath the accidents of race and culture which divide us lies the soul of man."

Former Gov. Tom Kean, president of Drew University in Madison, was another of the honorees. "In a time when we are crying out for heroes, this was a hero," Kean said. "At a time when he should have been at his lowest ebb, persecuted and prosecuted by our own government for simply speaking his mind, Robeson refused to be bitter. In a concert he broadcast over cables from a church in Harlem to a hall in London, because our government denied him a passport to travel, Robeson quoted the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, telling his listeners, 'I have come to pound on your heart with love.' "

Robeson, the son of a former slave, displayed a range of accomplishments during his life that seemed almost superhuman. Rutgers University's valedictorian speaker in 1919, he went on to be inducted into the National College Football Fall of Fame; earn a degree from Columbia University's law school; and receive a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. He starred on Broadway and in films, mastered a dozen languages (and was able to sing in about 10 more) and supported many political and social causes, including civil rights.

Last night's show, organized by the Robeson foundation, was taped for broadcast on PBS in March. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit inner-city students at Rutgers University in Newark and the Paul Robeson Foundation Educational Mission, which educates people about Robeson's life.

"We're going to realize a lot more than money, a lot of good exposure and increased
awareness of Paul Robeson from this event," said William Pickens II, president of the
foundation, who estimated that the evening would raise well over $100,000 for his organization.

The foundation recognizes that most Americans know little about Robeson.

Last night's event was the first major Robeson tribute to take place in his home state. Previous Robeson Foundation events were held in New York.

"He's a son of New Jersey, and now he's come back home," Robeson's son said at the beginning of the concert.

It was a high-priced show, with the cheapest tickets costing $75. The highest-priced ones ($1,000) admitted holders to the preshow awards dinner at the nearby Robert Treat Hotel.

The show's biggest attraction was the first appearance at NJPAC by Whitney Houston since she canceled a July 1999 concert there at the last minute. The East Orange native and Mendham resident said at the time that she had throat problems.  The show was never rescheduled.

Houston had a personal reason to support the tribute concert. Her father, John Houston, was Robeson's godson.

[Thanks Tyron]

 

NEWSFILE: 29 NOVEMBER 2000


No Longer Just A Day...

[Vibe Article]

SUNDAY - Seventh Heaven

Whitney Houston & Sunday"Ahh, Yvette," they sigh in unison as they cruise through their Newark and East Orange N.J. hometowns. Their sigh represents the completion of a difficult task: searching for the perfect hairdresser. For the five women known as Sunday, the path leading to Yvette Shelton has been rough and winding, complete with bad weaves and too-tight braids.

Many inspirational women have nurtured sisters Tiffany, 19, Notasha, 21, and Tawanda, 23, and their cousins Stacey, 20, and Sharika, 19 before " Yvette of the magic hands," however. T list includes their grandmother, who has served as pastor of the group's Pentecostal church since 1976, and their mothers, who organized the choir in which they all started singing. But with their supercatchy single "I know", hitting the airwaves, and the February release of their self-titled soulful pop debut fast approaching. Sunday rely on the guidance of co-manager and fairy godmother Whitney Houston.

The ladies first met Houston in a Newark parking lot in 1995, a year after signing with long-time Houston associate Robyn Crawford. "Robyn walked over to us and said, 'She 's comin', y'all better do something,'" says Notasha, who co-wrote eight of the album's tracks, including "I Know"." We sang "Baby,' by Brandy. After that, the pressure was off'" she says. Now, she talks to us as if we were her kids. Like, 'Bobbi Kristina , go upstairs. Girls, okay, hit that note,'" add lead singer Tiffany.

Houston, who on her 1998 song, "I Was Made To Love Him" shared billing with the group, says, " When I was starting out, I HAD people in my life like my mother (Cissy Houston), my cousin Dionne Warwick, and Aretha (Franklin), I learned a lot from those women. With Sunday, I'm passing on what was taught to me."

Sunday are beginning to carve their own niche in the crowded pantheon of pop music through guest appearances such as "Believe In Love" from the soundtrack to Down In The Delta. They use their phenomenal voices to convey the essence-a mix of girly innocence, feminine sass, and God-fearing divinity- and remind us that Sunday is more than just a day of rest.

[Thanks Arthur M.]

 

Radio & Records...

Radio & Records Charts for the week ending 24 November 2000

Urban AC
Fine - Down to No.20 (from No.19).

[Thanks Jeffrey B.]

 

NEWSFILE: 28 NOVEMBER 2000


Paul Robeson Tribute Tomorrow Night...

A night of showstoppers - NJPAC gala will pay tribute to the great Paul Robeson
JAY LUSTIG
STAR-LEDGER STAFF

11/24/2000
The Star-Ledger Newark, NJ

Paul Robeson: Voice For the Millennium Who: Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Bobby Brown, James Earl Jones, Ossie Davis, Denyce Graves, Branford Marsalis, Melba Moore, Angela Bofill, Avery Brooks, Eddie Palmieri, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Marble Collegiate Community Mass Choir, New Hope Gospel Youth Choir, others Where: Prudential Hall of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center St., Newark When: 8 p.m. Tuesday How much: $75-$1,000; top price includes admission to an awards dinner at 6 p.m. Discounts available to seniors, students and groups. Call (888) 466-5722 or (201) 659-4901

Whitney Houston and her husband, Bobby Brown, have spent more time in the tabloids than on the concert stage this year, but will be back where they belong, Tuesday night at NJPAC. They'll be part of a huge and formidable cast lending their talents to the tribute concert and fund-raiser, Paul Robeson: Voice For the Millennium.

Houston will croon the Porgy and Bess ballad, I Loves You, Porgy. It s possible she
might sing lead on This Day, a song written for the occasion by her mother, singer Cissy Houston, and Jersey gospel scene veteran Donnie Harper. To the tune of his 1989 hit, Every Little Step, Brown, a member of New Edition as well as a solo star, will rap some of Robeson's words.

It will be an evening of show stoppers, said associate producer and director A. Curtis Farrow of the Jersey City-based production company, Irving Street Rep. There is no reason to doubt him.

Also on the bill for this gala are classical mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, R&B singers
Melba Moore and Angela Bofill, actors James Earl Jones and Ossie Davis, the Dance
Theatre of Harlem, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri, and
many others. The show, organized by the New York-based Paul Robeson Foundation,
will be taped for broadcast on PBS in March, with NJN as the host station. Proceeds will benefit inner-city students at Rutgers University in Newark (Robeson was a Rutgers College valedictorian in 1919) and the Paul Robeson Foundation Educational Mission, which teaches people about the life of the Princeton-born singer, actor, athlete and political activist.

In conjunction with the show, an awards dinner will take place a few hours earlier at the nearby Robert Treat Hotel. Basketball great Michael Jordan, former New York City mayor David Dinkins, Drew University president and former New Jersey governor Thomas Kean, and World Gospel Music Association founder Albert Lewis will be among those receiving humanitarian awards there, said Farrow. The show itself will be a multi-media event, using vintage films of Robeson, a live satellite feed of a Welsh choir, and even a 3-D fantasy film sequence of Robeson, Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington visiting the Cotton Club in Harlem. (Audience members will be given 3-D glasses.)

Paul Robeson Jr., a consultant to the Paul Robeson Foundation, said the idea for the show took form during a 1998 celebration of the centennial of Robeson s birth. The event took place in New York. Not to knock New York, but he was born in New Jersey, said Robeson Jr. The idea for this week s show, he said, was to break new ground, and do a definitive, new-technology show, with all the bells and whistles, and with Paul Robeson coming home to his roots.

Cissy Houston, whose ex-husband, John Houston, was Robeson's godson, said Robeson is slave, and "he was there before his time with the civil rights struggle. It means a heck of a lot. He paved the way to help a lot of people." Robeson died in 1976, at the age of 77.
Robeson was also a wonderful singer, said Houston, who will sing Duke Ellington's Come Sunday on Tuesday, and lead the New Hope Gospel Youth Choir and the Marble Collegiate Community Mass Choir through the grand finale version of the new This Day.
"He had one of the heaviest and most melodious voices I ve ever known," said Houston.

[Thanks MG]

 

Heartbreak Hotel UK...

[Details from the UK Promo of 'Heartbreak Hotel']

The number one US single!
Whitney Houston "Heartbreak Hotel"
Released: 11th December 2000
R.I.P. & Undadoggz radio edits & original version

Promo contains:
1. R.I.P. Radio Edit 3:42
2. Undadoggz Radio Edit 3:39
3. Original version 4:38

Following on the back of her two Top 10 singles this year, "If I Told You That" and "Could I Have This Kiss Forever," Whitney returns with her new hit single which features Faith Evans & Kelly Price. The video (in which both Faith & Kelly are featured) has already been played by MTV & CD-UK. Mixes come from R.I.P. who are Tim Deluxe & Omar Adimora (X Men & 10 Below) who co-run Ice Cream Records with Andy Lysandrou (more commonly
known as one half of Truesteppers). Undadoggz are Steve Gurley & Zed Bias who are both prolific underground garage producers.  Zed Biasmore recently had a Top 20 hit with "Neigbourhood."  These mixes are not available on either the "My Love Is Your Love" album or "Greatest Hits." This is the track that radio has been asking about for months.


Radio One...

Since 'Heartbreak Hotel' has been C listed at Radio One (the UK's biggest national radio station), now would be a good time to use their Most Wanted request page for the song.  It isn't listed in their suggestions but you can add in the details of the song at the bottom of the page.


The Box...

[Blurb About Whitney From The Box UK Website]

Whitney was becoming the Queen of the duet with her recent alliances with George Michael and Enrique Iglesias. Now she's decided to top herself by having a threesome on her new single. 'Heartbreak Hotel' features Whitney alongside R&B divas Faith Evans & Kelly Price. The single is the third to be taken from taken from Whitney's 'Greatest Hits' album and was featured on Whitney's most recent studio album 'My Love Is Your Love'. 'Heartbreak Hotel' will be released on December 11.

Whitney Houston has recently been hitting headlines worldwide for all the wrong reasons,
sending rumour mills into overdrive, but her career as a musical artist seems to be unaffected.  Whitney's latest new single 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' entered the chart in October at No. 7. Having recently hit the Top 10 in the company of George Michael, Whitney once again demonstrated her good taste and sense of style by teaming up with Enrique Iglesias, the Latin superstar who joins her on 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever'.

The revival in fortunes kick-started by the success of the 'My Love Is Your Love' album continued on May 22 when her greatest hits compilation out sold Britney’s ‘Oops I Did It Again’ album to claim the top spot on the UK chart. This was then followed by the Top 10 success of the single 'If I Told You That'.

That track was especially re-recorded as a duet with George Michael for the greatest hits album. Whitney's double Greatest Hits album took just four weeks to earn its first platinum sales award. This follows the double platinum success of 'My Love Is Your Love' which has now sold over seven million* copies worldwide.

Thanks to its success Whitney has collected a string of awards recently including an MTV Europe Award for Best R&B Artist, while the song 'My Love Is Your Love' has earned her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance**.

* My Love Is Your Love has sold 10 million copies worldwide.
** Whitney's Grammy was for 'It's Not Right But It's Okay'.

Heartbreak Hotel is selection No.141
Could I Have This Kiss Forever is selection No.929.

 

France...

The repackaged Greatest Hits CD is widely available across France now and is competitively priced.  A new advertising campaign has been launched too featuring clips from original dance tracks such How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody as well as mentions for If I Told You That and Could I Have This Kiss Forever.

[Thanks Sebastien]

 

NEWSFILE: 27 NOVEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Up to No.9 (from No.22) - 28 weeks on chart - TRIPLE PLATINUM

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER
Top 75 Singles Chart - Down to No.63 (from No.42) - 8 week on chart.

The Greatest Hits becomes Whitney Houston's fifth album to receive a triple platinum  certification (900,000 units):

Whitney Houston - 5 times Platinum
Whitney - 7 times Platinum
The Bodyguard - 7 times Platinum
My Love Is Your Love - 3 times Platinum
Whitney The Greatest Hits - 3 times Platinum.

I'm Your Baby Tonight is Double Platinum, 'Waiting To Exhale' is Gold and 'The Preacher's Wife' is certified Silver.



German Update...

The new German Charts for 27 November 2000:

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHARTS
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.18 (from No.12) - 11 weeks on the chart.

MEDIA CONTROL ALBUM CHARTS
The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston Down to No.87 from No.76.


German Radio Charts...

ANTENNE BAYERN TOP 20 Radio Hits
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.8 (from No.6)

FFN Radio TOP 40
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.32 (from No.8)

FFN Radio Superhit Countdown - Listener's Charts
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Up to No.16 (from No.18)

[Thanks Sabine]



Other Charts...

SWITZERLAND SINGLE CHARTS from 27 November:
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.4 from No.3

NEW ZEALAND CHARTS
Could I Have This Kiss Forever -Up to No.39 from No.41 - 23 weeks on the charts (Gold)

SINGAPORE Power 98 FM Airplay Charts
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.29 from No.26

[Thanks Sabine]



Dutch Chart...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down to No.19 (from No.14) on the Dutch Singles Chart.

[Thanks Deborah]

NEWSFILE: 26 NOVEMBER 2000


Europe...

Still going strong - 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is at No.9 on the week's European Singles Chart.

[Thanks Lopez]


France...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down to No.20 (from No.16) on the  French Singles Chart, pushed down by a glut of new releases.

[Thanks Sebastien]


C...

UK's Radio One has C listed 'Heartbreak Hotel' (RIP Radio Edit).  The song should see a number of plays during the week as this third level ranking is usually used to test songs before upgrading them or dropping them.

Do your bit - request 'Heartbreak Hotel' in the UK.


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 2 December 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.197 (from No.195) - 27 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.76 (from No.61) - 12 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.66 (from No.55) - 12 weeks on chart.

UK Best Sellers...

The Top Twenty best selling albums in the UK for the year to date:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Play - Moby
The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem
The Man Who - Travis
Reload - Tom Jones
Sing When You're Winning - Robbie Williams
Born To Do It - Craig David
The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston

Supernatural - Santana
Rise - Gabrielle
White Ladder - David Gray
Come On Over - Shania Twain
In Blue - The Corrs
Ronan - Ronan Keating
Parachutes - Coldplay
Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants - Oasis
On How Life Is - Macy Gray
Oops I Did It Again - Britney Spears
Music - Madonna

Westlife - Westlife
Northern Star - Melanie C


A Fine DVD...

US fans - the 'Fine' DVD is now available.  It contains the videos for 'Fine', 'If I Told You That' and some behind the scenes footage of the filming of the 'Fine' video.

[Thanks Alan M.]

 


Samantha Mumba...


OFF THE RECORD OFF THE RECORD; I'd rather be Whitney than Britney
JOHN DINGWALL


11/23/2000
Scottish Daily Record


TEENAGE sensation Samantha Mumba took a pop at "blonde and smiley" Britney
Spears yesterday as she celebrated hitting number one in America.

Samantha, 17, outdid Robbie Williams, Oasis and stablemates Westlife by shooting to the top of the Billboard 100 with Stateside debut single Gotta Tell You. But now she fears being lumped in with Britney and Christina Aguilera as just another young and pretty female singer.

As she gave the Record an exclusive glimpse into her family photo album, Samantha
insisted she would rather be classed with diva Whitney Houston than with manufactured
teen acts.  She said: "Everyone is trying to compare me to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera but there are big differences between us. There are a lot of female artists my age around but they're all American and blonde and blue-eyed and smiley.   I'm totally the opposite of that. I won't tell fans I'm an angel or that I don't drink. "I want to show I have attitude and an opinion. I'm black and I'm from Ireland and that means I'm something totally different to what's gone before.

"I'd rather emulate Whitney because she is a particular idol of mine - an R&B diva. I'd love to get to know her. It's any female's ambition to have a career as successful and as
long as hers."


As our exclusive childhood pictures show, Dublin-born Samantha has always had star
quality. She has been guided to the big time by Louis Walsh, the Svengali behind Boyzone and Westlife.  He said: "This girl will be massive worldwide. She's the full package. I have enjoyed Boyzone and Westlife but Samantha is different because she is self-sufficient. She writes her own songs and I can see her on the Grammys before
too long. There's no reason why she can't have the same level of fame as people like Madonna."

Samantha told how she conned her way into a Dublin nightclub when she was only
15 because she was desperate to meet Walsh. She laughed: "I'd been told Louis was going to be at the club so I blagged my way in by saying I was an American R&B artist. The bouncers thought I was too young but I put on an accent and fooled them. Louis saw me and recognised me from some press coverage I'd been getting in Dublin. I thought he'd be this big music business guy but he looked completely different to what I'd expected. He's small and very funny. We met up, swapped numbers and he rang the next day. The benefits of having Louis as a manager are immeasurable. He got me my record deal, which is brilliant.

He still loves the boy bands but sees me as a new challenge. He knows I'm aiming
for the top." Samantha dismisses rumours that her relationship with Walsh is more than
professional.  She said: "I heard the other day that I was supposed to be having an affair with him but of course I'm not. We're just good friends and I burst out laughing when I heard that one. But at least people are talking about me."

Samantha's dad Peter is a Zambian who emigrated to Ireland 30 years ago and fell for her
mum Barbara soon after. A child prodigy, Samantha started dance classes aged three and first appeared on Irish TV when she was four. She went to the same stage school as Westlife pin-up Brian McFadden. "Stage school kids get labelled as precocious little brats in Britain but it's totally different here," she said.

Her career progressed into her teens and Walsh noticed her potential as she played
lead roles in local shows. "I got a lot of press and that got Louis's attention," she said. Walsh said: "She is the first black girl out of Ireland which is a selling point. The last black person to be successful from here was Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy. People think black people with an Irish accent are funny and the Americans love her. We are delighted."

As well as her music, Samantha has a modelling contract with the respected Ford
agency and a sponsorship deal with Levi's. And she isn't the only talent in the family. She plans to take 10- year-old brother Omero on the road with her as a dancer some day.
She said: "He's doing the same dancing that I did and he's going to be one of my
dancers. He's already following in my footsteps."

[Thanks MG]

NEWSFILE: 25 NOVEMBER 2000


Greatest Pop Of All...

The Rolling Stone website features a section where fans can vote for their favourites of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs.

The difference between the MTV poll and the Rolling Stone poll is that Rolling Stone allows you to rank as many songs as you like with 5 being 'Classic' and 1 being 'poor'.  MTV asks that you rank five songs with 1 being the best.

Everyone should Follow This Link to the Rolling Stone website and rank 'I Will Always Love You' as a classic.

If you're really bad, you can check the list first on the Rolling Stone site, find out the songs that are listed in the top 10 and rank them with a 1 (for poor) thus reducing their average ranking score at the same time as increasing Whitney's score.  But that's if you're really bad....


Could I Have Another No.1...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is the No.1 single in Nigeria this week.  The song has already reached No.1 in The Netherlands, Israel, Switzerland and Croatia in addition to being a European No.1 single.

[Thanks Deborah]

 

NEWSFILE: 21 NOVEMBER 2000


Fine DVD Tomorrow...

[Text from Whitney Houston Platinum Club]

Whitney DVD Due Tomorrow!
Whitney's DVD featuring "Fine" will be released to stores tomorrow, Tuesday, November 21st.The DVD will also include the video for "If I Told You That." Be sure to pick it up tomorrow! Also be sure to check out the new BMG compilation "Platinum Christmas" which is in stores now. It features Whitney's version of the traditional Christmas classic, "Who Would Imagine A King," that Whitney previously recorded for the "Preacher's Wife" soundtrack. Other artists appearing on this unique BMG Christmas compilation include: NSYNC, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Dido, Santana, Dave Matthews. Pink and many more!

In a special note to the Platinum Club, Whitney personally expressed her best wishes to all of her fans, wishing each of you a very happy beginning to your holiday season and the very best for a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday!


MTV's Top 100 Greatest Pop Songs...

Be sure to check out MTV (US) this week for MTV's Top 100 Greatest Pop Songs which will feature Whitney Houston during the week.

MTV is promising new interview segments - it's not confirmed whether or not a new Whitney Houston interview is included.

All Whitney Fans: Click Here to Log on to MTV.com's request for us to vote for our Top 5 Pop Songs. The only Whitney song listed is 'I Will Always Love You' so rank that No.1 followed by five other songs.  At time of publishing, 'I Will Always Love You' was ranked No.13 in the fan vote.  Lets get it up a bit!


This Is Christmas...

Platinum Christmas

This is the cover of the new Platinum Christmas CD which feature's Whitney Houston's 'Who Would Imagine A King' from 'The Preacher's Wife' soundtrack. 

The song was written by Mervyn Warren & Hallerin Hilton Hill and produced by Whitney Houston & Mervyn Warren.

[Thanks Daniel]


Are You Requesting?...

Please don't forget to use Global Request Whitney to request 'Fine' on US radio stations and MTV as well as requesting 'Heartbreak Hotel' in the UK and Europe.  Our requests count!

Thanks Dzemil for the new banner!


NEWSFILE: 20 NOVEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.22 (from No.18) - 27 weeks on chart - DOUBLE PLATINUM

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER
Top 75 Singles Chart - Down to No.42 (from No.28) - 7 week on chart.


Fine DVD...

The 'Fine' US DVD cover confirmed.  The DVD contains the videos for 'Fine' and 'If I Told You That' as well as some previously unreleased footage.

The scheduled release date is 20 November 2000.

[Thanks Dzemil]

German Chart Update...

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHARTS
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - down to No.12 (from No.9) - 10 weeks on the charts

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHARTS
The Greatest Hits - down to No.76 (from No.75)

German Radio Charts:

ANTENNE BAYERN TOP 20 RADIO HITS
Could I Have This Kiss Forever -Up to No.6

[Thanks Sabine]


Other Charts...

SWITZERLAND SINGLE CHARTS from Nov.19th
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - down to No.3 (from No.2) 

SRI LANKA Yes FM Hit List Airplay Charts
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - New in at No.20

SINGAPORE Power 98 FM Airplay Charts
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - down to No.26 from No.25

[Thanks Sabine]

Radio & Records...

Radio & Records Charts for the week ending 17 November 2000

Urban AC
Fine - Down to No.19 (from No.14).

[Thanks Jeffrey B.]

France: M6...

Whitney did not win the Best International Female award at France's M6 Awards - the honour went to Shania Twain.

[Thanks Mike]

NEWSFILE: 19 NOVEMBER 2000


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 25 November 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.195 (from No.186) - 26 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.61 (from No.57) - 11 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.55 (from No.50) - 11 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Adult Contemporary Chart - Remains at No.21 (second week) - 26 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]



The Greatest Of All Time...

[From Whitney Houston Platinum Club]

Whitney's "I Will Always Love You" Voted Among 100 Greatest Pop Songs
"I Will Always Love You" has been voted in the upcoming December 7th issue of Rolling Stone as among the 100 Greatest Pop Songs of the modern pop era. Whitney's version of Dolly Parton's tune was voted in at #40 by editors of Rolling Stone and programmers, producers and researchers alike from MTV who used the arrival of the Beatles to America as the starting point from which to gage their picks.

"I wrote the song in the early Seventies and recorded it a couple of times myself, but Whitney gave it new life," Dolly is quoted as saying in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone. As to the story behind how Whitney came to record what would become her most celebrated song to date, Whitney credits Bodyguard costar, Kevin Costner. "During the filming Kevin came to me with the song and told me to listen to it with my ears and not the way it was being sung by Dolly Parton. I cleared my trailer and sat down to listen and I realized Kevin was right."

Rolling Stone describes Whitney's performance as "soul- testifying and gospel-influenced vocals that reached for the heavens..." Check out the December 7th issue #855, and turn to page 86 to read Rolling Stone's testament to Whitney's stunning version of "I Will Always Love You."


All Heart...

'Heartbreak Hotel' has been named Single Of The Week on UK radio station Heart 106 FM.  The station reports to the UK airplay panel.

[Thanks Rob P.]


Dutch Chart...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down to No.14 (from No.8) on the Dutch Singles Chart.
'Whitney The Greatest Hits' drops to No.62 (from No.49) this week.

[Thanks Deborah]


Tribute CD...

The German Amazon Website lists a Whitney Houston Tribute CD for release on 14 November.  The CD hasn't been made available and no further details are available.

[Thanks Daniel]


Same Song Different Mix...

Thunderpuss have completed a remix of 'Same Script Different Cast' and a 6:57min sample of the new mix can be found on the Thunderpuss Website:

56k: www.thunderpuss2000.com/samescript.ram
DSL/Cable: www.thunderpuss2000.com/s...iptdsl.ram

[Thanks Robbie/Kevin]

Fine Remix...

We already know about the forthcoming Junior Vasquez remix of 'Fine' and now Razor N Guido remix(s) are also reportedly on the way.

[Thanks Kevin]

French Update...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' climbs to No.16 (from No.22) on it's seventh charting week in France.

[Thanks Sebastien]

 

Movie Rumour...

[Text of email from Sebastien]

The French December edition of Première (movie magazine) reports that Whitney could be involved in Claude Lelouch's (famous French director) next film, "And Now Ladies And Gentlemen...". The film, a love story between a French woman and an American man, will take place between France and the States, and will mix different kinds of movies, such as drama, thriller, and musical.

No details yet on whether Whitney is considering some involvement in the movie.

[Thanks Sebastien]

BMG Music Club...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is soon to be offered as a special feature in the BMG Music Club - probably between the next month to six weeks.

[Thanks Tim]

 

Princess Diaries...

[From www.iwon.com]

WHITNEY HOUSTON visited the Los Angeles set of "Princess Diaries," a film she is producing. As a birthday surprise for director Garry Marshall, she appeared on the set wheeling out a huge cake, singing "Happy Birthday." The tabloid- bruised songbird looked and sounded fabulous! She also spent time chatting with the movie's star, JULIE ANDREWS, saying of her, "Julie's voice is touched by God, whether she's singing or speaking."


The Global Picture...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down to No.8 on the Worldpop Singles Chart and up to No.5 (from No.8 and a former No.1) on the European Singles Chart.

[Thanks Jim]


NEWSFILE: 16 NOVEMBER 2000


US Promotion...

[Text of Email From Alan M]

I spoke to my rep today from BMG and she told me that Arista is planning a US holiday push for Whitney (& Toni) They have ordered all new POP (instore posters) That they plan to have hung in stores within the next few weeks.

The Rep told me that they were talking about repackaging but decided that that would not boost sales so they will more than like not do it. She also told me that they are wondering if they will go forward with the 'Fine' single.  They made the mistake of putting the song on Totally Hits 3 because they were not going to release it as a single and now they are not sure if it is worth it. She told me that they gave out promos for all of the other DVD singles but they are holding on to the Whitney single until they decide.

[Thanks Alan]


The Bodyguard...

Virgin (UK) are selling The Bodyguard DVD for £12.99 as part of a new campaign.  A great time for UK fans to pick it up.

[Thanks Nick]

 

NEWSFILE: 14 NOVEMBER 2000


American Music Awards...

Whitney Houston has been nominated for the Favorite Female Artist awards in the Soul/Rhythm & Blues category in the 2001 American Music Awards.  Also nominated in the category are Toni Braxton and Kelly Price.   The ceremony takes place on 8 January 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium.

Whitney has won 21 American Music Awards and been nominated 38 times.

 

Vegas Review...

[Las Vegas Review Journal Concert Review]

WHITNEY HOUSTON AND BOBBY BROWN:
Couple show it's their prerogative to be happy

Pair set out to put drug rumors to rest

By MIKE WEATHERFORD

REVIEW-JOURNAL

Was Whitney Houston singing as though she had something to prove Friday night, or just showing off? It was likely a bit of both, but proof is still proof.

The now-infamous singer and her husband Bobby Brown told their Aladdin concert hall audience Friday that "we decided that we would finally do a show together," but Brown also let slip that it was a show the two want to take on tour.

If so, they had to use Friday's isolated concert to put drug rumors to rest. They had to show promoters and venues burned by cancellations that they were healthy and capable of pulling off a gig on time and in good voice.

In other words, their careers were on the line. This was drama. Redemption. "Rocky IV," after nearly a year of getting smacked around by the big bad Russian.

Houston rose to the drama, and came roaring back with the cocksure bravado of a jail-sprung Mike Tyson. Brown, the real jailbird of the marriage, was more like Buster Douglas. But then, judging from the crowd, he had the raw deal going in.

Though marriage united them, Bobby and Whitney never had exactly the same audience. And the situation was even more extreme on Friday; the number of retirement-age folks in jackets and ties suggested the Aladdin invited a lot of its high-rollers to the event after initially slow ticket sales.

And Brown showed them the same tired hip-swiveling he's been doing since 1989. It was like a member of 'N Sync performing for the parents of today's fans -- 10 years from now. Worse still, the dubious decision to come out firing with his biggest hit, "My Prerogative," found some people still looking for their seats and others told to sit down by Aladdin ushers.

Brown quickly shed his coat to show he'd been pumping iron during his summer jail stint, but didn't have enough cell space to work on his cardiovascular system. He huffed, puffed and sweated, but stubbornly refused to give up the old stage-humping bit and just sing. ("I'm gonna ask my kids to close their eyes," he said for the benefit of the couple's two children watching from the wings.)

And then there was what George W. Bush might call "fuzzy math, fuzzy math!" Brown told the crowd he'd been sober for 274 days, even though he went to jail after testing positive for cocaine. And he said he hadn't performed in seven years, apparently forgetting the whole New Edition reunion tour debacle of 1997.

His 40-minute set (so much for the equal billing) was mostly a sad reminder of what promise the young star once had with optimistic pop hits as "Every Little Step." A retooled "Don't Be Cruel" showed an oldie can be updated, but if he wants to tour with his wife he's probably better off learning some Al Green covers.

There was certainly a lot of church in Houston's set. It was a night rooted in salvation, with the first words out of her mouth, "Remember when it all began ..."

That song, "Get It Back," was the first of three from Houston's neglected "My Love is Your Love" album. They reminded the crowd she can still function as a contemporary pop star if she can work through her tabloid troubles.

A torchy reworking of "Saving All My Love for You" let the singer run circles around the melody with a zeal to defy the skeptics. She sounded twice as good as her 1994 concert here.

But as the night wore on, the showboating became a crutch to replace real emotion. It's a combination of Houston's church-singing childhood and the overkill of her '80s-pop background. The vocal scaling worked fine for her extended gospel set in the middle of the show, but got in the way of tunes where the "he done me wrong" lyrics of "I Learned From the Best" could have resonated loudly enough on their own.

Her biggest hit, "I Will Always Love You," was more like a stunt singing than a song, with Houston taking time to wind up for the pitches. Sure it's a silly song, but it didn't get any better by stopping in the middle to introduce singer-TV star Brandy, or stopping again later on to wish her sister-in-law a happy birthday.

Brown emerged in a skirt and cowboy hat for an encore of "My Love is Your Love" and their duet, "Something in Common." With one of their daughters onstage as well, it was easy to pretend that this was indeed a storybook fantasy, and that the last year never happened. And by the time they waltzed off, arm in arm, they had us on their side -- hoping this is one melodrama the National Enquirer will lose in favor of an old-fashioned happy ending.


MTV: Paul Robeson...

[MTV News/VH1 Report]

Whitney, Bobby To Play Paul Robeson Tribute

R&B superstar Whitney Houston, her husband, R&B singer Bobby Brown, and her mother, gospel legend Cissy Houston, will perform as part of a star-studded salute to the life of fellow New Jersey native Paul Robeson on November 28 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, the city where both Houstons were born.

Along with the Houstons and Brown, singers Angela Bofill, Denyce Graves and Melba Moore, actors Avery Brooks, Ossie Davis and James Earl Jones, dancer/actor Gregory Hines, the Dance Theater of Harlem, jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Paul Robeson, Jr., will take part in a multi-media presentation of images of Robeson.

"Paul Robeson was the most distinguished performing artist of his time,'' Cissy Houston said last week. "Every black American — no, every person — should take strength from his fight for equality for all people.''

Robeson (1898-1976), the distinguished, Princeton-born athlete, scholar, singer, actor and humanitarian, whose activism on behalf of civil rights, anti-colonialism and the Soviet Union engendered controversy, is being honored as the "Voice of the Millennium'' at the gala.

There is a personal bond between the Houstons and Robeson, Cissy Houston said. Robeson, a personal friend of Whitney Houston's paternal grandparents, was godfather to Whitney's father, John Houston.

Whitney Houston will sing "I Loves You, Porgy,'' from "Porgy and Bess,'' and she will participate in the evening's grand finale, according to the event's director, Curtis Farrow of the Jersey City-based production company Irving Street Rep.

If the singer appears as planned, the event will be her first performance at the Newark theater. She had scheduled a show there in July, 1999, but she canceled minutes before show time, citing throat problems as the reason. That show has not been rescheduled.

Several other missed performances last year and this year — including a high-profile withdrawal from March's Academy Awards ceremony — have led to intense media speculation about Houston's condition, especially in light of her pleading no contest earlier this month to marijuana-possession charges she faced in a January incident in which security guards at Hawaii's Keahole-Kona International Airport seized her handbag, suspecting she was carrying the drug.

A judge in Hawaii on November 2 agreed to let the charges be dropped if Houston stays out of legal trouble for three months. Brown has had his own recent troubles with the law; he was released from a Florida jail in July, after spending a little more than two months behind bars for several parole violations stemming from a 1998 DUI conviction.

"We're all very supportive of [Whitney], and the charges are being dismissed,'' said Patricia Houston, the singer's sister-in-law and a spokesperson for the event. "She's going to be among friends and family ... she's America's sweetheart.''

Proceeds from the night, which will be taped for airing on PBS in March, will benefit inner-city students of Newark's Rutgers University, Robeson's alma mater, and the Paul Robeson Foundation, which teaches people about Robeson's life.

Tickets range from $75 to $1,000. For more information ,call the theater, (888) 466-5722, or the event's hotline, (201) 659-4901. otline, (201) 659-4901.

European Albums...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.33 (from No.32) on the European Album Chart.

[Thanks Lopez]


BMG Australia...

[Marketing Blurb From BMG Australia]

Whitney Houston

To capture the essence and importance of such an enduring and remarkable artist is no easy task. Tens of millions of people around the world still sing along to Whitney whether it be getting ready for a big night, relaxing on a Sunday afternoon or watching a music video show. And the reason we are still listening to her, enjoying her movies or watching her music videos is simple - she is nothing less than a superstar who will be remembered for a very long time to come.

Whitney's current "Greatest Hits" record provides a musical journey from way back in 1985 to the present day. Songs like the unforgettable "I Will Always Love You" (from "The Bodyguard"), "Saving All My Love For You", "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)", "I Learned From The Best", "Run To You" and many others are featured (35 tracks in all!). Matter of fact, Whitney has had so many hit songs that Whitney's record label, Arista, couldn't fit all the tracks on one CD!

This landmark collection of songs all features recent hits such as "My Love Is Your Love" and Whitney's duet with Enrique Iglesias "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (Metro Mix) as well as her current single "If I Told You That" (with George Michael!).

"The Greatest Hits" is also available on DVD and video - both provide an intimate look at the evolution of Whitney's singing career right up to the present day.

So if you're one of the two million people in Australia who owns a Whitney Houston record or just enjoy the music on the radio, this definitive collection is as enjoyable as it is astounding - how can one woman achieve so much!?!?!


NEWSFILE: 13 NOVEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.18 (from No.16) - 26 weeks on chart - DOUBLE PLATINUM

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER
Top 75 Singles Chart - Down to No.28 (from No.21) - 6 week on chart.


Radio & Records...

Radio & Records Charts for the week ending 10 November 2000

Urban
Fine - Down to No.29 (from No.27)

Urban AC
Fine - Up to No.14 (from No.20) with bullet.

[Thanks Jeffrey B.]


NEWSFILE: 12 NOVEMBER 2000


Vegas Tonight...

Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown will perform tonight at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.

 

If I Told You That...

Contrary to what the official George Michael Website says, Arista Records have confirmed that 'If I Told You That' will be worked as a single for the new year in the US.

 

Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 18 November 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Up to No.186 (from No.188) - 25 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.57 (from No.53) - 10 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.50 (from No.47) - 10 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Adult Contemporary Chart - Up to No.21 (from No.23) - 27 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lisa D.]


German Charts...

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHART
9 (9) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHART
75 (65) The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston

[Thanks Sabine]

 

France: New Cover...

Whitney - The Greatest Hits [France]This is the cover of the limited edition 'Whitney The Greatest Hits' being issued in France for Christmas.  It's the third new cover to be featured across Europe.  This edition is released on Tuesday 14 November 2000.


[Thanks Julian]

Confirmed Germany Cover...

wtgh_germany1.jpg (10122 bytes)Straight from BMG Germany, the confirmed cover for the German seasonal issue of 'Whitney The Greatest Hits' as originally detailed right here earlier this week.

The album is currently Platinum in Germany.

 



[Thanks Daniel]

 

UK: Heartbreak Hotel...

[From BMG Backstage]

Whitney Houston: New single 'Heartbreak Hotel'

'Heartbreak Hotel' sees Whitney back to her classic best.

The third single to be taken from Whitney's recent double platinum selling album, 'The Greatest Hits', 'Heartbreak Hotel' features Whitney's signature sexy soulful vocals backed with a mid tempo funky beat.

'Heartbreak Hotel' also features the sublime vocal skills of Bad Boy's Faith Evans and Def Jam's one and only Kelly Price. The breathy, seductive vocal will leave you wanting more and more! With mixes from R.I.P (the RIP radio edit) and Undadoggz (Undadoggz radio edit), this single is a must!

Whitney Houston is without doubt one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. She has provided a benchmark for R&B singers for the past 15 years and has produced some of the worlds best loved songs.
 
'Heartbreak Hotel' is out 11th December on CD and Cassette.
 
'The Greatest Hits' album is out now!

 

Tamia...

[Comment From Tamia Interview]

With its songs about broken romances and cheating mates, Tamia's second album, simply titled Tamia, does not paint many pictures of domestic bliss. And that's something the R&B singer says hasn't escaped her husband, NBA star Grant Hill.    "He was just like, 'Baby, can you put some more love songs on the album? People are going to think I beat you!'" Tamia says with a laugh. "People always think what you sing about is your life; they think every heartbreak song Whitney [Houston] sings is about Bobby [Brown]. It's not, necessarily. You have a little bit of acting when you come to music, portray a certain character."

NEWSFILE: 10 NOVEMBER 2000


Germany...

This appears to be the new cover for the re-packaged Greatest Hits album for Germany accoring to the official German Whitney Houston Website.  The double set will be re-issued on 20 November 2000 in the lead up to Christmas.

 

[Thanks Daniel]

R Kelly...

MTV Germany's 'In Touch' show featured an interview with R Kelly in which he sang part of a song that he has written with Whitney Houston in mind. 

Kelly later sang the full first verse and a part of the chorus on Germany's most popular R&B radio: JAM FM.  Here's the lyrics to the part he sang:

After all that we've been through
I look to you, I look to you
Can't hide my feelings
It's still the same
I'm the writer, you're my inspiration
Sometimes the pain
And when all melodies are gone
And you hear this song
I still look to you, I still look to you

R Kelly has also written a song for Mariah Carey and he said that Whitney's song will sound similar and plans to finish the writing and production of the song this weekend, supposedly because Whitney/Arista have asked that he hurry to meet a December deadline.

No official word on the details stated - Manish.

[Thanks TG]


Germany: The Greatest R&B...

On Germany's JAM FM 'Groove Town' radio show, Kenny B (DJ) announced that 'Fine' is the most successful song at German R&B radio ever.  The song surpassed 'Stressed Out' by A Tribe Called Quest and 'My Love Is The Shhhh' by Something For The People which were the two most played songs until now. 

Whitney's 'My Love Is Your Love' is the No.5 most popular R&B song.

Whitney Houston features nine times on the all time Top 30.

[Thanks TG]

 

European Tour Rumours...

On the 'Kenny B-Show' (JAM FM Germany), the DJ stated that Whitney Houston will perform around ten concerts in Germany in May/June 2001.  The radio station plans to have competitions to win tickets for the shows for other European shows.

Shows in France, Spain, Switzerland and Italy are also on the schedule according to JAM FM with the final show coming from Berlin or London to be broadcast across Europe.  The UK and Germany will again be the primary stops.

Again, no official word on the details stated - Manish.

[Thanks TG]

 

French Chart Update...

A good week for Whitney on the French Singles Chart as 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' climbs to No.22 (from No.83) on it's sixth charting week.

[Thanks Sebastien]

 

Dutch Chart Update...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down  to No.8 (from No.5) on the Dutch Top 40 (8th week on the chart).

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.49 (from No.35) on the Dutch Album Top 100 (25th week on the chart). Previous weeks: 35-30-29.

[Thanks Deborah]

NEWSFILE: 8 NOVEMBER 2000


Vegas...

[lvshowbiz.com Article]

Spousal Arousal

Whitney Houston and hubby Bobby Brown marry their talents at the Aladdin
By Steve Bornfeld

They've had some problems lately.

Maybe you heard.

But hey, when it comes to entertaining audiences--Houston, we've got no problem. The diva and the dynamo--Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown--who also double as husband and wife, will double-team Las Vegas when they storm the stage of the Aladdin on Nov. 10.

Houston you know intimately. She's your baby, tonight. She just wants to dance with somebody. She's your greatest love of all. She will always love you. Her rhythm - and - blues - belting other half has made more headlines than hits in recent years. But he's got his own claim to music fame with a string of successes: "My Prerogative," "Girlfriend," "Don't Be Cruel," "Roni," "Every Little Step," "On Our Own," "Rock Witcha," "Good Enough" and the unromantically titled "Humpin' Around," all enhanced by his breezily confident delivery and electrified by his sexually charged dance moves. The couple married their vocals on the duet "Something in Common."

"He's my greatest supporter and inspiration," Houston told the Boston Herald about her husband, whom she credits with pushing her toward the hip-hop beats that increasingly pepper her soulful pop. "He's the hip-hop king, man. He knows all about it. It's wonderful when you have a partner you can relate to and absorb certain things from. It's very cool." Brown, who left behind the kiddie funk of the vocal group New Edition in 1986, found considerable success as a solo artist--unfortunately linked to tabloid infamy.

"Trouble must like being in my shadow or something," Brown told Upscale magazine. "But the media was calling me a 'bad boy' all the time because of the way I act and feel onstage. None of them have ever taken the time to get to know me when I climb offstage. I could really care less what they think about me, but at the same time, I do have something to prove--that I have more hits in me. I have a lot more to say."

Brown has had a lot to say musically already, but it's his wife who has redefined the image of pop princess over the past decade--her golden-throated vocals setting the lofty standard of the times. Originally from Newark, N.J., and blessed with an unparalleled musical pedigree--her mom is gospel great Cissy Houston and her cousin is pop legend Dionne Warwick--Houston polished her pipes in the church choir, where she developed into a soloist by age 11.

By her mid-teens, she was singing back-up for Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls, appearing in concert with her mom and gracing New York clubs, before teaming with Teddy Pendergras for the 1984 hit "Hold Me."

The following year, the Houston rocket took off when music mogul Clive Davis, president of Arista Records, signed her to the label and guided her through her debut album, which yielded the now-classic hits "You Give Good Love," "Saving All My Love For You," "How Will I Know" and "The Greatest Love of All."

Davis, the architect of her phenomenal recording career, remains its foundation 15 years after launching her into the superstar stratosphere. "Clive is an adviser, a teacher," Houston told the Boston Herald. "You have to listen to him, learn from him, watch him every time. He's definitely hip. Clive is the man."

And Houston's the woman, piling credits on top of credits. Beyond her multiple hits and bona fide "diva" rep--keeping company with the likes of Tina Turner, Cher and Aretha Franklin on that score--Houston has conquered both the big and small screens as an actress with starring roles in The Bodyguard, The Preacher's Wife, Waiting to Exhale and Cinderella. What's left to conquer? The stage of the Aladdin with her hip-hoppin' hubby.

Houston, we've got no problem.

[Thanks Amina]

 

NEWSFILE: 7 NOVEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Remains at No.16 (2nd week) -25 weeks on chart - DOUBLE PLATINUM
Video Chart - Re-Entry at No.26 - 23 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER
Top 75 Singles Chart - Down to No.21 (from No.16) - 5 week on chart.


Germany...

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLE CHARTS
9 (8) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias

MEDIA CONTROL ALBUM CHARTS
65 (58) The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston

[Thanks Sabine]


M6 Awards...

Whitney Houston has been nominated in the 'Best International Female' category for France's M6 Awards.

The show takes place in Lille , France on 17 November 2000.

[Thanks Julian]


Radio & Records...

Radio & Records Charts for the week ending 27 October 2000

Urban
Fine - Up to No.27 (from No.28) with a bullet

Urban AC
Fine - Up to No.20 (from No.23) with bullet.

[Thanks Jeffrey B.]

This Day In History...

I'm Your Baby Tonight - 1990 The Whitney Houston album, 'I'm Your Baby Tonight', saw it's worldwide release this day in 1990 (and on 6 November in the US).  In the ten years since, the album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, certified quadruple platinum in the US and sold around 600,000 copies in the UK.

The title track and first single from the album marked the first time Whitney worked with LA & Babyface.  The album generated two US Hot100 number one singles, both certified Gold.

The album picked up four Billboard Music Awards and also three Grammy nominations in separate years.

The Japanese release of the album features the bonus tracks 'Takin' A Chance' (co-written by Whitney Houston) and a cover of the Steve Winwood classic, 'Higher Love'.


Mr Showbiz...

Excerpt from Mr. Showbiz interview with Will Smith:

Q: Is your production company still set to do a remake of Diva for Whitney Houston?
A: Yeah, we're still talking about that.

Q: Do you think Whitney is getting fair treatment in the press right now?
A: Oh, man, you know, you just always wish that people would just leave folks alone, and let people deal with their lives. There are obviously some things that she is struggling with in her life right now, and it's like, just leave her alone, you know? Let her have a minute.

[Thanks Lopez]

NEWSFILE: 5 NOVEMBER 2000


Hawaii: No Contest...

Infobeat: Houston pot case said resolved

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) - A marijuana-possession case against Whitney Houston will be dismissed in three months if she meets certain probation-like conditions, a lawyer for the pop music star said. Honolulu attorney Brook Hart and attorneys from Houston's home state of New Jersey appeared on her behalf at a hearing Thursday in state district court in Kona. Houston was not present. The petty misdemeanor charge stemmed from a Jan. 11 incident at Keahole-Kona International Airport on Hawaii Island. Houston's handbag was seized by a security guard, and police reported it contained half an ounce of marijuana. Houston and her husband, Bobby Brown, boarded a flight to San Francisco before police arrived. Houston faced a possible penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Judge Joseph Florendo agreed to delay acceptance of a no-contest plea on the singer's behalf until three months from now under a process allowed by state law, Hart said. If Houston meets certain undisclosed conditions during that time, the case will be erased from her record, Hart said. In general, to have a case dismissed under this process, a defendant must stay out of legal trouble and abide by other restrictions similar to probation.

[Thanks Rodney]


E Online Article...

Houston Pleads No Contest to Hawaii Pot Charges
by Mark Armstrong


Looks like Whitney Houston's Hawaiian pot bust is just a few charitable donations away from getting wiped clean.

Lawyers for the pop diva pleaded no contest Thursday to a marijuana possession charge stemming from her January run-in with Hawaiian airport security, who allegedly found half an ounce of pot in her carry-on bag.

Kona District Court Judge Joseph Florendo ruled that Houston, 37, may have the case dismissed and her record cleared of the petty misdemeanor in three months, if she agrees to several probation-type conditions. She did not appear in court Thursday, but Honolulu attorney Brook Hart and New Jersey lawyer Bryan Blaney entered the plea in her place.

Among the conditions: Houston must make a $1,000 contribution to the Hawaii State General Fund; a $25 contribution to the Criminal Victim's Compensation Fund and--in place of community service--a $3,000 donation to a youth-oriented anti-drug program, Big Island Wave Riders Against Drugs.

Houston also must stay out of legal trouble and submit to drug testing or evaluation, if necessary. Florendo ruled that because the Grammy-winning singer has no prior criminal record, she appeared to qualify under a Hawaii statute that gives her the chance to clear her record. She initially faced up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"Ms. Houston is very pleased with the outcome in that the charges will soon be dismissed," Louis Copeland Jr., one of Houston's lawyers, tells E! Online.

Copeland says Houston also voluntarily submitted to a drug test this week, "and the results came back as we expected--negative. She voluntarily did this on her own prior to us going to court, just to show and prove there are no problems."

Houston was stopped January 11 at Keahole-Kona International Airport, when security guards searched her bag and allegedly found marijuana in two plastic baggies and three partially smoked joints. But Houston and hubby Bobby Brown hopped on their flight to San Francisco before police arrived.

It was, however, the Hawaii incident that sparked a tabloid-fueled frenzy over Houston's state of health earlier this year. The pot bust--followed by a series of strange incidents and a no-show at the Oscars--led some to speculate that Houston was battling a drug problem.

Just this week, singer and former drug addict Natalie Cole offered her own advice to Houston, telling Access Hollywood, "I think she is isolated and it's going to take a small miracle to be able to cut through some of this stuff.

"I guess [that is] kind of protecting her with good intentions, but she needs to be saved. The only thing I always say to Whitney is, 'Call me. You know my number.'"

In a statement released Friday, the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office said it's "satisfied" with the outcome. The Kona court was closed Thursday due to storms and flooding in the area, but Deputy Prosecutor Mel Fujino says the court made an exception for Houston's lawyer because he flew in from New Jersey for the proceedings.

 

The Global Picture...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' continues it's run as one of the year's biggest hits.  On the Worldbeat Singles Chart, it holds at No.4 for a third week.  On Billboard's European Singles Chart, the song is at No.5 this week (a former No.1).


French Update...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' climbs to No.83 (from No.84) on it's fifth week on the French Singles Chart.  The commercial single was released this week so the song should make a stronger gain next week.

The single includes the Metro Mix and the Original version of the song.

[Thanks Sebastien]

 

NEWSFILE: 4 NOVEMBER 2000


Two Years & Two Mixes On...

Heartbreak Hotel: Arista UK In House Promo

A Classic Whitney exclusive - the two new remixes of 'Heartbreak Hotel' from the
Arista UK in-house promo CD are available via streaming RealAudio!

Heartbreak Hotel - R.I.P Radio Edit [3:42]

Heartbreak Hotel - Undadoggz Radio Edit [3:39]

[Special Thanks - Matt J.]


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 11 November 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.188 (from No.170) - 24 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Re-Entry at No.98 - with bullet - 23 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Up to No.53 (from No.55) - 9 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Remains at No.47 (2nd week) with bullet  - 9 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Adult Contemporary Chart - Down to No.23 (from No.22) - 26 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]

 

NEWSFILE: 2 NOVEMBER 2000

OCTOBER 2000 NEWSFILE CAN BE FOUND HERE

ARCHIVE NEWSFILE

 

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