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[Text from Billboard's Dance Trax section]Okay we admit: We're still reeling from Whitney Houston's surprise performance June 27 at Heritage of Pride's 13th annual Lesbian & Gay Pride's Dance on the pier in N.Y. Houston capped a 7 hour event that included performances by Norma Lewis, Kim English, and Erin Hamilton, a crossover star just waiting to happen! Sashaying onto the stage, Arista's Houston, with the widest of smiles, told the 7,000 punter's that it felt great "to be here". After much thunderous applause, Houston let loose with the only dance versions of "Heartbreak Hotel" and the indefatigable "It's Not Right But It's Okay". Now, if ya think about it, this was a major coup not only for the the lesbian and gay community but for the club community as well. Both communities have ferociously embraced the singer since her emergence in the mid-80's. And, well, it's never too late to show one's respect and say "thanks" to an audience that has been there every step of the way. And thankfully, nothing about Houston's appearance seemed contrived; it appeared completely genuine. Perhaps Houston's appearance will encourage other artist to make similar moves and acknowledge those who acknowledge them." -- Michael Paoletta. NEWSFILE: 3 JULY 1999 |