Losing An Inspiration

The news of Whitney Houston’s death on February 11, 2012 shook the world and caused many tears to fall. The news was tragic, but for this music professor, she not only lost Houston, but also lost a musical inspiration.

“I saw Whitney in concert in my 20s. Her voice was so strong and she could do so many things with it. I was so impressed by what she could do, she was just amazing, perfect,” said Jennifer Robinson, a voice instructor at the University of Mississippi.

Jennifer Robinson started singing at 5 years old and knew immediately that she wanted to be a performer. Houston’s musical career inspired her to complete her work.

“Whitney did a lot of breakthrough, her voice was such a unique instrument,” Robinson said.

After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in vocal music education from Western Michigan University and her Master of Music in vocal performance from Florida State University, Robinson pursued doctoral studies leading to her doctorate of musical arts degree at the University of Illinois all while listening to Houston’s music to inspire her.

“I believe performing picks you, you don’t really pick it. You have to absolutely love it and I believe that Whitney loved performing. She gave an incredible performance. She was really just the whole package. I remember I was in awe of her musical capabilities and her outstanding performance,” Robinson said.

Whitney Houston set world records and was the most awarded female act of all time. She was also one of the world’s best selling artists, selling more than a million copies of an album within a single week period. In 2008, Rolling Stone listed Houston as the thirty-fourth of the 100 greatest singers of all time.

“Looking back on it, I think my favorite Whitney Houston song is I Wanna Dance With Somebody because it’s just the most fun song. It just makes me want to let loose and dance and sing along,” Robinson said.

Robinson says Houston has inspired her through her schooling and into her teachings now at Ole Miss. Robinson keeps Houston in her thoughts when she is giving her students voice lessons and hopes her students can find a musical inspiration just like she found Houston to give her inspiration throughout her professional career.