Clive Davis, long-time producer and mentor of Whitney Houston, spoke candidly and honestly about the star at her funeral yesterday.
One of the last people to see Whitney alive, Clive Davis addressed her mourners with his recollections of her final days.
And, in a fitting tribute, he also praised Whitney for her modesty and down-to-earth attitude when it came to her success:
"When she broke the all time record of seven consecutive number ones we just felt utter disbelief. I would ask her, 'Are you pinching yourself?' She would say, with wide open eyes, 'I'm pinching myself. She never took anything for granted. She was never arrogant. She was always grateful and appreciative."
It was a time for remembering Whitney and, for Clive, that meant every single aspect of the star, good and bad. He mentioned Whitney's problems with substance abuse, recalling her famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in which she confessed to smoking "marijuana with rock cocaine" with ex-husband Bobby Brown.
Yet despite all of Whitney's personal demons, Clive recalled her as his most loyal friend:
"Whitney was, purely and simply, one of a kind. Yes, she admitted to crises in her life. Yes, she confessed to Oprah about her searing battles. But when I needed her she was there. She was there for me, an eternally loyal friend. Whatever the cause or event, she was there dominating the stage, stunning an audience and creating still another lifetime memory. 'I Believe In You And Me' she sang, looking me straight in the eye, showing she knew we've always been in it together."
Clive loved Whitney as a daughter, as his emotional eulogy shows, yet it was his message for Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina that really showcased the depths of his feelings towards the late singer:
"I was her industry father and I was and am so proud of it. And Bobbi Kristina you too always, always be proud of your mother. She loved you so very much. She defined not only pure talent but true heart and soul as well. She'll forever be looking after you and will never let go of your hand."
Whitney Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel last Saturday, just hours before she was due to appear at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammys party.
Whitney Houston: 1963 - 2012
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