The platform where I unleash my personality, wit, charm, and humor while sharing my comments and highly sought after opinions on...EVERYTHING: life (my life, the lives of others, life in NYC), love/relationships and other things that waste time, entertainment, current events, weird social behaviors, and anything else I feel needs my love and special attention.
I'm your everyday, quintessential, slightly above average [pseudo] celebrity/poet/author/executive and personal assistant /voice actor who's talented, creative, charming, some-what funny individual who is indescribable in words. In short, I'm the person you never thought existed until you know me in your own special way.
It's time to say: Goodbye and good riddance 2025! That's it, that's the statement and the sentiment. Now, let's get to the music.
Below is the list of musical jewels that were my go-to's, my stick-with-me's, my melodies-for-moments from throughout the year. Like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2025
Eminem - Mockingbird (instrumental)
Whitney Houston - I Have Nothing
Whitney Houston vs Maxwell - Thinking About You (Audio Savage's Matrimony Mashup)
Mary J. Blige - Love No Limit
Eric Benet & Chante Moore - So Distracted
Tweet - Neva Felt This Way
Cody Johnson - Til You Can't
Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama
R. Kelly - Sadie
2Pac - Dear Mama
Whitney Houston - You Were Loved
Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me
Leela James - Rise 'N Shine
Whitney Houston & The Georgia Mass Choir - Hold On, Help Is On The Way
Black Pumas - Black Moon Rising
Chic - Good Times
Anita Cochran - I Could Love A Man Like That
Shawn Mendes - There's Nothing Holding Me Back
Quiana Parler - Wade In The Water
Angie Fisher - Queen (remix)
Hall & Oates - One On One
KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes
Michael Jackson - Ain't No Sunshine
Monica - Why I Love You So Much
Jeff Beck & Joss Stone - I Put A Spell On You
Thunderstorm Artis - Stronger
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - Islands In The Stream
Donny Hathaway - Jealous Guy
Johnny Wolf - Sunny Bossa
Nick Hustles - I'm Letting Go of The Bullshit
Mariah Carey - Mi
NOTE: If a video is missing from the playlist, blame YouTube; not me. :-)
Well, well, well...another year has come and gone. 2024, it's time to put a pin in you. You did your thang; brought on changes but provided some memories, too -- many of which are attached to music. No surprise, because you know how I do.
As with tradition: below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2024
P!nk - Turbulence
Jazzmela Horn - I'm Going Down
Eric Clapton - I've Got A Rock 'n Roll Heart
Ledisi ft. Kenny Lattimore - Perfect Stranger
Ledisi - All The Way
Whitney Houston - Look Into Your Heart
Earth, Wind, & Fire - Let's Groove (instrumental)
Lisa Stansfield - All Around The World
Leon Bridges - Sho Nuff
Teddy Swims - Lose Control
Teddy Swims - Amazing
Beyonce - Lost Yo Mind
Pitbull + Dolly Parton - Powerful Women
JoJo - Vibe
MaKenzie + TA Thomas - Maybe
Jerry Lee Lewis - Trouble In Mind
James Ingram - I Believe I Can Fly
Moti - No Scrubs
Pacific - Moody
Pacific - Soho
Beyonce - Ego
Whitney Houston - Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Monica - With You
Brett Young - In Case You Didn't Know
Miles Davis - Tutu
NOTE: If a video is missing from the playlist, blame YouTube; not me. :-)
2023 went by so quickly, I don't remember most of it; but, according to the amount of songs on this list I must have spent most of the year listening to music. If you know me, you know that's not uncommon for any given year.
We've been doing this for years, but if you're new here: below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo
SPOILER: It's shorter than 2022's soundtrack.
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2023
N'Qya - Kick Back Spot
Joss Stone - Free Me
Whitney Houston - Salute
Miley Cyrus - Flowers
Dua Lipa - Levitating
Beyonce - Cuff It (Wetter Remix)
Harry Styles - Cinema
Panic At The Disco - Hey Look Ma, I Made It
Saint Harrison - Homies
Whitney Houston - He Can Use Me
Ash and Naila - Gorgeous
Macy Todd - I've Got Feelin'
Austin Giorgio - You Put A Spell On Me
Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa - Sweetest Pie
Cody Johnson - 'Til You Can't
Jelly Roll - Save Me
Diamond Cafe - Body Weak
Dua Lipa - Dance The Night
Pitbull - It Takes 3
Tamia - Almost
Boney M - Sunny (Dear Pluche Remix)
Whitney Houston - He/I Believe
NOTE: If a video is missing from the playlist, blame YouTube; not me. :-)
2022 was the year that felt as if it passed by quickly and also felt as if it lasted longer than necessary. But music being music, music-ed(?) and got me through it; as you can tell from the list below, I enjoyed some music this year.
Below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2022
Ebony Jenae - Little Brown Girl
Gregory Abbott - Shake You Down
Brett Eldredge - Holy Water
Whitney Houston - Just The Lonely Talking Again
Whitney Houston - Lover For Life
Etta James - Stormy Weather
Tweet - Boogie 2Nite
Diplo + Sidepiece - On My Mind
Ari Lennox - Pressure
Akon + Snoop Dogg - I Wanna Love You
Aiyana Lee - Make You Love Me
Aiyana Lee - Gangster of Love
King George - Keep On Rollin
King George - Don't Let Me Be Blind
Ms. Jody - Cowboy Style
King George - Too Long
Brett Eldredge - Can't Keep Up
J'Cenae - I Ain't No Side Piece Lover
Xscape - Work Me Slow
Wendi Mancaku - Over
Karen Wolfe - B.O.B
Jennifer Holliday - So In Love
Ledisi - All The Way
Phyllis Hyman - You Know How to Love Me
India.Arie - Steady Love
Whitney Houston - I'm Knockin'
Whitney Houston - Far Enough
NOTE: If a video is missing from the playlist, blame YouTube; not me. :-)
2021 was far too identical to 2020 in ways most don't want to recall. But, you know there's one way that I absolutely must...the same way that I have for years preceeding 2020 -- with music! My love for music and the memories music provides and the times music pulls you through, stays with you, or marks as a reminder for cherished times. Below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2021
Jacob Lutrell - Sweet Woman
The Temptations - Bare Back
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) - Leave The Door Open
Kool & The Gang - Sexy (Where'd You Get Yours)
R. Kelly - Not Supposed To Be
Whitney Houston - In My Business
Jazmine Sullivan f/ Ari Lennox - On It
K. Michelle - Can't Raise A Man
Meghan Trainor & John Legend - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
Jeremiah Cole - Crushing On Ya
Aretha Franklin - Hello Sunshine
Stevie Wonder - Gotta Have You
Leela James - Rise N Shine
Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey
KeKe Wyatt - Tennessee Whiskey
Whitney Houston - Hold On, Help Is On The Way
NOTE: If it's listed above and not included in the video playlist or an alternate version is included...blame YouTube! As that would mean I couldn't find something somewhere for some reason.
2017 showed up and showed out...and the music keeps playing. So, it's time for my annual "this is my life in music" playlist. I still can't sing or play an instrument, but music is all up in me...calming my soul and feeding my spirit.
For 2017, these are the songs that blessed me, touched me, and kept me going. Forever and always a part of my life, memories, and moments of 2017. This is me...and this is the soundtrack to my life 2017-lived life.
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2017
Jennifer Hudson - Say It
Mica Paris - Stay
Judith Hill - Cure (live version, but check the album version, too)
Angie Fisher - Hide & Seek
Jessie Ware - Say You Love Me
Deborah Cox - Kinda Miss You
Judith Hill - Cry, Cry, Cry
Ranky Tanky - Sink 'em Low
Adele - I Miss You
Tamar Braxton - Love & War
Fantasia - When I Met You
Fantasia - Sleeping With The One I Love
Alice Merton - No Roots
Whitney Houston + Destiny's Child - It's Not Right, But Say My Name (mashup)
Music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me,
it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put
your life to music. Which songs capture you and your year?
You know how this works. Another year comes to an end (Bye, 2015!) and another list of "this is my life in music" is shared. I can't sing a lick, but music is truly who I am, for the most part. Music calms my soul and feeds my spirit.
For 2016, these are the songs that helped me reflect on life and will help me remember where I was as an individual in 2016. It helps you to truly understand who I am and where I am with certain issues and emotions. This is me...and this is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2016.
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2016
Alicia Keys + Maxwell - Fire We Make
Jazmine Sullivan - Good Enough
Melanie Fiona - Wrong Side of a Love Song
Rihanna - Kiss It Better
Christina Aguilera - Change
Whitney Houston - You Were Loved
Beyonce + Kendrick Lamar - Freedom*
Deborah Cox - Kinda Miss You
Gregory Porter + Kem - Holding On
Adele - I Miss You
Rihanna - Love On The Brain
Jennifer Hudson - Dangerous
2017, let's see what you're made of!
As
I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me,
it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put
your life to music. Which songs capture you?
Another year; another this is me, this is who I am. I love these posts; I love this mini project. It helps me reflect on the year, it's fun, it features music (a major love in my life), and it allows me to share myself with others...in a way that many likely don't understand from the outset. This is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2015.
I confess, I'm not sure what was up with 2015; was it a year of reflection, a year of
living in the past, or a year of what's old is new or relevant, again?
Many of the songs on the playlist this year are recordings that were released in earlier years, but
they spoke volumes to me this past year. The only missing audio/video is a song from Adele's "25," but with over 3 million sales the album reached in it's first week
of release...I'm sure everyone has the CD by now. If not, find the and listen to it; the title is in the track listing below!
MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2015
Tamia - Chaise Lounge
TLC - Waterfalls
Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop, Shoop)
Deborah Cox - Where Do We Go From Here
Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes - Almost Is Never Enough
Iggy Azalea + Jennifer Hudson - Trouble
Miranda Lambert + Carrie Underwood - Somethin' Bad
Mariah Carey & Ne-Yo - Angel's Cry
Whitney Houston - My Heart Is Calling
Paolo Nutini - Let Me Down Easy
R Kelly - Spend That
R Kelly - Cookie
Adele - I Miss You
Hello, 2016...it's me. Let's see what you hold.
As
I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me,
it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put
your life to music. Which songs capture you?
It's that time of the year! The time when the end and the beginning are oh-so near. The time for great food, great friends, resolutions, and reflections. I do it all through music which speaks to me. As is my annual tradition; I, generally, review the year through the songs that have spoken to me, touched me, hugged and squeezed and held me close at some point during 2014. Indulge and enjoy! MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2014
Beyonce - Blow
Jamie Holden - Hard To Let Go
Reba McEntire - So Far Away
Melanie Fiona - Wrong Side of a Love Song
Antonique Smith - Hold Up, Wait A Minute (Woo, Woo)
Sam Smith - Restart
Alice Smith - Fool For You
Paulo Nutini - Let Me Down Easy
Angie Fisher - IRS
Whitney Houston - So Emotional
Jennifer Hudson - Dangerous
Nicole Renee - Ain't Nothin' Changed
CeCe Winans - Come On Back Home
As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?
It's that time of the year --- the end of it -- where I reflect on my favorites and things that have touched my life. Yes, music continues to be a significant part of my life and who I am as a person, so I have returned with what I consider my personal soundtrack. With all that happened in 2012 [primarily, the loss of Whitney Houston --- and a few other things], I didn't supply a set for last year, but don't worry -- the music continued and I have included songs to cover 2012 and 2013. I have listened to the "soundtrack" and enjoyed reflecting on the songs and the moments in my life that made them significant to me over the past two years. I present to you the latest edition of My Life in Music. These are songs that have shaken my world, played with my emotions, and reflect aspects of
my personality; contain lyrics that touched my soul; or just made me shout "That is my song!" (over and over, again) during the span of 2012 and 2013. MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2012 + 2013
As I always say, to me
music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice
to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?
The greatest diva of all would have turned 50 years old today. It has been a year and a half and not a day goes by that she isn't thought of and missed.
I can't sing...at all...so I'll express in the way that I know.
Aptly titled with the words she often proclaimed with warmth, "I Love You, Back!" is my tribute to and celebration of the icon and legend...WHITNEY HOUSTON.
Everyone knows how much I love me some Whitney Houston and pretty much everyone love's her rendition of "I Will Always Love You." Dolly Parton did a wonderful job with the lyrics -- they are simple, to the point, and honest. It's an amazing song, but it's like the ultimate love letter.
Picture it:
Dear [insert name here]
"If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So, I'll go, but I know I'll think of you every step of the way....
I will always love you."
[your name here]
Ok, a break-up letter; but, still...talk about powerful, great impact, and effective.
It's almost been a year since the day my world stopped; the day we lost a national treasure...a legend...an icon. February 11, 2012. The day Whitney Houston died.
That day, Whitney spread her wings and transcended to be with 'somebody bigger than you and I.' That day, we believe she found the peace, tranquility, and wholesome, unconditional love we hope our loved ones obtain when we lose them. That day marked the beginning of our remembrance of her and her legacy --- her family, friends, and fans mourn...and continue to do so a year later.
That day fed and released the vultures and critics; those who fail (or are too ignorant) to see her for the wonderful person and extraordinary talent she was -- her level of accomplishment and success, her historical achievements, and the millions of lives she's touched around the globe.
In my opinion, coverage and articles about her death have focused more on her personal life and struggles -- as they did through most of her career -- instead of her incomparable and illustrious career. One fan tweeted:
Whitney Houston's story isn't in the drugs her story is in the impact she made on this world even through the worldly devils.
— Troy Story (@mrLdavis) January 29, 2013
I agree. Whitney Houston impacted the world and the lives of millions of people; not to mention the precedence and standard she set for future artists and vocalists. Most of this was accomplished with her voice...and the skill, talent, and know-how to use her instrument.
There are a few things that really upset me and work my nerves related to the coverage and continued coverage of her death; to me, most of these pieces have an unvoiced undertone and feel that would be present if they were covering the life and career of someone whose passing was the result of an overdose. Again, I believe this is a result from the unwavering focus on her issues with drugs. Which brings me to my other matter of contention...
The opportunities for public awareness and education that can grow from elements surrounding Whitney's life and sudden passing. Whitney's death was ruled to be a result of an accidental drowning. While reports have noted that her toxicology report returned the presence of barbiturates in her system at the time of her death, it was also noted that Whitney had heart disease. You hear about the drugs in the coverage, but how often have you heard about the heart disease?
On the January 28, 2013, episode of Next Chapter, Whitney's mother, Grammy winning Gospel recording artist Cissy Houston, revealed to Oprah Winfrey that Whitney suffered a heart attack, which leads one to assume that resulted in her falling face-first into the bathtub of water. [promo video for the interview below]
Now, I'm not saying that the public awareness and education opportunities I speak of need to be directly tied to Whitney's story, but this is a valid time to educate society and promote healthy lifestyles, healthy living, heart health, and the dangers involved in using drugs.
Partake in a healthy food diet
Exercise, have a communicative and healthy relationship with your doctor, and have checkups and visits regularly
Don't participate in self-destructive behavior and activities; they could have damaging effects one may not realize. Did you know cocaine usage could lead to heart disease? I didn't either...and never would have thought it. The things we learn!
As the saying goes "Say 'NO' to Drugs"!
Don't combine drugs (prescription, controlled, over-the-counter, or a combination of the sort) ... unless advised and/or approved by your doctor. When I say "controlled," I mean "illegal."
Don't mix alcohol and medication [there's a reason those labels are on the bottles], but it's a common practice...far too many people do it.
Don't get it twisted...the points above are my opinions/tips/thoughts on a few things that I think could lead to a healthier lifestyle and a overall better life. I am not a physician and I am not saying these are relevant to or a part of Whitney's story, but I am saying that I think these are things that could be of use and interest to the general public, instead of always being overlooked, understated, or intentionally ignored.
Public education does not always have to be courtesy of a PSA (Public Service Announcement).
Bonus: Be sure to click the "Next Chapter" link in the post; you'll be able to discover what nickname Whitney Houston gave her mother, Cissy Houston. :-)
That feeling of emptiness you get when something wonderful comes to an end.
I never imagined I would be writing this post, but we've lost a national treasure...an icon...a legend; and I've lost a special part of me, a special part of my life. Whitney "Nippy" Elizabeth Houston -- the unprecedented, the incomparable, and one of (if not) THE greatest (female) vocalists of all time. There will never be another.
Style, talent, beauty, and grace; the gold, platinum, and diamond standard for all she represented. A voice so magical; we all wanted to be her. She made her performances seem effortless and fooled many into thinking they could do justice to a "Whitney song."
Whitney Houston did more than hold a note; she gave it life, filled it with emotion, and told a beautiful story. Oprah Winfrey coined Whitney "The Voice"; as her voice was like magic; fluid, crisp, and multifaceted. No one could deliver a song like Whitney...she could bend a note like an actress can bend a line. When Whitney sang; you listened...you didn't want to move, you didn't want to breathe. Her audiences respected her vocals and gave most of their thunderous applause only when she paused during a song; often looking out over the audience and smiling. Actress Jenifer Lewis summed it up so perfectly, so beautifully: "When Whitney Houston opens her mouth to sing, she is The 8th Wonder of the World."
In one of her hit songs, she sang 'it would take an eternity to break us; and the chains of Amistad couldn't hold us.' This perfectly describes my adoration and love for Ms. Whitney. Sadly, I never had the honor to meet her, but we're bonded indefinitely through her music and her voice; her talent a permanent pillar of strength and encouragement in life.
Whitney Houston, My Diva: I look to you...I run to you...and I will always love you.
