Whitney Houston will forever be in my heart. Without her blessing I wouldn’t be where I am today….

It all started when I got the phone call that Whitney Houston was singing my song, “Whatchulookinat” on the radio.

From that point on my life changed. I was catapulted into the career of a professional songwriter. The album went platinum and I graciously reaped the rewards. I was even able to put myself through college and because of my placement on Whitney’s album, EMI Music Publishing President of North America Creative (at the time) Jon Platt saw enough potential in me and offered me a co-publishing deal. I was exposed to a whole new world of the music industry, the back-end of the business….I was now a part of an elite talented group of songwriters and producers that labels turned to, to write/produce their artists’ next hit. From there came opportunities to work with Chamillionaire (The Sound Of Revenge – 2005), then came the Keyshia Cole placement, “Fallin’ Out” (Just Like You – 2007) along with some of the most brilliant creators I only dreamed of meeting and working with.

And to think, this all came from Ms. Houston listening to lyrics I wrote (a young girl from Hiram Clarke – Houston, TX) when I was pissed off at some chicks eyeing me and my boyfriend in the club…wow…

“see I don’t understand, why you keep peeping me, when you don’t even like me…you’re after me and my man, don’t think you’re stressing me, cuz your words don’t excite me…”

From all of the scrutiny Whitney and Bobby were under, I could see how she could relate to these lyrics at that time….but who would’ve known that her connection would be so strong, she would not only record them and make it her own, but she would stand up against the haters who were against her. She was fighting back and standing up for love.

The same singer who shared with us “The Greatest Love Of All” would now be fighting for it….and regardless of the circumstances and how she really ended up with my song, she connected with me too and changed my life forever. You can’t tell me this wasn’t divine.

Ms. Houston opened up doors for me, she blessed me with opportunity….she gave me a story and helped make my dream come true……

I learned some valuable lessons from her, “when God gives you a gift, what’s a greater gimmick than that???”….and so I own being an artist who creates great songs, I wear it proudly yet in total humility because it’s who God created me to be. I also learned to appreciate my flaws, shortcomings, struggles and successes…all of those things continue to inspire me everyday with new songs…I perfected my craft and now write songs in my sleep….literally….I learned to understand that this industry is still a business….no matter how creative and emotionally connected I get, I still have to make sure the publishing contracts and splits sheets are completed.

Though I’m still in disbelief of your passing and deeply saddened….Thank you so very much Ms. Houston for your existence, your great voice, the barriers you broke and for your inspiration…please know that your iconic time spent here on earth was not in vain and we love you.

…may you rest in peace.

With All Of My Love,

Tami LaTrell

*You can listen to the full story on my free mixtape Through My Eyes: The Anatomy of a Songwriter (2011).

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