Whitney Houston Inspires Young Music Students

February 17, 2012

A makeshift memorial to Whitney Houston is seen in front of The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, February 17, 2012.

Whitney Houston, who died one week ago, is being laid to rest Saturday in her home state of New Jersey. In California, aspiring musicians are remembering the singer for her musical mastery and powerful voice. Students at the University of Southern California say Houston remains an inspiration.

Singer songwriter Brienne Moore, a second year student at USC, says the first record she ever owned was by Whitney Houston, and the music was always playing in her home.

“I just grew up listening to her. My parents always had her playing all the time, and she was a major, major influence,” said Houston.

Vocal student Lara Johnston said she is still overwhelmed when she thinks of Whitney Houston's voice.

“She has such an incredible [vocal] instrument, like she had this stunning power that would shock you, but she also had this real sweetness and gentle delicacy to her voice that her control was incredible,” said Johnston.

Lilliana de los Reyes is also studying voice. She said she was inspired by Houston's mastery on stage.

“The tone in her voice, she could take it to a whisper, and thousands of people were just silent, totally silent. So she could totally command a stage, and I admire her for that,” said de los Reyes.