“Devastated” Clive Davis Remembers Whitney Houston At Pre-Grammy Gala

Clive Davis and Whitney Houston in Feb. 2007 - Getty

Clive Davis‘ annual pre-Grammy party was understandably a somber event as guests were still in shock over the sudden death of one of music’s greatest voices, Whitney Houston, just hours before the gala, which she was scheduled to attend, began.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Davis, who launched Houston’s career and remained her mentor throughout the years, was going to attend the party, but he did show up and shared a few heart-wrenching words with attendees before asking for a moment of silence.

Read his statement in full, via Art Beat, below:

By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends. I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years.

Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.

My heart goes out to her daughter [Bobbi Kristina], to her mother Cissy, to all of her relatives and to so many of you here tonight, her extended family who loved and cherished her and her spirit.

Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.

I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.