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Didn't We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston
An up-close and intimate journey through Whitney Houston's incredible ascent to stardom and her tragic fall from grace
Didn’t We Almost Have It All is a portrait of the woman behind one of the most famous voices in the world; a performer whose struggles and insecurities with race, sexuality, addiction, identity, abuse, faith, and class ultimately contributed to a heartbreaking demise that was devastating and inevitable in equal measure. Whitney Houston's story is a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and addiction, but it's also a story rife with emotions that are universal to the human experience. She lived much of her life trying to please others—her parents, her family, her mentor Clive Davis, the public—all people who made her a prisoner to her successes and failures in the last decade of her life. This groundbreaking new biography is centered around firsthand reporting that weaves together the story of a rising star and, for the first time, digs into the dark underbelly of the abuse, addiction, and anxiety that caused Houston's very public fall from grace and ultimately her death.
Didn’t We Almost Have It All is a portrait of the woman behind one of the most famous voices in the world; a performer whose struggles and insecurities with race, sexuality, addiction, identity, abuse, faith, and class ultimately contributed to a heartbreaking demise that was devastating and inevitable in equal measure. Whitney Houston's story is a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and addiction, but it's also a story rife with emotions that are universal to the human experience. She lived much of her life trying to please others—her parents, her family, her mentor Clive Davis, the public—all people who made her a prisoner to her successes and failures in the last decade of her life. This groundbreaking new biography is centered around firsthand reporting that weaves together the story of a rising star and, for the first time, digs into the dark underbelly of the abuse, addiction, and anxiety that caused Houston's very public fall from grace and ultimately her death.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
89 people are currently reading
3412 people want to read
About the author
Gerrick Kennedy
3 books39 followersGerrick D. Kennedy is an award-winning journalist currently covering pop music for the Los Angeles Times, where he’s profiled music's biggest players including Ice Cube, Nas, Sean Combs, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, Nicki Minaj, and the Weeknd.
His reporting has led to guest spots on "The Today Show," "Dateline," "20/20," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Michael Eric Dyson Show" as well as appearances on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, TVOne, Revolt TV and Fuse.
An Ohio native, he earned a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University, where he was a founding member of the campus chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. In 2012, Kennedy was named Emerging Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists and in 2014 the Advocate featured him in its annual 40 Under 40 list.
He currently lives in Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter @GerrickKennedy
His reporting has led to guest spots on "The Today Show," "Dateline," "20/20," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Michael Eric Dyson Show" as well as appearances on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, TVOne, Revolt TV and Fuse.
An Ohio native, he earned a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University, where he was a founding member of the campus chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. In 2012, Kennedy was named Emerging Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists and in 2014 the Advocate featured him in its annual 40 Under 40 list.
He currently lives in Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter @GerrickKennedy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
February 9, 2022
Whitney Houston was my first true music idol. I loved “the Bodyguard” - the soundtrack, at any rate. “I wanna dance with somebody” is still one of my favorite dance tracks.
This book starts off tentatively. I had moments when I wondered whether it was the wrong choice. However, the author does a fantastic job setting the stage, and describing the world and the music industry as it was back in that day.
I never once thought that Whitney wasn’t black enough, that her sound was too “white”. I had no way of understanding her world. Yet, she was marketed for my type of audience: Caucasian teen. She didn’t fit into the narrow range allowed black singers in any sense at all.
The author does a great job of explaining Whitney and her experience. It also set matters straight on her addiction, I always thought Bobby got her into that, but apparently not. Her demise was shocking and I can’t believe it’s more than 10 years already.
I listened to some Whitney tracks as the author described them. Her rendition of “the Star-Spangled Banner”, “I will always love you”, her first TV appearance with “Home” and several others. It’s a shame that her life was cut so short. She was such an integral part of my growing up and yet I knew so little about her, aside from gossip. I enjoyed this respectful biography, it’s well worth reading.
This book starts off tentatively. I had moments when I wondered whether it was the wrong choice. However, the author does a fantastic job setting the stage, and describing the world and the music industry as it was back in that day.
I never once thought that Whitney wasn’t black enough, that her sound was too “white”. I had no way of understanding her world. Yet, she was marketed for my type of audience: Caucasian teen. She didn’t fit into the narrow range allowed black singers in any sense at all.
The author does a great job of explaining Whitney and her experience. It also set matters straight on her addiction, I always thought Bobby got her into that, but apparently not. Her demise was shocking and I can’t believe it’s more than 10 years already.
I listened to some Whitney tracks as the author described them. Her rendition of “the Star-Spangled Banner”, “I will always love you”, her first TV appearance with “Home” and several others. It’s a shame that her life was cut so short. She was such an integral part of my growing up and yet I knew so little about her, aside from gossip. I enjoyed this respectful biography, it’s well worth reading.
November 5, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
Whitney Houston was a great singer and performer she thought she had it all until she met Bobby Brown. Looking at her interviews broke my heart she's lived a hard life. Reading this biography there were stuff I didn't know and broke my heart all over again. 4 1/2 star read
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
Whitney Houston was a great singer and performer she thought she had it all until she met Bobby Brown. Looking at her interviews broke my heart she's lived a hard life. Reading this biography there were stuff I didn't know and broke my heart all over again. 4 1/2 star read
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
October 5, 2022
A beautiful tribute to a timeless icon!
August 8, 2022
Considering myself only a casual Whitney fan, I was hesitant to take the time to read this but I'm glad I did because I'm surprised by how much I liked it (thanks Book Club!). I learned a lot of new things about Whitney's beginnings and was reminded of the hazier memories I have of her towards the end of her life. I was also inspired to re-listen to a lot of her albums and get closer to her music (Elton John's memoir did the same thing for me).
What I liked most though, is that this wasn't just a biography of Whitney Houston but it was an examination of the American music industry in general and specifically what it meant to be a black, female artist living in the spotlight of fame and public scrutiny during her time (a lot of which has not changed even today). Author Gerrick Kennedy analyzes different aspects of Whitney's music & persona to explain how she was molded in a way to appeal to both black and white audiences - even if it meant giving up the most authentic parts of herself. He also compares her with other artists that were big in the 90s (Janet, Michael, Madonna & more) which was a fun nostalgia kick. But it was sad to read about the double standards and pressures that society, the media, and even at times her own family placed on her - often ignited by racist, sexist, and/or homophobic thinking. I ended up getting a variety of deeper insight from this book that I wasn't expecting.
What I liked most though, is that this wasn't just a biography of Whitney Houston but it was an examination of the American music industry in general and specifically what it meant to be a black, female artist living in the spotlight of fame and public scrutiny during her time (a lot of which has not changed even today). Author Gerrick Kennedy analyzes different aspects of Whitney's music & persona to explain how she was molded in a way to appeal to both black and white audiences - even if it meant giving up the most authentic parts of herself. He also compares her with other artists that were big in the 90s (Janet, Michael, Madonna & more) which was a fun nostalgia kick. But it was sad to read about the double standards and pressures that society, the media, and even at times her own family placed on her - often ignited by racist, sexist, and/or homophobic thinking. I ended up getting a variety of deeper insight from this book that I wasn't expecting.
July 9, 2022
It’s common knowledge that Houston came from gospel roots, but I hadn’t realized the myriad obstacles, and frankly, bullshit, she faced entering the mainstream as a young black woman. Kennedy, a music journalist and lifelong fan, tells Whitney’s story with love, grace, and respect. She’ll always be the undisputed queen of badass ballads. A solid bio with one of my favorite covers of the year!
January 24, 2022
When I saw this book listened on NetGalley I immediately requested it no questions asked. I grew up listening to Whitney Huston’s music and will still belt out and preform to I Wanna Dance with Somebody. This year will mark 10 year since the anniversary of her death, and I can still recalled when the news of her death broke.
The Forward by Brandy was great, and it was so interesting to see someone who grew up listening to Whitney and then working with her.
This was such a power memoir and I so glad to have read it. Right from the start it really makes you think about how you treat people and how sometimes making someone the joke may end up having some dire consequences. How words are really powerful and we never really know what people are dealing with in their own lives. How important it is to let people live and be true to themselves instead of the box the society as a whole tries to put them in.
If you were a Whitney fan, I would definitely recommend reading this book.
If you are struggling with depression, or suicidal thoughts please reach out to someone or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255.
The Forward by Brandy was great, and it was so interesting to see someone who grew up listening to Whitney and then working with her.
This was such a power memoir and I so glad to have read it. Right from the start it really makes you think about how you treat people and how sometimes making someone the joke may end up having some dire consequences. How words are really powerful and we never really know what people are dealing with in their own lives. How important it is to let people live and be true to themselves instead of the box the society as a whole tries to put them in.
If you were a Whitney fan, I would definitely recommend reading this book.
If you are struggling with depression, or suicidal thoughts please reach out to someone or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255.
March 23, 2022
This was just absolutely amazing. I wasn't the target audience as I wasn't alive when Whitney came on the scene, but her music career influenced so many of the artists I grew up with and the music I listened to. There is no doubt in my mind that Whitney Houston is one of the greatest artists of all time. It's been a decade since her death, and seeing how so much has changed, I wonder what she would've become had she survived until now.
CWs: Drug use, drug abuse, addiction, racism, sexism, misogyny/misogynoir, sexual assault, child abuse, pedophilia, trauma, mental illness (depression), self harm, suicide, suicidal thoughts, emotional abuse, alcohol consumption, alcoholism, biphobia/bimisia, lesbophobia/lesbomisia, religious bigotry, death, death of parent, attempted forced institutionalization, voluntary rehab admissions, consensual sexual content, pregnancy, toxic relationship (parental and romantic). Moderate: gun violence, police brutality, mentions of riots.
CWs: Drug use, drug abuse, addiction, racism, sexism, misogyny/misogynoir, sexual assault, child abuse, pedophilia, trauma, mental illness (depression), self harm, suicide, suicidal thoughts, emotional abuse, alcohol consumption, alcoholism, biphobia/bimisia, lesbophobia/lesbomisia, religious bigotry, death, death of parent, attempted forced institutionalization, voluntary rehab admissions, consensual sexual content, pregnancy, toxic relationship (parental and romantic). Moderate: gun violence, police brutality, mentions of riots.
April 11, 2022
2.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I could appreciate how much the author loves Whitney and how knowledgeable he was about her career. He wrote this book to, in part, discuss how unrealistic expectations, constant pressure, and Whitney's own struggles contributed to her tragic death. I really liked how the author tied in the history of what was happening in the music industry and in the Houston family to what was happening with Whitney's career. It really gave a lot of insight and a fresh perspective on Whitney's career and some of the choices that she made both in her personal and in her professional life.
That brings me to what I didn't like. While a lot has been said and revealed about Whitney after her death, I always feel uneasy reading and listening to these accounts. In fact I have made a conscious choice to skip most of these revelations (whether they be told through books, documentaries, made for TV movies, etc.) and had I known this book would delve into some of that, I would have passed on this too. Whitney was in the entertainment industry for decades having done hundreds of interviews and TV appearances. If she didn't speak about something during her life, then it was because she did not want to share it with the public. Now that she is gone those things that she chose to keep close to her heart should still remain that way. It feels exploitative and like a violation of Whitney's trust and privacy to discuss those accounts as fact when Whitney is not here to verify their accuracy or to speak for herself. The author spends a good amount of time speculating that Whitney's sexual abuse when she was a child or the fact that she was a closet lesbian who couldn't live in her truth contributed to her drug addiction. Whitney never said she was a lesbian and she never said she was abused. We don't how much, if any, of these accounts are true. Because of that I believe the only way to view this book is as speculation born out of one man's attempt to make sense of Whitney's career, life, personal struggles, and her ultimate demise.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I could appreciate how much the author loves Whitney and how knowledgeable he was about her career. He wrote this book to, in part, discuss how unrealistic expectations, constant pressure, and Whitney's own struggles contributed to her tragic death. I really liked how the author tied in the history of what was happening in the music industry and in the Houston family to what was happening with Whitney's career. It really gave a lot of insight and a fresh perspective on Whitney's career and some of the choices that she made both in her personal and in her professional life.
That brings me to what I didn't like. While a lot has been said and revealed about Whitney after her death, I always feel uneasy reading and listening to these accounts. In fact I have made a conscious choice to skip most of these revelations (whether they be told through books, documentaries, made for TV movies, etc.) and had I known this book would delve into some of that, I would have passed on this too. Whitney was in the entertainment industry for decades having done hundreds of interviews and TV appearances. If she didn't speak about something during her life, then it was because she did not want to share it with the public. Now that she is gone those things that she chose to keep close to her heart should still remain that way. It feels exploitative and like a violation of Whitney's trust and privacy to discuss those accounts as fact when Whitney is not here to verify their accuracy or to speak for herself. The author spends a good amount of time speculating that Whitney's sexual abuse when she was a child or the fact that she was a closet lesbian who couldn't live in her truth contributed to her drug addiction. Whitney never said she was a lesbian and she never said she was abused. We don't how much, if any, of these accounts are true. Because of that I believe the only way to view this book is as speculation born out of one man's attempt to make sense of Whitney's career, life, personal struggles, and her ultimate demise.
February 4, 2022
I love Whitney Houston. I love reading books about Whitney Houston. Especially books that highlight the best of her. There has been way too much Whitney bashing since her untimely passing. The title of this book warmed my heart. I knew I had to read it.
⠀
As I sat comfortably in my reading chair diving into this digital ARC, I quickly discovered that this biography is not merely a book about Whitney Houston. Instead, it is also a comprehensive look into the music industry, pop culture, and monumental historical events that took place during Whitney’s rise to superstardom. I believe some of the best stories in this book are about people other than Whitney Houston. For example, I found the story of Clive Davis very interesting. I learned a lot about others while reading this book. But unfortunately, I didn’t learn anything about Whitney. Everything the author shares about Whitney I’ve already read in other books, seen in movies, read in magazines articles or watched during interviews.
⠀
However, I do appreciate the way in which Kennedy shares Whitney’s story. His story is delivered with care and understanding. He allows the reader to see Whitney as a flawed, yet beautiful woman that not only suffered, but paid the ultimate price for fame, at the hands of a brutal music industry and unforgiving world. Kennedy not only write about some of the most publicized incidents in Whitney’s life, but he also provides heartfelt explanations for her actions. I appreciate his compassion.
⠀
Overall, I do not consider this book a “must read”. I have to be honest in admitting that I am slightly disappointed with this biography. Unfortunately, it lacked the ability to hold my interest.
⠀
Thank you Abrams Press for gifting me this advance reading copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
⠀
𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥: 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 by Gerrick Kennedy, Foreword by Brandy, will be in stores February 1, 2022.
⠀
As I sat comfortably in my reading chair diving into this digital ARC, I quickly discovered that this biography is not merely a book about Whitney Houston. Instead, it is also a comprehensive look into the music industry, pop culture, and monumental historical events that took place during Whitney’s rise to superstardom. I believe some of the best stories in this book are about people other than Whitney Houston. For example, I found the story of Clive Davis very interesting. I learned a lot about others while reading this book. But unfortunately, I didn’t learn anything about Whitney. Everything the author shares about Whitney I’ve already read in other books, seen in movies, read in magazines articles or watched during interviews.
⠀
However, I do appreciate the way in which Kennedy shares Whitney’s story. His story is delivered with care and understanding. He allows the reader to see Whitney as a flawed, yet beautiful woman that not only suffered, but paid the ultimate price for fame, at the hands of a brutal music industry and unforgiving world. Kennedy not only write about some of the most publicized incidents in Whitney’s life, but he also provides heartfelt explanations for her actions. I appreciate his compassion.
⠀
Overall, I do not consider this book a “must read”. I have to be honest in admitting that I am slightly disappointed with this biography. Unfortunately, it lacked the ability to hold my interest.
⠀
Thank you Abrams Press for gifting me this advance reading copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
⠀
𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥: 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 by Gerrick Kennedy, Foreword by Brandy, will be in stores February 1, 2022.
May 11, 2022
Wow....Mr. Kennedy does a supremely good job of delving into Whitney's story here. He highlights not only Whitney's rise to fame and the events thereafter, but also the family legacy.... the history of her parents, even grandparents, why they were the way they were, but not in a voyeuristic, creepy way. His approach is respectful, shows his loyalty, is at times gentle, but also equal parts blunt. It's not a timeline of her life, thank god, we know that already. He weaves in the history of Black music, how Black women are portrayed in the industry, the phenomenal talent that came before her, after her, the relationships artists had with each other, how Whitney was a trailblazer for others (and continues to be), the expectations, what she was up against when she burst on the scene, the pressure, oh lord the PRESSURE. This is not always an easy read but I learned so much, and though I thought I was empathetic before, I gained even more empathy for her. The only parts that got tiring were the endless declarations of love towards Whitney, and the repetition of facts throughout. This caused me to skim parts that I read almost verbatim in the previous chapter. But this Whitney fan is grateful for this read, it's important, tragic, it makes you think, makes you aware, and I think it's a tender send-off to a supreme talent.
August 3, 2022
I love a celebrity bio/memoir, and I love Whitney Houston. Having seen the 2018 documentary about her life, I knew quite a bit going in, but it was interesting to hear more about how her family groomed her and the background surrounding her success. However, this writing style just wasn’t for me. I could not get past the bad editing, unnecessarily long paragraphs, meandering timelines, inconsistencies in the writer’s own memory of her, and his assumptions about what Whitney was feeling throughout different events in her life. I could tell he loved Whitney, but it ended up being a detriment to the writing of her life in a satisfactory way
September 3, 2022
What's your favorite underrated Whitney song? Mine is "I Learned From the Best" (which also has an excellent dance remix).
February 3, 2022
a beautiful tribute
Didn’t we almost have it all: in defense of Whitney Houston is a caring, lovely tribute to one of the most influential artists of all time. Gerrick Kennedy provides thorough analyses of Whitney’s music and voice and how she paved the way for the biggest young stars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He also examines the ways the media and public fascination and cruelty towards Whitney reveals the depths of sexism, racism, and homophobia that permeate our society, including our celebrity obsessions. Gerrick includes important historical and social context to many moments in Whitney’s journey, including the role that race played in her career, the deep-seated homophobia in the Black church, music industry, and society at large that forced her to hide her non-heterosexuality, and the stigma associated with drug addiction.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in gaining a better understanding of Whitney Houston’s enormous impact on music and culture and reckoning with how our treatment of women who don’t conform to societal norms in some way reveals our lack of ability honestly confront issues race, sexuality, and gender.
Didn’t we almost have it all: in defense of Whitney Houston is a caring, lovely tribute to one of the most influential artists of all time. Gerrick Kennedy provides thorough analyses of Whitney’s music and voice and how she paved the way for the biggest young stars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He also examines the ways the media and public fascination and cruelty towards Whitney reveals the depths of sexism, racism, and homophobia that permeate our society, including our celebrity obsessions. Gerrick includes important historical and social context to many moments in Whitney’s journey, including the role that race played in her career, the deep-seated homophobia in the Black church, music industry, and society at large that forced her to hide her non-heterosexuality, and the stigma associated with drug addiction.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in gaining a better understanding of Whitney Houston’s enormous impact on music and culture and reckoning with how our treatment of women who don’t conform to societal norms in some way reveals our lack of ability honestly confront issues race, sexuality, and gender.
November 11, 2021
I begin my review by saying thank you, thank you to Gerrick Kennedy for telling Whitney’s story in such an honest & sincere manner. Kennedy told Whitney’s story with such dignity & sincerity.
When Whitney Houston left us in 2012, her fans were left numb. We all knew her tragic struggles with addiction but we never realized how bad things really were for her. Many of us were left wondering what could have been had she not succumb to her struggles. Ever since I first heard Whitney sing The Greatest Love of All, I’ve been a fan!! But even as an avid fan, there was so much about Whitney’s story I did not know. Kennedy did a great job telling us Whitney’s backstory from her early days singing in the choir at New Hope & how her mother Cissy helped Whitney learn how to use her gift. Kennedy told how Whitney was modeled into a perfect image by Clive Davis in an effort to maximize her potential in pop and R& B music. Over the years, this perfect image would later haunt Whitney.
Throughout the book, Kennedy covered the full range of her story from the music industry to her personal relationships including her infamous relationship with Robyn. He also covered her relationship with Bobby. To fully understand Whitney, you must understand her complete story. In the book, Kennedy used the terms pre Exhale Whitney & the post- Exhale Whitney (referring to the movie, Waiting to Exhale). I believe if not for the drug addiction, the post-Exhale Whitney would have been her true authentic self. It is so sad, we truly never got to see her potential!!!
Gerrick Kennedy did a great job telling her story. This book brought both laugher & tears for me. Laughter for some of the fun moments in her life & tears for what could have been if we hadn’t lost her too soon. One of Kennedy's closing lines from the book will forever resonate with me "It took losing Whitney for us to reconsider her and finally see her for who she was and not who we believed she should or could have been".
If you are a fan of Whitney Houston and want a sincere & honest account of her life story, I highly recommend this book.
When Whitney Houston left us in 2012, her fans were left numb. We all knew her tragic struggles with addiction but we never realized how bad things really were for her. Many of us were left wondering what could have been had she not succumb to her struggles. Ever since I first heard Whitney sing The Greatest Love of All, I’ve been a fan!! But even as an avid fan, there was so much about Whitney’s story I did not know. Kennedy did a great job telling us Whitney’s backstory from her early days singing in the choir at New Hope & how her mother Cissy helped Whitney learn how to use her gift. Kennedy told how Whitney was modeled into a perfect image by Clive Davis in an effort to maximize her potential in pop and R& B music. Over the years, this perfect image would later haunt Whitney.
Throughout the book, Kennedy covered the full range of her story from the music industry to her personal relationships including her infamous relationship with Robyn. He also covered her relationship with Bobby. To fully understand Whitney, you must understand her complete story. In the book, Kennedy used the terms pre Exhale Whitney & the post- Exhale Whitney (referring to the movie, Waiting to Exhale). I believe if not for the drug addiction, the post-Exhale Whitney would have been her true authentic self. It is so sad, we truly never got to see her potential!!!
Gerrick Kennedy did a great job telling her story. This book brought both laugher & tears for me. Laughter for some of the fun moments in her life & tears for what could have been if we hadn’t lost her too soon. One of Kennedy's closing lines from the book will forever resonate with me "It took losing Whitney for us to reconsider her and finally see her for who she was and not who we believed she should or could have been".
If you are a fan of Whitney Houston and want a sincere & honest account of her life story, I highly recommend this book.
Read
August 24, 2022Let me start by saying that I have been Whitney’s BIGGEST fan since I was a little girl! Through the albums, movies, marriages, star spangled banner, drugs and all, I’ve remained a fan. I mean how could I not be… THAT VOICE is amazing!
Now down to business… I’m not going to give this book a rating with stars because I didn’t listen thoroughly. I skipped through some parts just to get through it.
It seemed like half of the book was about other people. I understand speaking about the people who were parts of her life, but I didn’t need so much about them.
He also quoted several other books that were written about Whitney such as Cissy’s, Robin’s, Clive’s etc. several times. It was too much.
I used the audiobook this time, maybe in the future I’ll read the physical copy and update this review.
Now down to business… I’m not going to give this book a rating with stars because I didn’t listen thoroughly. I skipped through some parts just to get through it.
It seemed like half of the book was about other people. I understand speaking about the people who were parts of her life, but I didn’t need so much about them.
He also quoted several other books that were written about Whitney such as Cissy’s, Robin’s, Clive’s etc. several times. It was too much.
I used the audiobook this time, maybe in the future I’ll read the physical copy and update this review.
January 11, 2023
I would have given 1/4 of one star if it would have let me. Oh my, if you value your time, please don’t waste it with this book. The author didn’t even know Whitney and it’s extremely evident. The whole book is filled with heresay and his own opinions, and the repetition of his views and the amount of time he spends explaining other people, not Whitney, is overwhelming. I got 75% through it realky trying to persevere because I’m against not finishing a book. But I couldn’t stomach one more minute of this.
November 6, 2022
My first slow dance in middle school was to Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You." The Bodyguard had just come out, and like many others, I absolutely adored Houston. A song that opens up with over 30 seconds of NO music, only a crisp voice that pulled at your heart, even if you had never experienced love like that just yet because you were 12? Yes, I was showing up for it, teary-eyed and assured that what she sang spoke to me...even if that meant it was something I'd feel at some point in the future.
If you turned on your radio, you best believe you would hear her powerhouse voice streaming through your speakers. Of course, my love for her, like many of my generation, started with her first two records that had me singing along to "How Will I Know," "Didn't We Almost Have It All," and my personal favorite, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." She was a phenomenon--beautiful, graceful, with a voice none of us could come close to mimicking in the privacy of our bedrooms. But then, in what felt like almost overnight, things shifted in the public eye, and Houston's demons appeared to take hold of her. Blame was pointed, and a spectacle was made of a person's life who desperately needed love and support. If you lived through the tabloids, interviews, and a reality show, you know just how awful things were.
Unlike other pieces that have been written over the years about Whitney Houston, what I appreciated the most about Gerrick Kennedy's approach to sharing her story is that it is rooted in respect and an acknowledgment of how gender and sexuality, addiction, and mental illness can impact even the most successful.
The book is the story of Whitney Houston, but it is the story of Black artists, Black music, and Black culture that this white reader here really needed. Though I thought I already knew some of the history Kennedy writes about, I found myself learning and slightly cringing as I reflected on being younger and so utterly clueless. Whitney Houston was a favorite for me, but I can't fully comprehend the depths of what she represented for young Black girls.
If you were a fan of Whitney Houston, this deserves a read. I leave my time within the pages with a stronger understanding of both Houston and a culture I clearly didn't know enough about.
If you turned on your radio, you best believe you would hear her powerhouse voice streaming through your speakers. Of course, my love for her, like many of my generation, started with her first two records that had me singing along to "How Will I Know," "Didn't We Almost Have It All," and my personal favorite, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." She was a phenomenon--beautiful, graceful, with a voice none of us could come close to mimicking in the privacy of our bedrooms. But then, in what felt like almost overnight, things shifted in the public eye, and Houston's demons appeared to take hold of her. Blame was pointed, and a spectacle was made of a person's life who desperately needed love and support. If you lived through the tabloids, interviews, and a reality show, you know just how awful things were.
Unlike other pieces that have been written over the years about Whitney Houston, what I appreciated the most about Gerrick Kennedy's approach to sharing her story is that it is rooted in respect and an acknowledgment of how gender and sexuality, addiction, and mental illness can impact even the most successful.
The book is the story of Whitney Houston, but it is the story of Black artists, Black music, and Black culture that this white reader here really needed. Though I thought I already knew some of the history Kennedy writes about, I found myself learning and slightly cringing as I reflected on being younger and so utterly clueless. Whitney Houston was a favorite for me, but I can't fully comprehend the depths of what she represented for young Black girls.
If you were a fan of Whitney Houston, this deserves a read. I leave my time within the pages with a stronger understanding of both Houston and a culture I clearly didn't know enough about.
January 23, 2023
I was nervous about how this started out: I thought “here goes a Whitney super fan writing about his idol and this is going to be constant praise” but that’s not at all what we got. While yes there are many praises for Whitney accomplishments as a singer, Kennedy delivers a look at how her influence was brought on by other Black artists (including her mother, Aretha Franklin, and her cousin, Dionne Warwick) how she inspired and shined her light on more artists like Brandy and Lauren Hill and paved the way for contemporary divas such as Beyoncé and Alicia Keys. This book also takes a deep dive into Whitney’s personal struggles with drugs, her marriage to rapper Bobby Brown, and her hidden and controversial relationship with Robyn Crawford. As a huge fan of Whitney, I was excited to read more about her life and what I got was an expertly written exposé on Whitney, her contribution to Black entertainment, and her impact on other artists.
January 30, 2024
at its best when it wove the author's personal relationship with miss houston into historical context and facts i'd never known about her, but at its worst when it theorized about her inner workings, ironically perpetuating some of the narratives it set out to critique.
January 30, 2023
Such an important and interesting book, I really enjoyed the way that this book, reflected on Whitney's life but also the social/political context in which she lived and found success. Whitney's life was incredibly complex, going way beyond the tabloid drama that people love to focus on. The author has a good understanding of that and explores some of the wider issues of the racism and misogyny that was even more toxic and restrictive in the 80's and 90's music business. Not to mention the wider political issues of how life was changing in Reagan's America especially for Black people. All of this adds to the richness of the book, which is a fitting tribute to The Voice of her generation. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2021
Loving reading this book by @GerrickKennedy. It's a tribute to Whitney handled with delicacy befitting her life, talent and background. Importantly, it reminds us what part we the public play in media frenzies and industry reviews that put unnecessary pressure on artists - particularly groundbreaking ones.
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Gerrick deftly reminds us of the timeline as Whitney came to the forefront - on the heels of Motown when MTV was new and music from Black artists often didn't crossover to pop charts. He reminds us of the pressures Whitney faced being raised in a household of faith, bred and steeped in church choirs, with family members who took issue with some of the topics she sang about even on her debut release. Throughout her life critics accused her of not being original enough, Black enough, while also saying she was too soulful and too R&B, while R&B stations avoided playing her music and taunted her with the moniker "Whitey". By now we all know the limelight comes with a high cost, but Gerrick reminds us how much more volatile and unpredictable it was before life became more digital. He examines and asks whether we, the fans and industry, would be kinder and more accepting of her relationships and genre bending today. So much has changed since she perished in 2012, but too many things have stayed the same.
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Looking through the focused lens of the eras Whitney was raised, released and ultimately defeated in, it's undeniable that if she had faced fewer pressures and less backlash for things we accept more openly today, she would likely still be with us. It's a necessary reflection.
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Like many others I grew up listening to Whitney on cassette and CD. Her runs and grace notes schooled me more than my own upbringing in church choirs and concerts. Many vocalists will carry her with us in all our recordings and future releases.
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Didn't We Almost Have it All, releasing Feb 2022.
#Bookstagram #Music #Soul #DanceMusic #NetGalley #DidntWeAlmostHaveItAll
#BlackLivesMatter #LGBTQIA
#bookaesthetic #Pop #bookgram #bookishphotos #bookishcommunity #bookishrainbow #bookstack #bookishladiesclub #booksgram #bookcover #booklife #bookishlife #booksofinsta #booksta
.
Gerrick deftly reminds us of the timeline as Whitney came to the forefront - on the heels of Motown when MTV was new and music from Black artists often didn't crossover to pop charts. He reminds us of the pressures Whitney faced being raised in a household of faith, bred and steeped in church choirs, with family members who took issue with some of the topics she sang about even on her debut release. Throughout her life critics accused her of not being original enough, Black enough, while also saying she was too soulful and too R&B, while R&B stations avoided playing her music and taunted her with the moniker "Whitey". By now we all know the limelight comes with a high cost, but Gerrick reminds us how much more volatile and unpredictable it was before life became more digital. He examines and asks whether we, the fans and industry, would be kinder and more accepting of her relationships and genre bending today. So much has changed since she perished in 2012, but too many things have stayed the same.
.
Looking through the focused lens of the eras Whitney was raised, released and ultimately defeated in, it's undeniable that if she had faced fewer pressures and less backlash for things we accept more openly today, she would likely still be with us. It's a necessary reflection.
.
Like many others I grew up listening to Whitney on cassette and CD. Her runs and grace notes schooled me more than my own upbringing in church choirs and concerts. Many vocalists will carry her with us in all our recordings and future releases.
.
Didn't We Almost Have it All, releasing Feb 2022.
#Bookstagram #Music #Soul #DanceMusic #NetGalley #DidntWeAlmostHaveItAll
#BlackLivesMatter #LGBTQIA
#bookaesthetic #Pop #bookgram #bookishphotos #bookishcommunity #bookishrainbow #bookstack #bookishladiesclub #booksgram #bookcover #booklife #bookishlife #booksofinsta #booksta
July 27, 2022
Normally I am not a big biography reader, however, this was a book club pick so I was determined to get through it.
The author truly seemed to love and adore Whitney and her legacy, and I learned a lot from this book regarding Black America’s overwhelming influence and contributions to the music and entertainment industry.
Unfortunately, I really struggled with this writing style. So many times I felt like I was reading a high school English essay. The writing felt repetitive and the timeline was often confusing due to multiple events being brought up over and over again in ways that felt redundant. While I didn’t necessarily love this book, I would recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about Whitney Houston because it felt far more respectful and less sensationalized than any other media I have consumed about her.
2.5/5 stars
The author truly seemed to love and adore Whitney and her legacy, and I learned a lot from this book regarding Black America’s overwhelming influence and contributions to the music and entertainment industry.
Unfortunately, I really struggled with this writing style. So many times I felt like I was reading a high school English essay. The writing felt repetitive and the timeline was often confusing due to multiple events being brought up over and over again in ways that felt redundant. While I didn’t necessarily love this book, I would recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about Whitney Houston because it felt far more respectful and less sensationalized than any other media I have consumed about her.
2.5/5 stars
August 14, 2022
Totally not what I expected. I was ready for an in depth biography of one of my favorites. Maybe a retelling of all the scandals and evil that contributed to her downfall. However, Kennedy tells us in the first chapter that this book would be none of that. Instead I was taken on journey that celebrates the contributions that this GOAT had on our lives and how she has forever changed music. Kennedy also discusses race in America, mental health, and the unfair treatment/standards of celebrities. A great book that also sparks some very important conversations.
August 2, 2023
My two main problems with this book: first, it often feels like a retread of the 2018 documentary Whitney (which Kennedy cites several times)—almost like this was like the "novelization" of that film. My second issue was that the book suffers from verbosity; sometimes that just means repeating the same phrase or idea repeatedly, and sometimes it's because Kennedy supplies 5 or 6 examples to support his point when 1 or 2 would have sufficed. There are some great moments in here, but I feel like it would have benefited from additional editing or something.
3.5/5
3.5/5
November 25, 2021
Didn’t We Almost Have It All is about the rise and fall of Whitney Houston, and the legacy she leaves behind. The author covers her upbringing as a member of the church, and her voice training at the hands of her legendary family members including Cissy Houston (mom) and Dionne Warwick. The book follows the styles of that time and the expectations that the music industry held for black women. There were genres where the voices of black women were expected and welcome, and others—particularly pop—where their voices were absent. Not only did Whitney rise to fame with her amazing vocal talent, but she broke barriers into a genre that was impossible for black women to reach at that time. Her contributions to music paved the way for other black women, and her influence is still seen in music today.
Whitney didn’t have an easy road through success, however. Gerrick also covers rumors of childhood abuse and early drug use. Both would follow her throughout her career and at least one would lead to her eventual undoing. He also addressed rumors that she was gay, and the blame that Bobby Brown received when it came to her later drug problem. Also addressed is the difficulty in reclaiming fame in later years when a singer may not be able to still hit those high notes—an expectation audiences had for Whitney, who partially built her fame on just that ability.
I originally picked this book up out of love and respect for Whitney Houston, and also perhaps a curiosity as to how it had all gone so wrong. I finished the book feeling enlightened about the many struggles she faced, a fun visit through some R&B and pop history, and as a side note learned a new perspective on the history of The Star Spangled Banner (and will continue to cringe when everyone sings “free” (unless it’s Whitney’s recording). I really enjoyed this book, and for anyone who is a fan of Whitney, or a fan of R&B and pop music it’s definitely worth the read.
Whitney didn’t have an easy road through success, however. Gerrick also covers rumors of childhood abuse and early drug use. Both would follow her throughout her career and at least one would lead to her eventual undoing. He also addressed rumors that she was gay, and the blame that Bobby Brown received when it came to her later drug problem. Also addressed is the difficulty in reclaiming fame in later years when a singer may not be able to still hit those high notes—an expectation audiences had for Whitney, who partially built her fame on just that ability.
I originally picked this book up out of love and respect for Whitney Houston, and also perhaps a curiosity as to how it had all gone so wrong. I finished the book feeling enlightened about the many struggles she faced, a fun visit through some R&B and pop history, and as a side note learned a new perspective on the history of The Star Spangled Banner (and will continue to cringe when everyone sings “free” (unless it’s Whitney’s recording). I really enjoyed this book, and for anyone who is a fan of Whitney, or a fan of R&B and pop music it’s definitely worth the read.
September 25, 2023
Didn't We Almost Have It All was an incredibly emotional read for me. Since discovering and truly beginning to appreciate Whitney's catalog as a teacher— I've always felt connected to her. Reading about her families musical origins, her upbringing, the pressure to be what she was not, the ups and downs of her career, and the details of the end of her life put so much into perspective.
"I've always wondered whether Whitney remembered the first time her voice failed her...And I wonder what her answer would be if I asked her about the first time she felt failed by us."
Whitney's life was incredible complicated. Society has often written her off as someone with immense talent, who wasted it away on drugs. Shows like MADTV and American Dad mocked her addiction, talk shows flashed images of her at her worst— yet no one expressed real genuine concern, or tried to offer help. Gerrick Kennedy offers us the full story, the nuance that is required to try to understand the twists and turns of Whitney's life. He reflects on the past, while also making connections to the present. How we continue to repeat some of the same actions that undid Whitney with today's artist. How we failed Whitney, and continue to fail so many Black women, Black artists, Black folks with our biting criticisms and demand for perfection.
Didn't We Almost Have It All is for those that desire to learn more about Whitney, beyond The Voice. It is for those that have made incorrect assumptions about who she was, and why she did what she did. This is also for fans that have difficulty admitting that she was flawed, and human. This is for the future generations who simply see the hits, .gif's, and meme's but know little to nothing of how hard Black artist's had to work to get to the top of the charts and pave the wave for today's musicians.
This book is for Whitney. We should have been kinder to you. We should have done more for you.
"I've always wondered whether Whitney remembered the first time her voice failed her...And I wonder what her answer would be if I asked her about the first time she felt failed by us."
Whitney's life was incredible complicated. Society has often written her off as someone with immense talent, who wasted it away on drugs. Shows like MADTV and American Dad mocked her addiction, talk shows flashed images of her at her worst— yet no one expressed real genuine concern, or tried to offer help. Gerrick Kennedy offers us the full story, the nuance that is required to try to understand the twists and turns of Whitney's life. He reflects on the past, while also making connections to the present. How we continue to repeat some of the same actions that undid Whitney with today's artist. How we failed Whitney, and continue to fail so many Black women, Black artists, Black folks with our biting criticisms and demand for perfection.
Didn't We Almost Have It All is for those that desire to learn more about Whitney, beyond The Voice. It is for those that have made incorrect assumptions about who she was, and why she did what she did. This is also for fans that have difficulty admitting that she was flawed, and human. This is for the future generations who simply see the hits, .gif's, and meme's but know little to nothing of how hard Black artist's had to work to get to the top of the charts and pave the wave for today's musicians.
This book is for Whitney. We should have been kinder to you. We should have done more for you.
November 16, 2021
Didn't We Almost Have It All is a delicate and touching biography about one of the most talented singers in the world, Whitney Houston. Gerrick Kennedy treats this biography with so much respect, class, and adoration.
Whitney Houston will always be one of my all-time favorite artists and her life was cut short. She lost her battle with addiction only highlighting the downsides that can come with fame. Gerrick gives readers a history of her life and how she got into singing. Also, he makes readers realize how tough people were on her and how that pressure weighed on her.
Whitney faced so much that I didn't realize at the time. She had to deal with so much like racism, abuse, sexual identity, and addiction. It's heartbreaking that she had to go through so much all because she had a gift. And it made me sad that she didn't feel like she could be her true authentic self.
I give Didn't We Almost Have It All 4 stars. It is an in-depth biography of a legend. There were many highs followed by many lows. If anything, this book will remind you of the great talent she was and give you so much respect for her!
Whitney Houston will always be one of my all-time favorite artists and her life was cut short. She lost her battle with addiction only highlighting the downsides that can come with fame. Gerrick gives readers a history of her life and how she got into singing. Also, he makes readers realize how tough people were on her and how that pressure weighed on her.
Whitney faced so much that I didn't realize at the time. She had to deal with so much like racism, abuse, sexual identity, and addiction. It's heartbreaking that she had to go through so much all because she had a gift. And it made me sad that she didn't feel like she could be her true authentic self.
I give Didn't We Almost Have It All 4 stars. It is an in-depth biography of a legend. There were many highs followed by many lows. If anything, this book will remind you of the great talent she was and give you so much respect for her!
February 13, 2022
I have not read a book by Gerrick Kennedy before, but when I saw this biography about Whitney Houston, I knew I needed to read it. I am so glad that I requested this book, and that I was approved to read this amazing life story. This autobiography is not some tell-all, gossip book. The story of Whitney Houston is told with sensitivity and respect. I thought I knew a lot about Whitney Houston, despite being only 6 when I Want to Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) came out. I grew up with her being in the spotlight, and I remember all of us singing I Will Always Love You on the playgroup in PE. I always blamed Bobby Brown for her troubles, but that, sadly, was not the case. She had troubles before that, including that she sounded like she was playing for the Caucasian audiences. Basically, me. It was hard to read how she was treated by the music industry and those who felt she did not represent the black community. She had so much pressure placed on her, and I am angry there were not enough people standing up for her. Bobby Brown cannot be blamed for all that happened to her, we all can take part in that blame. Or those surrounding her that made her marketable to all of us. This biography was told respectfully and with dignity. I am so thankful I was able to read it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2022
I didn't really know much about Whitney Houston before reading this; my family were country music listeners, so I am really only familiar with her biggest hits and a small amount of her life story. I thought it was time I learned more about her and her music, and this was a timely read for Black History Month.
Kennedy tells you upfront that this isn't a straight up biography of her life; it's a bit more scholarly than that, and he examines her music's place in pop culture and how the public reacted to it and her life. He is someone who obviously cares about Whitney Houston a great deal, and he approaches the whole books with a great deal of kindness and empathy. The writing is excellent, but her life so, so sad.
(Obviously, there's lots of discussion of drug use and abuse and this is maybe not the right book for anyone sensitive to those things.)
Kennedy tells you upfront that this isn't a straight up biography of her life; it's a bit more scholarly than that, and he examines her music's place in pop culture and how the public reacted to it and her life. He is someone who obviously cares about Whitney Houston a great deal, and he approaches the whole books with a great deal of kindness and empathy. The writing is excellent, but her life so, so sad.
(Obviously, there's lots of discussion of drug use and abuse and this is maybe not the right book for anyone sensitive to those things.)
February 10, 2023
I have always loved Whitney Houston! Her voice was absolutely incredible! Reading this book helped me to understand her life just a little better. Whitney was a very troubled soul and those who claimed to love her most, did very little to help fight her demons. The music industry just about ate her alive and we the people weren’t very kind. I wish someone would have helped her to see that she could never be “good enough” for people. Most of us don’t even know what we want for ourselves. She, just like everyone of us was uniquely created by God, as an original, never to be duplicated. So many, were envious of her light and she found herself in utter darkness. I miss never being blessed with an opportunity to see her perform in person. Her presence will forever be missed in this world.
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