Industry News

 

Whitney Houston's loved ones will gather today, Saturday Feb. 18, for a private funeral service at Newark, N.J.'s New Hope Baptist Church. But fans worldwide will be able to mourn and remember the life and legacy of the music superstar via an online video broadcast of the memorial, which Billboard.biz will carry live right here at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT).

According to the Associated Press, speakers scheduled for today's service include, Houston's cousin singer Dionne Warwick; Sony Music's Clive Davis, who guided Houston's career; actor Kevin Costner who co-starred with Houston in the "Body Guard;" and sister-in-law Patricia Houston. Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly and gospel stars CeCe and Bebe Winans are slated to sing. Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown is also expected to attend the service. Aretha Franklin, a close family friend, is reportedly ill and will miss today's service, according to the same A.P. report. A recording of Houston's biggest hit, "I Will Always Love You," is to be played at service's end.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                         Ebet Roberts/Redferns