MUSIC
New Whitney Houston album to be released 11 years after her death
Whitney Houston’s post-mortem gospel album contains never-before-seen footage of the artist worshiping at age 17.
Legendary soul singer Whitney Houston had a bank of recordings stored away before she tragically and unexpectedly died at 48 years old in 2012 — and they are to be released next month.
Houston’s post-mortem release, ‘I Go to the Rock’, features recording of the star from as early as 1981, where she sings ‘Testimony’ — a song that was released alongside the announcement.
The superstar’s estate announced Thursday morning that the family will be releasing new footage via a new Whitney Houston album, documentary series, and corresponding DVD called ‘I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston’.
The album will contain six new songs that have never before been released to the public. The Whitney Gospel Project will be available March 24.
Fans can preview the album on Whitney Houston’s website, including pre-order before its release date, and read the lyrics of the songs.
“When the Earth all around me is sinking sand, On Christ, the solid rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock,” the title track reads.
There is also a trailer for the docuseries, which shows Houston singing her heart out along with an upbeat gospel choir.
Gospel in Houston’s heart
Whitney Houston was one of the top-selling artists ever, with over 200 million records sales worldwide. The songstree holds the record for the most consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, with seven weeks in a row.
However, according to her website, all Houston really wanted to do was sing gospel music.
“Her heart was always in gospel music, and it profoundly influenced her life and career,” the singer’s page reads.
“These recordings invite us into the deep faith behind the voice that continues to uplift and impact countless lives around the world.”
The ‘I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston’ album is a reflection of her true heart for worship, featuring familiar Christian songs like ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow.’
Never-before-heard songs on the 14-track album are called ‘He Can Use Me’, a live version of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘I Found a Wonderful Way’, and ‘Testimony’.
Houston passed away on February 11, 2012 after being found unconscious in Suite 434 of the Beverly Hilton just hours before the 2012 Grammy Awards ceremony, where she was honored by a moving serenade from Jennifer Hudson.