WHITNEY HOUSTON: The Power of Love Relives with the Unreleased “Love Is”

Music news

Over a decade after her death, Whitney Houston's voice returns to excite with an unreleased song: Love Is.

This single is the heart of a new project, “Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)”, a live album celebrating the singer's historic performance in South Africa in 1994, an iconic concert now reissued by Legacy Recordings in collaboration with the Estate of Whitney Houston.

“Love Is,” with its singular story and a touch of classic R&B, represents yet another testament to Whitney's talent and lasting influence on the international music scene.

THE CONCERT

The release of this live album celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of Whitney Houston's historic concert in Durban, in a South Africa that was preparing to enter a new era after apartheid.

This performance was not only a musical event, but also a message of hope and a tribute to Nelson Mandela.

The singer offered the local audience a selection of her greatest hits, consolidating her role not only as a world-famous artist, but also as a symbol of peace and unity.

THE UNRELEASED SONG

Love Is it was written by Carvin Winans and produced together with Nat Adderley and Houston herself, becoming a rare testament to the bond between the singer and the Winans family. Whitney met Carvin in 1986 and fell in love with the song, asking to reserve it for her. Finally recorded in 1990, “Love Is” expresses the ideal of pure and strong love, a recurring theme for Whitney, but made special by the emotion and interpretative depth that only she could convey.

THE UNIVERSAL MESSAGE

“Love Is” isn't just a love song; it is a reflection on how much love can become a positive force, capable of resisting over time. As recalled by Pat Houston, performer of the Estate of Whitney Houston, the song is an R&B classic, with a disarming simplicity and a direct message. Whitney believed in the power of love and music to bring people together, and “Love Is” is a testament to that.

WHITNEY'S LEGACY

In addition to “Love Is,” the album “Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)” brings together some of the artist's most iconic songs, including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You,” along with powerful performances like “Amazing Grace.” This album, available in CD, vinyl and digital formats, is accompanied by a screening of the concert film, broadcast in 30 countries. The release of the unreleased song and the live performance represent the lasting memory of an artist who was able to touch the hearts of millions of people with her music and her authenticity.

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Staff

Written by

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.