American celebrities and members of the black community in the US converged at New Hope Baptist Church , venue of the funeral? to pay their tributes to? the American star? singer and six-time Grammy Award winner , Whitney Houston .
Houston, 48, died Feb. 11 in a Beverly Hills hotel. The cause of death is still under investigation, but, over the past several years, her history of substance abuse and erratic behaviour overshadowed a stellar entertainment career as a recording artist, actress and producer.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bobby Brown , former husband of Whitney , Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Bill Cosby, and Stevie Wonder were among the? early arrivals at the event.
There was New Hope's rousing gospel choir, which performed several religious songs ahead of a series of speeches and performances planned for the service, which lasted? several hours.
Speaker after speaker paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston .
New Hope Pastor Joe Carter said, “We're here today, hearts broken, yet with God's strength, we celebrate the life of Whitney Houston.
Jesse Jackson , a leading black American activist and politician, said , “The memories are so powerful, the music will be with us forever. We have a lot to rejoice about.
Gospel singer Kim Burrell, a long-time friend, said, “As popular and powerful as she was, she was so brilliantly liberal and was? generous with others.