**Wyclef Jean’s Candid Story about Whitney Houston’s Recording Session**
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At the recent Storytellers event during the Tribeca Festival, Wyclef Jean shared a remarkable anecdote about his time collaborating with the late legendary artist Whitney Houston. The award-winning musician and producer, along with Mark Ronson, delved into their experiences in the music industry, revealing a moment where Jean found himself in a nerve-wracking situation – having to give feedback to Whitney Houston herself.
Jean recounted how Houston’s producer and manager, Clive Davis, approached him for a song for her comeback album. The collaboration led to the creation of the iconic 1998 hit, “My Love Is Your Love”. The pressure was on to get the song just right, which made for a memorable experience for Jean.
During a recording session for the track, Jean found himself in a dilemma. He noticed a flat note in Houston’s rendition and knew he had to address it, despite feeling petrified at the thought of critiquing a music legend. After a moment of hesitation, Jean bravely paused the session and informed Houston that she was flat.
The atmosphere in the studio was tense as Houston processed the feedback. Known for her impeccable talent as the “Voice,” she responded to Jean’s critique with grace, explaining that she purposefully bent the note for artistic effect. This moment of honesty and vulnerability between the two artists led to a deeper understanding and respect for each other’s craft.
In a heartwarming twist, Jean revealed that Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was present at the recording session. As a surprise for Houston, Jean recorded Bobbi Kristina saying “sing mommy” for the track. The emotional impact of hearing her daughter’s voice on the final version of the song moved Houston to tears.
Reflecting on his time with Houston, Jean shared how the experience of working with her transcended the music itself. He recalled her warmth and dedication to ensuring her daughter was by her side during important moments, highlighting a side of Houston that often went unnoticed amidst her diva persona.
Whitney Houston’s untimely passing in 2012 marked a profound loss in the music industry. Her legacy lives on through timeless hits like “My Love Is Your Love”, reminding fans of her unparalleled talent and the personal connections she forged with those she worked with.
As Wyclef Jean’s recollection of his time with Whitney Houston serves as a poignant reminder of the power of honesty and vulnerability in music collaboration. It showcases the human side of two artists striving for perfection while cherishing the moments of raw emotion and connection that make music truly timeless.