Local fans remember Whitney Houston

APPLETON - Fans of singer Whitney Houston in Northeast Wisconsin are shocked at her death, and remembering her music.

Houston captured the attention of those near a radio in the 1980s and '90s as her songs topped the music charts and won all the awards.

During that time of hit after hit she won over legions of fans worldwide and right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

"she was a music role model. She has a one of a kind voice, nobody can sing like her," said Ashley Lenz of Menasha.

"What are the top five voices in our lifetime? And Whitney Houston is right there at the top," said Matt Erickson of Appleton.

Erickson was just 17 years old when Houston not only topped the music charts, but the box office as well starring in "The Bodyguard" with Kevin Costner.

Houston, the actress, made her that much more of a superstar.

"Everybody knew the name in our age group growing up. I'm 37-years-old. I mean she did movies, she was a big pop star, beautiful lady, big, big voice," said Erickson.

"She was very prominent in the music industry and inspired a lot of individuals so sad that she's gone," said Julia Kaczmerak, a student at Lawrence University.

Fans were well aware of her troubles with drugs and alcohol over the years--troubles that recent reports indicate she continued to face.

"I don't know much about her passing other than shocked to hear the news," said Erickson.

But it is her music, not her tragic end that fans say they will remember most.