With the world saddened by the death of singer Whitney Houston Saturday in Los Angeles, many observers point to her stirring rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV as perhaps the most salient moment of her career.
However, Houston was also regarded as being part of an important ceremony in the world of tennis, performing at the opening of Arthur Ashe Stadium in 1997. “One Moment In Time” was the song Houston sang on the opening night of the 1997 US Open as the stadium was officially dedicated, with nearly all living US singles champions honored on court.
“This is an honor to come celebrate the opening of the Arthur Ashe Stadium,” said Houston at the opening of her performance. “This is incredible – an incredible evening of champions. Like Arthur, each of you had your moment in time. So tonight, I would like to dedicate this song to all of you.”
Her US Open performance at the opening of Arthur Ashe Stadium is seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
The 48-year-old sold Houston sold over 200 million albums and singles worldwide, winning six Grammys, 22 American Music Awards and two Emmy Awards. She is best known for songs as “I Want To Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” “The Greatest Love of All” and perhaps her most celebrated anthem “I Will Always Love You.” Her national anthem performance at Super Bowl XXV between the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills in Tampa, Fla., came with U.S. military services engaged in the first Persian Gulf War in 1991. Afterwards, she said she would never perform the song ever again.