Couldn’t we all use a do-over sometimes?
You know those dreaded, inappropriate first words you said to your future in-laws? Don’t you wish you could take them back?
Or, how about that time you inexplicably put on your “comedic” hat at your wife’s law firm holiday party where you proceeded to launch one unfortunate lawyer joke after another. And, by the way, your wife was up for partner at the time—emphasis on was.
Or, maybe it was simply the Mohawk hairdo you sported for senior picture day in high school, in defiance of your parents. The topper, of course, was that you sprayed it half blue and half green.
I’m sure these folks would give anything for a do-over.
On Saturday, two icons were celebrated for their life and legacy. One has benefited from a do-over; unfortunately, time ran out on the other one before she got a chance to fully redeem herself.
On Saturday, more than 2,000 friends, celebrities and loved ones descended upon Las Vegas to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday. Ali turned 70 on January 17.
Across the country, in an environment that was equally jovial at times, more than 1,500 friends, celebrities and loved ones filled the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, to pay their respects to Whitney Houston. Whitney was honored during a “homegoing” celebration, which was televised and streamed online for millions of viewers.
What’s more, one of Whitney’s biggest hits “The Greatest Love of All,” was a do-over of a George Benson song for the Ali biopic, “The Greatest.” (Benson’s song also was a do-over of the original song performed by folk and cabaret singer Jane Olivor). Whitney performed the song at Ali’s 50th birthday party. Unfortunately, she would not live to perform it 20 years later.
Both Whitney and Ali had celebrated careers, and both had careers tainted by controversy. On Saturday, whether you believe rightly or wrongly, they were each celebrated for their contributions—their peak performances.
If you ever find yourself in a position to have a do-over—and consider yourself lucky if you do—hopefully, you’ll make the most of it. After all, as the events of the past week have shown us, do-overs aren’t always guaranteed.
4 comments:
Whitney Houston: Greatest anthem ever.
Two icons, both had flaws, both still revered, in my opinion.
The Ali-Whitney connection is haunting. I still remember when she sung happy birthday to him. Sad on both counts.
Both Whitney and Ali had their ups and downs and controversies. In Ali's case, all the bad seems to be forgotten or forgiven. Unfortunate for Whitney, she never got to outlive her crazy.
Post a Comment