I watched highlights from the Whitney Houston Homegoing Services on CNN and it perhaps made me reflective as to the losses in recent years of some great performers whom I associate with memories and experiences in my life and of whom I stood in awe of their talents. These include but are not limited to Etta James, Lena Horne, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. While far different than my experiences when losing a family member, there was still something that touched me personally at knowing such gifted individuals were no longer on this earth. There was lingering sadness. I did not construct a website or youtube channel to display their impressive works, like I have with Robin Strasser--I'll leave that to others-- but I was no less enamored with their greatness as entertainers. And too, I did not judge them for their personal lives. For one thing, I didn't know them personally and secondly, it was their talent that drew me to them not their private lives. That said, I realize the likely sacrifices that in some cases took a toll with the rise to fame and the demands to please a public as struggles were chronicled in the social media. My assessment has nearly always been limited to a professional life but that doesn't mean I am blind to sometimes reckless and dangerous lifestyle choices. Nonetheless and I don't recall who said it during the service I watched on CNN (I believe it was a bodyguard) but the gist of the remarks were that these talented individuals give so much of themselves so why not simply give them love in return as a thank you for what they give to the public of their gifts. The comment gave me pause.

I appreciate performers who have natural abilities and God given talents that defy any other explanations. Through honed skills and instincts, they know how to move the emotions through their art. I suppose I've always been drawn to singers because of my background in the Baptist church where the Gospel is spiritual in both spoken word and song. Watching the services at New Hope Baptist Church in Houston's hometown of Newark, N.J. reminded me she was a person who grew up much like I did at about the same time. Houston had a talent that she shared with the world even as she had fears about facing an audience and not being good enough.

 

I watched one of Narada Michael Walden's interviews about Houston on CNN. He was one of the first major producers to work with the talented vocalist. He discussed with CNN anchor Don Lemon the importance of crafting work that allowed her voice to soar--that is what moves your audience. (the video on the right is with Walden and host Piers Morgan).  So what does all this have to do with Strasser? Kevin Mulcahy wrote a review of "Love, Loss and What I Wore," for the We Love Soaps website. In it he recognized Strasser as a true artist. He also pointed out how she was hindered by the writing of her character and other contraptions during her final years on OLTL:

 

 

 

Gregory L. Norris is a professional writer and a Strasser fan, who writes about his experience in NYC recently, including seeing Strasser in "Love, Loss and What I Wore."

 

Clearly Strasser is not in the same stratosphere as an international star like Houston, but she is highly regarded by her peers and seen by fans as an icon. I point to all this because the writing for Dorian was extremely disappointing during her last years on OLTL. Still because I was familiar with her work it did not diminish my opinion of Strasser's talent, her gift. I have watched her throughout her career. From communicating with other fans, it is a common observation that it is her gift to shift gears and display multi-tiered emotions with subtle, seamless transition that adds to the complexity of character and holds fascination. In other words, she displays an extraordinary range as a performer. Similarly, Houston showed audiences mesmerizing versatility and depth through voice. A simple ballad with lyrics in the hands of a true artist can take it to new heights. Good writing with care to the character and story can make acting soar. Both create memories that last a lifetime. On Daytime drama or Broadway, Strasser always gives it her all to which I say, "Thank you, with love."

 

Strasser stars in "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" through Feb. 26th at the Westside Theatre in NYC.  Also, for more about Strasser, read her latest intervew at Examiner.com .