Protecting Whitney: The Memoir of Her Bodyguard, by David Roberts, offers insights into the rise and fall of one of our most beloved icons. “After spending so many years in angry contemplation, I found it cathartic to finally recall, relive, and recount my experiences, my life, as Whitney Houston’s bodyguard.
I am hoping that by sharing this story, you can get to know her more deeply and appreciate what we lost,” writes Roberts in the book’s preface. Did he love her? Yes, but in a much more nuanced way than the 1992 film The Bodyguard portrays.
Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.Houston’s life was filled with dramatic highs and lows, fueled by her insurmountable talent, a voracious entertainment industry that demanded more than any one person should be asked of, and toxic relationships that ultimately fueled her demise. Initially hired for Houston’s security detail for the UK portion of her 1988 Moment of Truth world tour, Roberts (a former member of the Royal Air Force Police and sergeant at the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard) would stay in Houston’s purview through 1995.
He bared witness to the complex relationship between Houston and Robyn Crawford, who claimed in her memoir, A Song For You: My Life with Whitney Houston, that the pair were lovers, and the arrival of Bobby Brown and their tumultuous marriage. Through it all, Houston earned 25 Grammy nominations and six wins and appeared in countless films, music videos, and concerts.
On the day of her passing at a concert in Las Vegas, Elton John spoke of her impact, saying, “You forget with all the troubles that she went through, how brilliant—how incredibly brilliant—this woman was. My dearest, gorgeous, lovely angel … thank you for giving us your talent and one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”Queerty obtained exclusive excerpts from Roberts’ book, which highlight the sass, determination, and
.
Music
concert
show
voice
Love
UPS
beautiful
Elton John
Whitney Houston