Five Million Copies Sold!! - Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits On 2CDs Featuring 36 Tracks, Video & DVD Featuring Rare Live Performances & TV Appearance Footage...The Most Anticipated Greatest Hits Album Ever...


Global Request Whitney
CLICK ON GLOBAL REQUEST WHITNEY & INCREASE WHITNEY'S AIRPLAY
GLOBAL REQUEST WHITNEY HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY
ARISTA RECORDS & THE WHITNEY HOUSTON PLATINUM CLUB

Dear L.A. Reid
WRITE A LETTER TO L.A REID, WHITNEY'S NEW BOSS AT ARISTA
REQUESTING BETTER MARKETING OF
WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
FOLLOW LINK FOR DETAILS


UK Single Details...

Details of 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' which is released on Monday 2 October in the UK:

CD
1 - Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Metro Mix)
2 - Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Tin Tin Out Mix)
3 - I'm Your Baby Tonight (Dronez Mix)

12"
1 - Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Tin Tin Out Mix)
2 - I'm Your Baby Tonight (Dronez Mix)

MC
1 - Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Metro Mix)
2 - Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Tin Tin Out Mix)


New Cover...

The UK BMG Mailout for 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' suggests the above image is the new seasonal cover for 'Whitney The Greatest Hits'.

As soon as a better quality colour image is available, it will be displayed.

 

Polish News...

Waiting to Exhale will be on Polish TV (channel Polsat) on 8 October at 21:00.

On the singles chart, 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' spends it's second week at No.5.   Requests for MTV Poland can be sent to  listyprzebojow@mtv.pl

[Thanks Sylwia]

Blipvert...

Click Here to download a short blipvert promoting the UK release of 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' from BMG Backstage.

 

CNN Worldbeat...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.18 (from No.15) on the CNN Worldbeat Album Chart, it's 18th week on (peak position No.2).


German Chart Update...

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLES CHART
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Up to No.9 (from No.11) - 3 weeks on chart

MEDIA CONTROL ALBUM CHART
The Greatest Hits - Remains at No.33 (second week)

[Thanks Sabine]


NEWSFILE: 29 SEPTEMBER 2000


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 7 October 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.124 (from No.107) - 19 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.70 (from No.62) - 19 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Up to No.56 (from No.64) with bullet - 4 week on chart.
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Up to No.47 (from No.54) with bullet - 4 week on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Hot 100 - Down to No.98 (from No.95) - 17 weeks on chart;
Adult Contemporary Chart - Remains at No.14 (second week) - 20 weeks on chart;

SAME SCRIPT, DIFFERENT CAST:
Hot Dance Music/Club Play - Down to No.13 (from No.7) - 8 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


Classic TV....

This past Sunday, Classic Whitney was featured on the Spanish TV channel Antena 3's show "Webteve".  The programme talks about the internet and discussed Whitney Houston's presence on the Internet.  Classic Whitney was used as an example.

Classic Whitney was featured on Sunday evening, the European TV channel ANTENA3 TV's show 'Webteve', a TV program that talks about internet, told about the big presence of Whitney in the web, and they put your site: Classic Whitney by example.

[Thanks Pablo B]

Number One...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is the No.1 song on the new Dutch Top 40 (3 weeks on the chart).  Whitney's last No.1 single in Holland was 'I'm Every Woman' in 1993.

Details about the Greatest Hits performance to come.

[Thanks Deborah]


UK Airplay...

Mixed news for 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' on UK radio this week.  The song loses 1% of it's number of plays to 591 for the week but it still manages an audience increase of 16% to 28.30 million listeners.  The song climbs to No.26 (from No.33) on the airplay chart overall.

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is up to No.4 on the Box Breakers Chart and remains A listed on Radio 2.

No significant support from Radio One or Capital Radio as yet - the UK's biggest national and regional radio stations.  If you are in the UK, please request the song.

 

UK Single...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is released commercially in the UK next week.  The single will be issued on one CD, 12" and cassette.

 

French Update...

The Greatest Hits is down to No.19 on the French Album Chart in it's 19th week.

Previous week - 15-11-10-9 (most recent first).

[Thanks Sebastien]


Worldpop...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is up to No.6 (from No.13) on the Worldpop Singles Chart.

[Thanks Jim]


Spain...

"Could I Have This Kiss Forever" is up to No.4 from No.7 on the Spanish Singles chart after 3 weeks on chart.  Whitney The Greatest Hits is down to No.32 from No.26 on the Spanish Albums chart.

"Whitney The Greatest Hits" is sponsoring "Crónicas Marcianas", one of the most watched shows in Spain - the leading audience draw on prime time television.

[Thanks Laura]


Dear L.A. Reid...

The response to the letter writing campaign has been positive.  Thank you to everyone who is taking part.  This is your opportunity to voice your concerns about the poor marketing of Whitney's Greatest Hits in the US in a manner which may provide some positive results.  The US is usually Whitney's biggest market and is certainly one of the biggest music markets in the world, therefore a very important one.

The Greatest Hits performance overall worldwide has been very good and the album is still listed as one the Top 20 best selling albums worldwide according to CNN's Worldbeat.

Want To Have Your Say?  Click Here.


NEWSFILE: 28 SEPTEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.16 (from No.13) - 19 weeks on chart; - DOUBLE PLATINUM
Music Video Chart - Down to No.20 (from No.11) - 19 weeks on chart.



Australia...

Aria Top 50 Albums
Whitney The Greatest Hits - Down to No.67 (from No.60) - 20 weeks on chart -
GOLD

Aria Top 50 Singles
If I Told You That - Remains at No.37 - 2 weeks on chart.
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.49 (from No.32) - 14 weeks on chart - GOLD

 

NEWSFILE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2000


Relentless...

News organisations are reporting that Whitney Houston will be charged by Hawaiian prosecutors with third degree promotion of a detrimental drug.   This is a misdemeanour  charge that stems from an alleged incident in January at the Keahole-Kona International Airport wherein airport authorities are said to have found 15.2 grams of marijuana in Whitney's bag.

Deputy Prosecutor Mel Fujino confirmed that the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office will charge Whitney.  If found guilty, the charge is punishable with up to 30 days in jail and/or  a $1,000 fine. Prosecutors have reportedly given Whitney until the arraignment date, 26 October, to voluntarily turn herself in. If she doesn't, Whitney will have a warrant out for her arrest.

"If [the judge] grants it, then it would be put in the state warrant system, and then if she comes back in the state, she could be arrested," Deputy Prosecutor Charlene Iboshi has said in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. "For petty misdemeanors we do not extradite."

The decision to charge Whitney is a change of mind for the prosecutor's office. In April, it returned the case to police for further investigation after determining there wasn't enough initial evidence - which included fingerprints and analysis of the contents of the bag - to press charges.

In an interview back in May, Whitney had this to say:

"It wasn't anything like it went down, that's all I can say...My name got slashed, slapped on there, so I'm not even gonna talk about it. It's like in here [points to her heart], I want to get it out, but I can't because it's gonna cause a lot of shit."

"It's fucked up, it's fucked up...You can't say anything, you can't do anything, because it incriminates you even more. So you just kind of sit there and let it [incriminate you] until you can say something...People pick on me, but they don't know me, they don't know me as a person. You could analyze me all fucking day and I'm the same person. What do I care? They don't live with me. They don't wake up next to me in the morning."


German Update...

MEDIA CONTROL SINGLES
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Up to No.11 (from No.13)

MEDIA CONTROL ALBUMS
The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston - Up to No.33 (from No.35)

[Thanks Sabine]

 

NEWSFILE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2000


VH1 My Music Awards...

Classic Whitney has been shortlisted in the VH1 My Music Awards category for 'Coolest Fan Web Site'.  The final five nominations have to selected from the list and the chosen five will appear on the VH1 Website on 20 October.  Voting then begins again to select the winner for the awards ceremony on 30 November 2000 at the Shrine Auditorium.

To vote in the categories, you will have to register.  Some of the other categories in which we can nominate Whitney herself  - as you can make your own nominations if the one you want is not listed - include:

Must Have Album
Song Of The Year (could we try for 'My Love Is Your Love' which peaked in January?)
Crank It Up (nominate Fine)
Woman Of The Year
Legend In Action
Best Live Act
Sexxxiest Video (Could I Have This Kiss Forever)
Video Of The Year (Could I Have This Kiss Forever)
Givin' It Back (Whitney Houston for her AC Shows despite troubled times?  Any Reason!)
The Barry White Award (Whitney Houston)
Duet I'd Love To See On The Show (Whitney &.....?)
Song I'd Like To See On The Show (Whitney Houston's 'Fine')

Basically, try and nominate Whitney in as many categories as possible.

Finally, a big THANK YOU to everyone who suggested it enough times that the people at VH1 sat up and listened or however they picked Classic Whitney as one of the 20 on their suggested shortlist.

 

More On The March...

[Billboard Online Article]

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Mary J. Blige and Macy Gray are among those confirmed to perform at the Million Family March in Washington, D.C. Organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, the event will take place Oct. 16, on the fifth anniversary of the Million Man March. Other performers will include Kelly Price, Reverend Run of Run-DMC and Erykah Badu. Russell Simmons, founder of 360HipHop.com, is leading an effort to bring the hip-hop community to the rally. "I believe this march will have a dramatic effect on race relations," Simmons said. "It's a march about the human family, rising above color and religion, symbols and creed." Simmons and his wife, Kimora Lee, are heading a committee to encourage entertainment industry support of the event.

Also serving on the committee are Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, Vanessa L. Williams and her husband Rick Fox (Los Angeles Lakers), Sean "Puffy" Combs, Queen Latifah, University Music Entertainment CEO/President Haqq Islam, and actor/comedian Chris Tucker.

[Thanks Monte]

 

Sunday...

[Billboard Review]

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: SUNDAY
SUNDAY I Know (3:43)
PRODUCER: Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell
WRITERS: H. Lily Jr., N. Squire, T. Squire, J. Smith, W. Campbell
PUBLISHER: not listed
Better Place/Capitol 15197 (CD promo)

The rush to tap into the public's interest in such girl groups as Destiny's Child continues with the onset of this vocal quintet, comprising three sisters and two cousins. No doubt, the familial connection contributes to the seamless blend of harmonies. Pals rarely flow with such remarkable ease. Fans of rich, intricate vocal arrangements are offered a tasty feast here, wherein there are enough twists and turns to leave the listener happily dizzy...and the leads' vamps are pretty nifty too. Much ado will be made of the fact that Sunday is being mentored by Whitney Houston (who co-manages the act with longtime associate Robyn Crawford), but it's safe to predict that the act will eventually shine in its own right if the material that fills its full-length eponymous debut (due in stores Oct. 10) is as potent as this infectious, hip-hop-laced single. Producer Campbell underlines the track with time-sensitive beats and taut guitar/keyboard interplay. It's an instantly memorable jam that should prove intriguing to pop and R&B programmers alike.  Sunday is certainly the most formidable foil to Destiny's Child that we've heard to date. Can't wait to see where it goes from here.

[Thanks Lopez]


CNN Worldbeat...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is up to No.15 (from No.17) on the CNN Worldbeat Album Chart, it's 17th week on (peak position No.2).

 

NEWSFILE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2000


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 30 September 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.107 (from No.90) - 18 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.62 (from No.53) - 18 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Up to No.64 (from No.68) with bullet - 3 week on chart.
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Up to No.54 (from No.59) with bullet - 3 week on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Hot 100 - Down to No.95 (from No.87) - 16 weeks on chart;
Adult Contemporary Chart - Down to No.14 (from No.11) - 18 weeks on chart;

SAME SCRIPT, DIFFERENT CAST:
Hot Dance Music/Club Play - Down to No.7 (from No.4) - 7 weeks on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


Million Family March...

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown will participate in the Million Family March celebration, the anniversary of the Million Men March.  A Who's Who of R&B artists will be participating in the even including Mary J Blige, Kelly Price, Wyclef as performers. The entertainment for this event will be handled by Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records.

A Report about the event:

FAMILY MARCH IS BACKED BY ENTERTAINMENT MOGULS
Committee is a Hollywood who's who.


There is currently a massive entertainment contingent backing the efforts of the Louis Farrakhan brainchild, The Million Family March. Organizers will mobilize around the National Agenda centered on public policy issues that impact the quality of life for people of all races. "I believe this march will have a dramatic effect on race relations. It's a march about the human family, rising above color and religion, symbols and creed," said Russell Simmons. Simmons and his wife, Kimora Lee, will be heading the co-chair committee along with Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, Sean Puffy Combs, Queen Latifah, Haqq Islam and Chris Tucker.

[Thanks Lopez]

Worldpop...

Could I Have This Kiss Forever is up to No.13 (from No.15) on the Worldpop Singles Chart.


Spain...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' debuted last week at No.20 on the Spanish Singles chart and has climbed to No.7 this week.

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.26 from No.23 on the Spanish Albums chart.

[Thanks Laura]


Dutch Chart Update...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is up from No.13 to No.3 on the Dutch Top 40 (2nd week on the chart).

The single is still on heavy rotation at the Dutch radio stations and the videoclip hasn't dropped out of TMF's daily 'Dag Top 5' since it entered 2 weeks ago.

Whitney The Greatest Hits is No.11 on the Dutch Album Top 100 (19th week on the chart). Previous weeks: 13-18.

[Thanks Deborah]


NEWSFILE: 21 SEPTEMBER 2000


New Whitney Licensing Agreement...

Stone America Marketing Signed to Represent Whitney Houston for Licensing

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2000--Stone America Marketing today announced they have been signed by John Houston Entertainment as the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for Whitney Houston.

With the agreement, Stone America Marketing will strengthen Whitney Houston's name and likeness by pursuing various licensing opportunities. The envisioned Whitney Houston collection includes items such as cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, eyewear, and other accessories. A percentage of all sales of the Whitney Houston Signature Collection will go to the Whitney Houston Kids Foundation.

Rob Stone, President and CEO of Stone America Marketing stated "In working with Whitney Houston, we saw a great opportunity to work with a multi-talented and generous person. Whitney Houston brings many positive business facets to the table. With having a strong appeal both national and abroad, Stone America Marketing will look to secure not only national licensing programs, but global marketing opportunities as well."

"Through our relationship with Stone America Marketing, we look to increase the overall visibility, respect and reputation of Whitney Houston through this new collection. Rob Stone comes to us with a solid foundation and track record of success. Together, our vision of the Whitney Houston Signature Collection will reach similar heights as all of her other professional endeavors," stated John Houston, President and CEO of John Houston Entertainment.

Stone America Marketing is a professional licensing and marketing agency that   specializes in creating revenue-driven programs to help strengthen and protect corporate brands, trademarks and logos. Client list available upon request. For more information on Stone America Marketing, please visit the firm's web site at www.stoneamerica.com.

[Thanks Rodney/Lopez]

 

NEWSFILE: 20 SEPTEMBER 2000


Dear L.A. Reid...

Whitney Houston's fanbase has been left disappointed by the poor performance of her Greatest Hits album in the US.  The album was released in May and is already down to No.90 on the Billboard 200. 

As a means of channelling all the disappointment in a proactive manner, I have devised a "Dear L.A. Reid" campaign in which fans can write to Whitney's new boss. 

Follow The Dear L.A. Reid Image Link Above Or Click Here For More Details.

Please do your bit to make this campaign effective.

 

Whitney The Greatest Hits: US...

Arista USA is working on a marketing strategy for 'Whitney The Greatest Hits' in the US for the final quarter.  Full details are being worked on so not much is known except that TV advertising is going to feature heavily.

It is unlikely that Whitney will be available for TV appearances.  Possible movie project in the wings.


Whitney The Greatest Hits: UK...

Arista UK have big plans for 'Whitney The Greatest Hits' in the final quarter of 2000.  The album, which is already Double Platinum is being revamped in a slip-case wallet with new artwork (the CD inside and it's artwork will remain faithful to the original issue).  Details of what the new cover will look like are not known as yet.

The album will maintain a high advertising profile leading up to Christmas with television and press advertisements.

In addition to the album's second single - Could I Have This Kiss Forever - being issued on 2 October 2000, a third single will be issued on 4 December.  Heartbreak Hotel, originally from 1998's 'My Love Is Your Love' album and a major US radio and commercial hit will finally see UK release to see the album through to a prolific end for a successful year in the UK for Whitney.

It is not known whether this seasonal new cover will be issued worldwide as yet.


UK Airplay...

Great News: Airplay for 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' has finally found it's gear in the UK.  The song enters the Airplay Top 50 at No.33 this week (up from No.55).  It's surge is aided by a 30% increase in the number of plays (now 596) and a 70% increase in it's audience to 24.38 million.

The song is A listed on Radio Two and is up to No.6 on the Box Breakers Chart (songs that do not have a commercial single as yet).


Remix News...

[Text of Email From Jordan F.]

Just to let you know, Junior Vasquez is working on a mix for Whitney's Fine. He played it this weekend at his club, but it wasn't finished.  Peter of Club 69 also played his own finally finished mix of If I Told You That this weekend. (I wasn't in NYC this weekend, but my friends emailed me to let me know all this info.) I assume both of these songs will probably be promoted in the US at the beginning of October.

Junior also did 3 other Whitney mixes that are unreleased. He has an alternate disco mix of I Learned From The Best that samples the old disco track 'Shame.'  He did a very funky mix of Get It Back, which I was told was supposed to be the final UK single from My Love Is Your Love before the Greatest Hits Project and single took over.

There is also an additional mix of I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Junior's 3rd version of this classic). Junior did the new I Wanna Dance mix just for playing in his club. It's very fun and has almost a circus sounding quality to it, if that makes any sense at all.  Junior played all of these mixes for several months at the beginning of the year.  He occasionally still puts them into his weekly sets and they all wow the crowd. I am really hoping that all of these mixes get released eventually, because they are all great.

[Thanks Jordan]


NEWSFILE: 19 SEPTEMBER 2000


Whitney Houston Sales...

The Whitney Houston Albums & Singles Sales Information has been updated.  The page includes sales of every single up to and including the My Love Is Your Love album and all her albums including sales to date of 'Whitney The Greatest Hits'.

Sales of 'Waiting To Exhale' have been included as Arista include the sales of this album in their announcement of 115 million albums sold.

The figures are based on confirmed sales and I have tried to keep them in line with Arista's 115 million copies.  As a result, sales of 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' are listed at 10 million (confirmed sales) as opposed to 12 million that Arista cited some years back but could have been a shipment figure.   On confirmation of this being actual sales, the figure will return to 12 million.

Also, sales of The Bodyguard are being left at 34 million copies as Arista's recent comment that the album was at 37 million did not clarify whether this represented sales or shipment.

Finally, sales of My Love Is Your Love remain at 10 million copies which was the last confirmed sales figure although the album was still charted in many territories when Arista confirmed it's sales.


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.13 (from No.10) - 18 weeks on chart; - DOUBLE PLATINUM
Music Video Chart - Up to No.11 (from No.14) - 18 weeks on chart.


Top Ten So Far...

The Top Twenty best selling albums in the UK for the year to date:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Play - Moby
The Man Who - Travis
Reload - Tom Jones
The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem
Supernatural - Santana
Rise - Gabrielle
Come On Over - Shania Twain
The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston

Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants - Oasis
On How Life Is - Macy Gray
Born To Do It - Craig David
In Blue - The Corrs
Ronan - Ronan Keating
Sing When You're Winning - Robbie Williams
White Ladder - David Gray
Westlife - Westlife
Oops I Did It Again - Britney Spears
Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Northern Star - Melanie C
2001 - Dr Dre


Australia...

Aria Top 50 Albums
Whitney The Greatest Hits - Down to No.60 (from No.44) - 19 weeks on chart -
GOLD

Aria Top 50 Singles
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.32 (from No.18) - 13 weeks on chart -
GOLD
If I Told You That - New Entry at No.37 - 1 week on chart.

 

Charts Around The World...

Austria:
(Top 50 LP) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 32 (27) - 17 weeks on chart
(Top 40 Single) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 23 (New Entry) - 1 week on chart

Belgium:
(Ultratop Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 20 (19) - 18 weeks on chart
(Ultratop Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 30 (New Entry) - 1 week on chart

Estonia:
(PedroBeat Top 100 CD) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 54 (83) - 17 weeks on chart
(PedroBeat Top 100 MC) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 53 (52) - 17 weeks on chart

Finland:
(Top 40 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 38 (30) - 17 weeks on chart

Germany:
(Media Control Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 35 (32) - 17 weeks on chart
(Media Control Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever -No.13 (New) - 1 week on chart
(Top 20 R&B Airplay) Fine - No. 20 (19) - 12 weeks on chart

Netherlands (Holland):
(Mega Top 100) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 14 (New Entry) - 1 week on chart

Sweden:
(Topplistan Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 9 (10) - 17 weeks on chart
(Topplistan Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 5 (New Entry) - 1 week on chart

Switzerland:
(Top 100 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 32 (30) - 18 weeks on chart
(Top 100 Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 16 (New Entry) - 1 week on chart
(Top 100 Singles) If I Told You That - No. 88 (90) - 15 weeks on chart

Canada:
(Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 81 (92) - 17 weeks on chart
(R&B Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 19 (20) - 17 weeks on chart
(Singles: Top 50) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 13 (14) - 12 weeks on chart

New Zealand:
(Top 50 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 41 (46) - 12 weeks on chart
(Top 50 Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 12 (14) - 13 weeks on chart

W:TGH dropped out of the charts in Denmark and Norway this week.

[Thanks Gogi]

  NEWSFILE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2000


UK Release Info...

[From BMG Backstage]

Whitney Houston: 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever'

Whitney Houston, the queen of smouldering R&B duets with multi-million selling, Spanish superstar, Enrique Iglesias on 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever'

The second single to be taken from the double platinum No.1 selling album 'The Greatest Hits', 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' sees Whitney in full on diva mode - soaring vocals, intense passion and dynamic delivery, while Enrique works his stunning, soulful vocals to optimum effect!
 
Relentless talent who's star continues to shine, Whitney Houston is without a doubt one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, who has sung some of the world's best loved songs. Always an inspiration, 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is set to become the latest hit in a glittering career.
 
The single is released 2nd October and features remixes by Tin Tin Out.

[Thanks Ben]


Request Info...

Quent has kindly compiled information on 103 Jamz, an urban radio station in Norfolk, Va. for Global Request Whitney.

If you have any radio station details (website, email addresses and phone numbers), please email them to me for inclusion in Global Request Whitney.

Please take some time to review the page and request 'Fine' on your local urban and pop radio station from Monday - the official impact date of the song.  The most effective requesting method is on the phone right after the station plays the song - radio stations react best to this form of requesting - radio stations are clued up on organised email campaigns so you need to phone as much as you email if not more so.

Do Your Bit.

[Thanks Quent/Lopez]

Spain...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.23 (from No.22) on this week's Spanish Album Chart.

[Thanks Laura]


 
NEWSFILE: 16 SEPTEMBER 2000


Whitney The Greatest Hits...

Whitney The Greatest Hits Promo Flyer

New promotional flyer for Whitney The Greatest Hits
[CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW IN LARGER SCALE]

[Thanks Dave W]


UK Fans...

Chances are, that if you're a Whitney fan in the UK, you haven't heard 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' on the radio very often (if at all) and seen very little of the video.

Please do your bit over the coming week to raise Whitney's profile:

- Phone you local radio station and request the song;
- If your local radio station has a website, email them as well!;
- Call and email MTV Select to request 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever';
- Request the song on The Box UK (selection number 929).

If everyone does their small bit, the song will increase it's radio profile during next week in time for it's commercial release the week after next.


Dutch Chart...

Further to yesterday's Dutch Chart Update, 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' has debuted at No.13 on the week's Dutch Top 40.   The song is also 'De Alarmschijf'; the Highlight-single of this week.

Could I Have This Kiss Forever was  the No.1 song in TMF's daily 'Dag Top 5' yesterday and No.3 today.

Finally, Whitney The Greatest Hits has been certified Platinum in Holland representing 80,000 copies shipped.

[Thanks Deborah]

 

Germany...

Could I Have This Kiss Forever debuts at No.13 on the the German charts.  The debut is higher than that of any of the singles from the My Love Is Your Love project.

Whitney The Greatest Hits is is down to No.35 from No.32.

[Thanks André/Sabine]


CNN Worldbeat...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.17 (from No.13) on the CNN Worldbeat Album Chart, it's 16th week on.


Worldpop...

Could I Have This Kiss Forever is up to No.15 (from No.18) on the Worldpop Singles Chart.

[Thanks Jim]

 

NEWSFILE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2000


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 23 September 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.90 (from No.82) - 17 weeks on chart;
DOUBLE PLATINUM
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Remains at No.53 (second week) - 17 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Hot 100 - Down to No.87 (from No.81) - 15 weeks on chart;
Adult Contemporary Chart - Down to No.11 (from No.10) - 17 weeks on chart;

SAME SCRIPT, DIFFERENT CAST:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.73 (from No.64) - 20 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.66 (from No.58) -20 weeks on chart.
Hot Dance Music/Club Play - Remains at No.4 (second week) - 6 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Remains at No.68 (2nd week) with bullet - 2 week on chart.
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.59 (from No.55) with bullet - 2 week on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


UK Release...

The UK promo CD for 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' features the Metro Mix and the Tin Tin Out Remix.  The Blurb on the CD states that Arista is about to confirm a UK promotional visit around the release of this single. 

The release date is 25 September and the radio edit of the Tin Tin Out Remix will be serviced to UK radio stations alongside the Metro Mix.

[Thanks Sadiq]


Enrique...

[Enrique Iglesias Statement In New York Daily News]

Enrique Iglesias is shooting down tabloid claims that he has been having relations with Whitney Houston, with whom he recorded "Can I Have This Kiss Forever?" "I wish!" he told us by phone before going on stage in Paris. "It would be easy to fall for someone like Whitney, ah? She's beautiful! But I wouldn't go out with a woman who was with another guy, because I wouldn't want that to happen to me."

[Thanks Chris B./Andrea]


Dutch Update...

Whitney The Greatest Hits is up to No.18 (from No.29) on the Dutch Album Top 100 (17 weeks on chart).

The rise has a lot to do with the single Could I Have This Kiss Forever that has just been released.  Dutch radio stations have it on heavy rotation.

TMF (Dutch version of MTV) has a daily Dag Top 5. This programme shows the 5 most popular and demanded video clips of the day. Could I Have This Kiss Forever holds the No.4 spot for almost a week now.

[Thanks Deborah]


Sweden...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is up one place to No.9 on the Swedish Album Chart (peak position so far is No.4).

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' debuts at No.5 this week.

[Thanks Henry J]

 

NEWSFILE: 14 SEPTEMBER 2000


Music Week Review...

[UK Music Trade Publication Music Week Review]

WHITNEY HOUSTON & ENRIQUE IGLESIAS:
COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER

Written bu Diane Warren, and a track from Houston's platinum Greatest Hits set, this David Foster-produced Latin-flavoured breezer could be the perfect late summer hit if radio responds to its charms.


MTV Video Music Awards...

[Excerpt From E News Report On 2000 MTV VMAs]

Another defining moment came near the end, when Spears and Aguilera introduced pop diva Whitney Houston. The oft-talked-about, tabloid-chronicled singer handed out the Video of the Year award, while the moon man was hauled out by husband Bobby Brown.

[Lopez]

 

Platinum Christmas...

BMG is planning a "Platinum Christmas" compilation, due Nov. 14 on Jive. The 18-track set will include material by 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Joe, R. Kelly, Jars Of Clay, Whitney Houston, Santana, and Kenny G. The album is likely the first in a series that will rotate among BMG labels in subsequent years.

[Thanks MG]

 

CNN Worldbeat...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.13 (from No.12) on the CNN Worldbeat Album Chart, it's 15th week on.

 

Charts Around The World...

Austria:
(Top 50 LP) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 27 (25) - 16 weeks on chart

Belgium:
(Ultratop Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 19 (21) - 17 weeks on chart

Denmark:
(Mog Top 20) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 15 (19) - 16 weeks on chart

Finland:
(Top 40 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 30 (25) - 16 weeks on chart

Germany:
(Media Control Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 32 (31) - 16 weeks on chart
(Top 20 R&B Airplay) Fine - No. 19 (15) - 11 weeks on chart

Norway:
(Top 40 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 32 (22) - 16 weeks on chart

Switzerland:
(Top 100 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 30 (20) - 17 weeks on chart
(Top 100 Singles) If I Told You That - No. 90 (84) - 14 weeks on chart

Canada:
(Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 92 (80) - 16 weeks on chart
(R&B Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 20 (18) - 16 weeks on chart
(Singles: Top 50) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 14 (13) - 11 weeks on chart

New Zealand:
(Top 50 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 46 (41) - 11 weeks on chart
(Top 50 Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 14 (9) - 12 weeks on chart

[Thanks Gogi]

 

NEWSFILE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.10 (from No.9) - 17 weeks on chart; - DOUBLE PLATINUM
Music Video Chart - Up to No.14 (from No.18) - 17 weeks on chart.

 

UK Review...

[Capital Radio Review Of 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever']

Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias
'Could I Have This Kiss Forever'
Released 25th September

Could I Have This Kiss Forever - UK

This is one of those tunes that you just know is going to be MASSIVE the first time you hear it.
As well as being sung by two huge stars, it was penned by none other than one-woman smash-hit factory Diane Warren - the talent behind such anthems as Toni Braxton's hit 'Un-Break My Heart', 'How Do I Live' sung by Leanne Rimes and Aerosmith's 'Don't Want To Miss A Thing.'
And what an epic 'Could I....' is too. While Whitney's not alone in wanting to have a good old snog with Enrique, her voice complements Enrique's perfectly. Another good thing about it, is that in this case the Latino flavour is subtle rather then being laid on with a trowel like it is on some tracks at the mo.

A number one hit and no mistake!                                                                          9/10


Australia...

Aria Top 50 Albums
Whitney The Greatest Hits - Up to No.43 (from No.44) - 18 weeks on chart -
GOLD

Aria Top 50 Singles
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Down to No.18 (from No.13) - 12 weeks on chart -
GOLD

 

NEWSFILE: 10 SEPTEMBER 2000


2000 MTV Video Music Awards...

Whitney Houston At The 2000 MTV Video Music Awards

Whitney Houston made a surprise special appearance at last night's MTV Video Music Awards to present the Best Video award.   Introduced By Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera, Whitney sang the chorus to 'I Will Always Love You' as she made her way to centre stage and was greeted with a standing ovation.  Whitney was later met with Bobby Brown to hand out the award to Eminem for 'Real Slim Shady'.

Click Here to see Screen Captures and Click Here to see the RealVideo clip of Whitney's arrival.

 

Spain...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.22 (from No.17) on this week's Spanish Album Chart.

[Thanks Laura]

Detroit '99...

Exclusive photos from Joe M. of Whitney Houston live on stage in Detroit on 25 June 1999 at the Fox Theater.

Detroit 25 June 1999  Detroit 25 June 1999  Detroit 25 June 1999

[Thanks Joe M]

NEWSFILE: 8 SEPTEMBER 2000


Tonight Tonight...

Don't forget - The 2000 MTV Video Music Awards tonight at 8PM EST.  Whitney Houston will appear during the last 30 minutes of the show.


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 16 September 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.82 (from No.68) - 16 weeks on chart;

R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.53 (from No.49) - 16 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Hot 100 - Down to No.81 (from No.69) - 14 weeks on chart;
Hot 100 Airplay - Down to No.74 (from No.64) - 14 weeks on chart;
Adult Contemporary Chart - Remains at No.10 (2nd week) with bullet - 16 weeks on chart;

SAME SCRIPT, DIFFERENT CAST:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.64 (from No.61) - 19 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.58 (from No.57) -19 weeks on chart.
Hot Dance Music/Club Play - Up to No.4 (from No.7) with bullet - 5 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - New Entry At No.68 - 1 week on chart;

Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - New Entry at No.55 - 1 week on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


Platinum Club Updates...

[Whitney Houston Platinum Club Update]

Rumor Has It!
Rumors have been buzzing about that Whitney could possibly be making a special appearance at tonight's MTV Awards…The Platinum Club has been specially informed that all Whitney fans should tune into the MTV Video Music Awards this evening. MTV's live broadcast from Radio City Music Hall in New York City will begin at 8pm ET, 7pm CT.

Whitney On TV!
The Best of VH1 Divas Live 1999 featuring Whitney, Tine Turner, Cher, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, LeAnn Rhimes, Faith Hill, Chaka Kahn, and special guest Elton John will re-air this coming Saturday night, Sept. 9th from 9 p.m. - 10 p. m. ET. The live concert event taped in April of 1999 features a special performance by Whitney!

Also tune into VH1's Before They Were Rock Stars which features the stories of Whitney, along with Vanessa Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Barbara Streisand, David Bowie, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Macy Gray, among others, getting their break and hitting the big time! The show re-airs Sunday, September 10th from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.

Also, tune into Whitney's classic performances from a 1990-91 Saturday Night Live season episode when she appeared as the featured artist. The show re-airs on Comedy Central Friday, September 22nd from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Alec Baldwin hosts.


US Radio Dates...

Fine

The US radio impact dates for the next two Whitney Houston singles have changed.

Fine will be serviced on 18 September and 'If I Told You That' will be serviced on 23 October 2000.

If I Told You That


Princess Diaries...

[From Variety Magazine]

Erik Von Detten, the voice talent behind characters on ABC's animated series ``Recess'' and ``Toy Story,'' has been added to the cast of Disney's ``Princess Diaries.'' The picture, helmed by Garry Marshall and produced by Whitney Houston, Debra Martin Chase and Mario Iscovich, tells the tale of a rebellious young girl (played by Anne Hathaway) who discovers she is the princess of a small European country. Von Detten's TV credits include a series regular role on ABC's defunct ``Odd Man Out'' and the Disney Channel's ``So Weird.''

[Thanks Lopez]


Worldpop...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is up to No.18 (from No.28) on the Worldpop Singles Chart.

[Thanks Jim]


Competition Winner...

Congratulations to Rodney Davis of Rhode Island, USA - he wins the US four track My Love Is Your Love album sampler in the Classic Whitney/EIL.COM Competition.


Christina Aguilera Covers Whitney?...

Christina Aguilera's Official Website has a rumours section in which she clarifies rumours about her.  Here's the Q&A about covering Whitney Houston & Jermaine Jackson's 'If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful':

DON PHILIP DUET

* I read on kiisfmi.com that Christina is planning to record a duet called 'If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful' with Don Philip, who also recorded a duet with Britney Spears on her debut album. Is this true? If so, when will it be released?

FALSE. As repeatedly stated, other than a duet with Luis Fonsi on her Latin album and a duet with Dr. John on her Christmas album, Christina has no plans for any duets at this time.

 

NEWSFILE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2000


2000 MTV Video Music Awards...

Whitney Houston fans should be sure to stay tuned to the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards which air Thursday night at 8PM EST.  A surprise is in store near the show's end.

Fine Video...

[From Whitney Houston Platinum Club]

Whitney Wraps Up A "Fine" Video!
Whitney has officially wrapped up the filming of "Fine," which will be the next video released in association with our diva’s Greatest Hits compilation. She finished up production this past Thursday evening, August 31st, sources close to Whitney reported exclusively to The Platinum Club today. Whitney’s team also let us know that she looked FABulous -- of course -- as she shot scenes for the “Fine” video high atop a roof in the heart of Manhattan! Whitney’s staff also informed us that Kevin Bray directed the upcoming video. Kevin previously directed Whitney in the “My Love Is Your Love” video, as well as directed her in the video for “I Learned From The Best.” Stay tuned for more details concerning the filming, as well as news on the official release date, so you'll know when to start looking for Whitney’s spectacular, upcoming “Fine” video!

 

Fine Promo...

Fine - US Promo

This is the cover to the US 'Fine' Radio Promo CD. 
[Click on image to view in larger scale.]

[Thanks Lisa]

 

Perfect Recording Moment...

[From Los Angeles Times]

Rock 'n' Rap Mecca
Ventura Boulevard Studio a Second Home for Several Top Artists

By ZANTO PEABODY, Times Staff Writer

SHERMAN OAKS--As a kid growing up in Brentwood, Alan Sides was obsessed with music. To get the perfect sound, he started building his own loudspeakers. To showcase the sound of his speakers, he started making his own recordings.

The quest for perfection eventually led Sides to start his own recording studio. He began with jazz and rhythm and blues artists, but today his client roster is firmly rooted in pop music. Madonna, Shania Twain, the Goo Goo Dolls, Brandy, Aerosmith, Ice Cube, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Eminem and others have all recorded or mixed tracks at his Record One studio on Ventura Boulevard.

"It's a hobby that's turned into something way more than a hobby," said Sides, 48. The Record One studio, built by a shopping center developer in 1976 and purchased by Sides in 1983, sits on a stretch of Ventura that appears more like a block of Sunset Boulevard transplanted over the hill. Niche boutiques, trendy restaurants and even music industry shops such as the Guitar Center flank the studio. But it's inside, in a den of anonymity, where magic is made.

Beyond the automated gates and surveillance cameras (prompted by concerns about violent confrontations elsewhere between rap artists), the two studios in the windowless ecru-colored building have earned a reputation in the industry for producing warm, flawless sound.

"Sometimes an artist can just walk in, do a song so right, and it just gives you chills," Sides said. "Then, it's just a matter of capturing that perfect moment on tape."

In 1992, that moment lasted four minutes and 31 seconds, the duration of Whitney Houston's cover of "I Will Always Love You" from "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. Songs are usually mixed and remixed to remove flaws and produce a clearer blend of sounds. Sides said the record-setting song released to the public was the "rough mix"--an unrefined version the public almost never hears--recorded at Record One.

Michael Jackson once booked the studio for almost a solid year, and Dr. Dre set up camp in the studio for two years when he launched his Aftermath label and began recording artists such as Eminem. In fact, Dre and Jackson met at Record One, and sealed a deal for Dre to buy a Chatsworth ranch house Jackson had in escrow before the Northridge earthquake.

So why haven't you seen stretch Benzes pulling into the studio on the boulevard, or a crowd of paparazzi out front? Part of the location's stock in trade is its anonymity and its distance from well-known Hollywood and West Side studios that have become hangouts for artists and gawkers, according to guitarist and songwriter Randy Jacobs. "You can walk around and get out of the city," Jacobs said while in the studio last month mixing the follow-up to Virgin Records' compilation, "I-10 Chronicles." "For me the area is a good place, too, because I can step out and go to Stanley's [restaurant] and because a lot of studio musicians live in the area."

The studio in turn draws music industry types who live in the south Valley. For example, premier mixer Mike Shipley, who often sits at the control board, is reportly shopping for a home near Ventura Boulevard, where he does most of his work.
* * *
Musicians don't have to leave the studio for a great meal, though. One of the advantages of working in the high-end studio is the fully-stocked gourmet kitchen. For down time, there is a lounge with sofas and a fireplace. It's the big hip hop entourages who soak in the comfortable digs the most, Sides said.

And for those who can afford to blow off more time at $2,500 an hour, there are "the city's best pinball machine," a pingpong table and a weight room. "Dollar for dollar, the pingpong table has to be giving me the best return investment," Sides said. "I've had bands blow $100,000 playing pingpong tournaments."  Artists tend to make the place more like home as they spend more time there. Dre took out the exercise gear to make room for more studio equipment. Shipley's son's Batmobile model sits on the mixing board. Who knows who put the Nerf basketball goal on the wall.

Among the $2 million worth of things way too technical to mention in both Record One studios is the collection of 1950s-era vintage microphones that Sides swears sound better than anything made today. The $30,000 mikes are a choice with artists such as Clapton and BBMak, who were at Record One working on their latest projects recently.

Amid the luxury and high-tech surface of the rooms, some people are putting in long hours. Sides describes Dre, Jackson and young production phenom Rodney Jerkins as workaholics.
* * *
Greg Burns, a second engineer whose twin brother works there as well, said he is in the studio every chance he gets because it means another opportunity to learn from the industry's best. Burns, who has assisted in recording artists from Dru Hill to Dave Koz, began four years ago as a runner getting food for rappers' homies, the same gig Record One owner Sides once had.


NEWSFILE: 6 SEPTEMBER 2000


Classic Discussions...

The Classic Whitney Bulletin Board has become the home of some of the most insightful discussion into Whitney Houston's artistry, her legacy, the challenges she faces as a black woman in the industry and the media's handling of her success.

The thread of discussion that followed Anita Baker's comments in support of Whitney and calling out the media during June and July of this year went on to become 170 posts long.  Such is the importance of the discussion that followed, that the complete thread has been copied and saved on this website for future reference.

Also saved to the archives is a shorter, but equally relevant discussion which clarified the situation following Bobby Brown's charges and and incarceration.

Both Threads Of Discussion Can Be Accessed From The Discussion Board Link On The Navigation Table.


Australia...

Aria Top 50 Albums
Whitney The Greatest Hits - Down to No.44 (from No.42) - 17 weeks on chart -
GOLD

Aria Top 50 Singles
Could I Have This Kiss Forever - Up to No.13 (from No.18) - 11 weeks on chart -
GOLD

 

Charts Around The World...

Austria:
(Top 50 LP) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 25 (27) - 15 weeks on chart

Belgium:
(Ultratop Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 21 (19) - 16 weeks on chart

Denmark:
(Mog Top 20) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 19 (19) - 15 weeks on chart

Finland:
(Top 40 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 25 (14) - 15 weeks on chart

Germany:
(Media Control Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 31 (29) - 15 weeks on chart
(Top 20 R&B Airplay) Fine - No. 15 (7) - 10 weeks on chart

Norway:
(Top 40 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 22 (16) - 15 weeks on chart

Switzerland:
(Top 100 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 20 (17) - 16 weeks on chart
(Top 100 Singles) If I Told You That - No. 84 (77) - 13 weeks on chart

Canada:
(Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 80 (69) - 15 weeks on chart
(R&B Albums: Top 50) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 18 (15) - 15 weeks on chart
(Singles: Top 50) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 13 (8) - 10 weeks on chart
(Singles: Top 50) If I Told You That - No. 157 (Re-Entry) - 5 weeks on chart
(Singles: Top 50) It's Not Right But It's Okay - No. 164 (109) - 2 weeks on chart

New Zealand:
(Top 50 Albums) Whitney: The Greatest Hits - No. 41 (48) - 10 weeks on chart
(Top 50 Singles) Could I Have This Kiss Forever - No. 9 (10) - 11 weeks on chart

[Thanks Gogi]


New Website...

André has created a new German Whitney Houston Website - check it out.

[Thanks André]

NEWSFILE: 4 SEPTEMBER 2000


UK Chart Update...

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.9 (from No.8) - 16 weeks on chart; - DOUBLE PLATINUM
Music Video Chart - Down to No.18 (from No.15) - 16 weeks on chart.


Could I Shift This Release Date Forever?...

The UK release of 'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' has been put back to 25 September 2000 according to Radio One.


EUR...

[Profile On Electronic Urban Report]

WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIPS OVER SOME PLATINUM
Diva does it again.

*Whitney Houston can sit on a record, break it, tape it back together and it'll still go platinum plus. Her two CD collection "Whitney's Greatest Hits," an album that a lot of people sold short, has gone double-platinum in the US and quintuple platinum worldwide.

[Thanks Alan M]


VH1...

VH1 in the USA will count down the Top 20 Divas at 10PM EST on Monday 4 September 2000.

[Thanks Lopez]


Singles Gallery...

The Singles Image Gallery has had some new additions of scans of covers from Germany and Japan with the special thanks of Sabine from Germany who's scanned some of the more obscure covers for Classic Whitney.

[Thanks Sabine]


Chartbeat...

[Whitney Houston Discussed On Fred Bronson's Chart Beat Chat]

CAST-ING CALL

Dear Fred,

In last week's Chart Beat Chat you wrote, "None of the new songs from Whitney Houston's 'The Greatest Hits' double-CD have been commercially released in the U.S. yet."

In fact, a U.S. two 12" vinyl set of remixes of "Same Script, Different Cast" has been available commercially for months. The Billboard Dance/Club Play chart entry for this song contains the catalog number.

Sincerely,
Andrew Nestler

Dear Fred,

I absolutely love your column and have written a few times before! I just wanted to mention that contrary to what was mentioned in this past week's article about what singles have been released from Whitney Houston's greatest hits CD, there IS a commercial single for "Same Script, Different Cast." Unfortunately, it's a vinyl-only release and only features the dance remixes (which are FABULOUS, by the way).

I also wanted to take this opportunity to seek your opinion on the subject of vinyl-only singles. Do you think this is an easy way for a label to say they have a single available even though most consumers probably don't even know what one is? I personally find it to be a cop-out, but your opinion is always valued.

Sincerely,
David Sanford
Valley Village, Calif.


Dear Andrew and David,

You're right. A vinyl single does count for commercial release, even if the sales of that format are so small that it hardly makes a blip on our sales radar.

If there is only a 12" vinyl single available, a title may as well not be commercially released, but that doesn't change the fact I shouldn't have included "Same Script, Different Cast" with the other tracks from Whitney Houston's greatest hits album.

And David, to answer your question, now that tracks can chart on the Hot 100 without being commercially released, it isn't important for labels to be able to say they have a single available for sale. I think in this case, Arista felt they were fulfilling a need in the dance market for remixes of the song. I'm sure they didn't think a 12"-vinyl release would boost the song up the Hot 100.

BETTER OFF ALONE?

Fred,

Reading about the lack of success for Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias' duet of "Could I Have This Kiss Forever," as well as her duet with Deborah Cox on "Same Script, Different Cast" made me think of all of Whitney's duets that were supposed to be huge hits, but weren't.

The first time I ever heard Whitney on the radio was in 1984, with her Adult Contemporary hit duet with Teddy Pendergrass on "Hold Me," but the lack of success for that song on pop radio caused Arista to withhold and tinker with the release of her first album for a year (By the way, exactly how well did that song do on the AC chart?).

Then there was her 1989 "superstar" duet with Aretha Franklin. Coming at the heels of two very successful albums, the song "It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Ever Gonna Be" failed to make much noise either. There was her duet with Bobby Brown, which shot up the chart, but shot down the chart just as fast.

Her follow up to "Exhale" was her duet with Cece Winans, "Count On Me," which is probably her biggest hit duet to date. Her super diva duet with Mariah Carey on "When You Believe" also failed to make the noise it was supposed to.

So, it makes me wonder if Whitney wouldn't be better off sticking to a solo career, and leave the duets to others (although we do plan to use her and Jermaine Jackson's remake of "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" at my wedding next April).

Best,
Rudy Steffish
rudysteffish@hotmail.com

Dear Rudy,

Considering Whitney's luck with duets, are you sure you want to play one at your wedding?

To be fair, Whitney's duet with hubby Bobby on "Something In Common" wasn't released as a commercial single, so wasn't eligible to chart under the rules that existed in 1992. And "Hold Me" peaked at No. 5 on our R&B chart, and No. 6 on AC.

We also shouldn't forget that Houston had a No. 2 hit when she teamed with Faith Evans and Kelly Price on "Heartbreak Hotel," but I'm not suggesting that configuration for any other purpose. Have a great wedding!

 

NEWSFILE: 3 SEPTEMBER 2000


Fine Video Exclusive...

The video for 'Fine' was filmed a couple of nights ago.  Filming finished at 5:30 AM on a roof-top location in New York City.   Whitney's security team had the location - an eight   story building - sealed tight so that the work could get done without any outside interference.

I'm reliably informed that the video has a great appearance with the skyline of Manhattan as a backdrop. 

Bobby Brown and their children were present during the filming of the video.

As Whitney and Bobby's family summer winds to an end, Whitney will now be busy working until the years end.  Expect the next few months to be full of surprises.



Wyclef Album Launch...

Check out this RealVideo clip [2:49] courtesy of Worldpop.com of Wyclef Jean at the London launch party of his new album.  The first track he plays is the Whitney Houston Dub Plate and the segment is shown in it's entirety.



Worldpop Update...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' slips to No.28 (from No.27) on the Worldpop Singles Chart.  Expect the single to rise when it gets it's European commercial release over the coming weeks.


ICQ...

Got ICQ?  I'm (finally) getting around to building the Database of Whitney Houston Fans with ICQ Messaging Capabilities.  If you have ICQ and have listed me already, I have sent a message out to ask that you reply with your name and location (and age if you want) so that you can also check the database and chat to other Whitney Houston fans around the world.

Australia...

'If I Told You That' is released in Australia on 11 September 2000.  Here's the details from BMG Australia:

Hot on the heels of Whitney's collaboration with Enrique Iglesias comes the next smash from The Greatest Hits Collection.

"If I Told You That" is already a proven hit in a number of countries and there is no doubt the pairing of two of music's best known contemporary superstars will prove to be a winning combination in Australia.

"Video Hits" has leapt straight onto this track upon receipt of the stunning video and the momentum throughout Australian media is building at a rapid pace.

The single features the Johnny Douglas Mix of the title track as well as the Dronez Mix of "I'm Your Baby Tonight" as b-sides and will be available at a reduced price for a limited time only.


NEWSFILE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2000


Billboard Charts...

The Billboard update for the week ending 9 September 2000:

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS:
Billboard 200 - Down to No.68 (from No.64) - 15 weeks on chart;

R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.49 (from No.47) - 15 weeks on chart.

COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER:
Hot 100 - Up to No.69 (from No.70) - 13 weeks on chart;
Hot 100 Airplay - Up to No.64 (from No.65) - 13 weeks on chart;
Adult Contemporary Chart - Up to No.10 (from No.11) - 15 weeks on chart;
Top 40 Tracks - Down to No.38 (from No.37) - 12 weeks on chart.

SAME SCRIPT, DIFFERENT CAST:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - Down to No.61 (from No.58) - 18 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.57 (from No.48) -18 weeks on chart.
Hot Dance Music/Club Play - Up to No.7 (from No.14) with bullet - 4 weeks on chart.

FINE:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Bubbling Under Singles - New Entry At No.1 - 1 week on chart.

[Compiled By Lopez]


CNN Worldbeat...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' is down to No.12 (from No.11) on the CNN Worldbeat Album Chart, it's 14th week on.


Spain...

'Whitney The Greatest Hits' remains at No.17 on this week's Spanish Album Chart.

[Thanks Laura]

NEWSFILE: 1 SEPTEMBER 2000

AUGUST   2000 NEWSFILE CAN BE FOUND HERE

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