The tumultuous love life of Whitney Houston has been well-documented, with her marriage to Bobby Brown often overshadowing her incredible talent. But what if things had been different? Rumors have circulated that comedian Eddie Murphy, who shared a close bond with Houston, tried to dissuade her from marrying Brown on their wedding day. Could this be true? Let’s delve into the complex relationships of these iconic figures.
Whitney and Eddie: A Missed Connection?
In the late 1980s, the worlds of music and comedy intertwined as Whitney Houston and Eddie Murphy embarked on a whirlwind romance. The pair were reportedly smitten with each other, their chemistry undeniable to those around them.
Ellen White, a close friend of Houston’s, shared with People magazine how captivated Houston was by Murphy. White recalled an instance at a party where, despite the flashing lights and bustling crowd, Houston and Murphy only had eyes for each other. Their connection was palpable, their laughter and conversation flowing effortlessly as if they were the only two people in the room.
This sentiment was echoed by Robyn Crawford, Houston’s confidante, former assistant, and creative director. In her revealing 2019 memoir, A Song for You: My Life With Whitney Houston, Crawford delved into the depths of Houston’s adoration for the Beverly Hills Cop star.
Crawford wrote that even as Bobby Brown began to pursue Houston romantically, her heart remained with the elusive Murphy. She described Houston as “losing herself” in her longing for him.
One particular anecdote in Crawford’s book paints a poignant picture of Houston’s yearning for Murphy. Anticipating a dinner date with him at her New Jersey mansion, Houston had gone to great lengths to prepare, donning an elegant black dress and heels. Crawford, observing Houston’s excitement, couldn’t help but wish it were her Houston was trying to impress. Unfortunately, Murphy never showed up that night, leaving Houston heartbroken and feeling the sting of rejection.
Eddie Murphy and Whitney Houston at an event with Clive Davis, Houston's manager.
The Beginning and End of Bobby and Whitney
As Houston’s hopes of a future with Murphy dwindled, her relationship with Bobby Brown took center stage. The two had first crossed paths in 1989 at the Soul Train Music Awards, their initial encounter blossoming into a friendship that soon turned romantic. In 1991, Brown proposed to Houston, and despite the lingering feelings for Murphy, the wedding was set for July 18, 1992, at Houston’s estate.
It was on that very morning, according to Crawford’s book, that Houston received a fateful phone call from none other than Eddie Murphy. He expressed his concerns about the impending nuptials, believing that Houston was making a grave mistake by marrying Brown. While he couldn’t have foreseen the tragic path their relationship would take, Murphy’s intuition seemed to tell him that this union was not destined for a fairytale ending.
Whitney Houston and Eddie Murphy were romantically linked in the late 1980s.
Sadly, Murphy’s concerns proved to be warranted. Houston and Brown’s relationship became a lightning rod for controversy, plagued by drug abuse, domestic disputes, and public scrutiny. Brown’s own struggles with addiction and alleged jealousy over Houston’s success cast a dark shadow over their marriage. The situation escalated to the point of physical altercation, leading to Brown being charged with battery in 2003.
After years of turmoil, Houston finally filed for divorce in 2006, which was finalized in 2007. The marriage, once painted as a passionate love story, had crumbled under the weight of their personal demons.
A Path Not Taken
The “what ifs” surrounding Houston and Murphy’s relationship continue to linger in the minds of many. Had Houston followed Murphy’s advice, could her life have been different? While we can never know for sure, it’s a question that adds another layer of complexity to the singer’s already tragic story.
Whitney Houston’s talent and legacy continue to inspire generations of music lovers, but her personal life serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of fame and the devastating impact of addiction. Eddie Murphy’s alleged plea to Houston on her wedding day adds a haunting dimension to the narrative, a reminder of a path not taken and a love that never quite found its footing.
