By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Mattel is paying tribute to singing legend Whitney Houston, creating a new doll for the Barbie Signature Series.
The doll was unveiled Saturday evening at the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala, presented by The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music.
The gala’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” theme referenced Houston’s 1987 hit I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), whose music video inspired the doll’s design.
Pat Houston, president of the foundation and executor of the Estate of Whitney E. Houston, co-hosted the gala with Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight at The Whitley Hotel in Atlanta. The event also marked what would have been Whitney Houston’s 63rd birthday on Aug. 9.
“This evening, we celebrate more than the release of a doll; we celebrate the enduring legacy of an icon,” Pat Houston said in remarks to gala attendees. “The new Whitney Houston Barbie honors a woman whose voice, grace, beauty and spirit inspired generations around the world.
“May this doll remind every child and every collector that dreams have no limits, excellence leaves a lasting imprint, and true greatness never goes out of style. Thank you, Mattel, for making one of Whitney’s dreams come true.”
Nathan Baynard, vice president and head of Barbie at Mattel, said the doll was created in collaboration with Pat Houston.
“Whitney Houston’s music has been the soundtrack to countless moments for fans around the world,” Baynard said. “Barbie is proud to honor her extraordinary legacy with the latest addition to the Barbie Signature Series.
“Created in close collaboration with Pat Houston, this doll celebrates her unmistakable style, joy and spirit. We hope it gives fans a meaningful way to celebrate the artist whose voice and influence continue to resonate around the world.”
The gala opened with a tribute to music executive Clive Davis, a mentor to Houston. Davis served as honorary chair of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation for the past four years and had been named to serve again this year before his death in June.
The tribute included a video honoring Davis and a performance of Greatest Love of All by singer-songwriter-pianist Gordon Chambers.
“Clive Davis is a man whose presence in my life and the life of Whitney Houston was profound,” Pat Houston said. “The world knows Clive as a visionary, a brilliant music principal and a man whose ear for greatness changed the course of music history. I knew him as someone even greater; a loyal friend, a steady hand, and a man who never wavered in his belief in the people he loved.
“Words cannot fully express the loss I felt and have experienced with his passing. I will always remember him as one of the greatest architects of music and a man of heart, integrity and enduring love.”
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, a long-time collaborator and friend of Houston’s, headlined the gala’s performances.
Edmonds, who produced Houston songs including Exhale (Shoop Shoop) and I’m Your Baby Tonight, was joined by surprise guest Chanté Moore for a performance of Why Does It Hurt So Bad, a Babyface-produced song from the 1995 Waiting to Exhale soundtrack album. Houston’s brother, Gary Houston, also performed a reimagined version of I Wanna Dance with Somebody with singer Jada Nikole.
Houston is the latest music artist featured in the Barbie Signature Series, joining previous honorees including Miley Cyrus, Aaliyah, Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Elton John.
As part of the tribute to the late singer, The Barbie Dream Gap Project will donate funds to the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, which provides educational opportunities, grants and scholarships for young people.
The Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll is available now at Target stores and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Creations, with a suggested retail price of $60.
Also available now at Target is a Tiny Vinyl release of Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), backed with So Emotional.
Earlier this year, the Recording Academy presented Houston with a Lifetime Achievement Award.