HOUSTON – A Houston woman credits Whitney Houston to jump starting her music career.
Tami LaTrell said she owes her success to the singer.
"You just need a break and the doors will open up," said LaTrell.
At the young age of 18, LaTrell got the break of a lifetime.
"Whitney Houston changed my life," said LaTrell
In 2002, when LaTrell was a freshman at Texas Southern University, Houston released the song 'Whatchyalookinat'
The song was written by LaTrell. It was part of her material when she was with an independent record label in Houston.
"That song was one of five songs I completed in my catalog. I did copyright all my songs, and they sold the song to her," said LaTrell.
LaTrell reaped the benefits by getting royalties.
The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Chart. It was also the initial release from Houston's fifth studio album, "Just Whitney," which went platinum.
The video was considered Whitney Houston's answer to the paparazzi getting too close to her and her family.
LaTrell wrote the song for a different reason.
"I wrote that song for me and my boyfriend. You know, girls being jealous at us. But she picked it up as me and my husband are trying to live our lives and y'all are getting on our nerves," said LaTrell.
It was the one big break for this rising star.
"It made me realize there was a career for song writing. That opened up so many doors for me to get a publishing deal, and I put myself through college," said LaTrell.
She never met Whitney Houston, but LaTrell said she definitely feels a sense of loss.
"I'm deeply saddened by this loss. I had that connection with her actually listening to my song and saying, 'I relate to this. Let me have this song,'" said LaTrell.
LaTrell has worked with big stars like Keisha Cole and Chamillionaire. She is set to release her own album this fall.
She is graduate of Willow Ridge High School. She graduated from TSU with a degree in journalism and public relations.
Another Houstonian is also feeling the loss. Grammy-winning gospel singer and radio host Yolanda Adams can't believe Whitney Houston is gone.
"She left behind an awesome legacy in the music industry. No. 1 because of her voice; No. 2 because of her presence," said Adams.
She recalled the first time she met Whitney Houston at the Apollo in 1985.
"I saw her and said, 'Oh my God, I'm such a fan.' And she said to me, 'Oh my God, I'm such a fan.' There's this bond in the music business where you really don't meet a stranger," said Adams.
Adams reportedly will be part of a tribute for Whitney Houston at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards airing Friday on KPRC Local 2 at 7 p.m.