Anjenette McCall, now the music director at Tampa's New Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, says Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" struck her as a young girl.
TAMPA, Fla. -- The first time Anjenette McCall's heard Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" as a young girl watching late-night music videos, it struck her.
"It was original. It was pure. It was like crystal," she says. "And I remember thinking, 'If I could sing like that, oh my God, I would be so happy.'"
McCall's now the music director at Tampa's New Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, where she teaches children music and life lessons through reworking songs like The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back."
She wants Whitney Houston's music to serve as an inspiration to her youth choir.
"What I will teach the kids about her music is just if you're going to do something, make it positive. Make it good. Tell a story that can help someone, that can change someone's life," McCall says.
Just as Houston changed the lives of many musicians.
"Everyone's been inspired by her," says rapper Flo Rida.
He reflected on her life during the Rock & Roll Half Marathon in St. Petersburg.
"She's had a very long career of hot records and everything, but most importantly, she definitely put smiles on faces around the world," Flo Rida says.
Viewers are posting on the 10 News Facebook page about their fondest memories of Houston.
"Regardless of what people may say about the negatives in her life, she used her gift to bless the world," McCall says. "And we will never forget that voice."