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While many of us are struggling with the sudden and extremely tragic loss of Whitney Houston, I’m quite certain the pain is even more palpable for the family and friends who knew her. Almost immediately, touching tributes of love and remembrance started showing up on Twitter from many of Whitney‘s close, personal friends. Additionally, other artists who worked with Whitney on projects in the past were asked for comment on her passing. All together, these messages of love and loss formulate a very touching and heartfelt tribute to the amazing Whitney Houston. Click below to read some comments from some of Whitney‘s friends, including messages from Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton and more.

Instrumental Saxophone musician Dave Koz, who I have been a fan of for many years (ever since my marching band days in high school), was on hand here in Hollywood today to receive the 2,389th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that took place in front of the Capitol Records building. Now, I’m sure 99% of you do not know who Dave Koz is but I can assure you, he is an extremely talented musician and I couldn’t be more happy that he received this honor today. Here are a few photos from Dave‘s Walk of Fame ceremony today and some deets about his career accomplishments:

In a career spanning two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. A six-time Grammy® nominee, the list of artists he has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Barry Manilow, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart. Many of his own hits – smash singles such as “You Make Me Smile,” Koz’s signature song, “Castle of Dreams,” “Can’t Let You Go” featuring the late Luther Vandross, “Together Again,” “Honey-Dipped,” “All I See Is You,” and “Faces of the Heart,” which was the theme song for “General Hospital” for more than 10 years – were collected in his first-ever retrospective album, Dave Koz – Greatest Hits, which bowed at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes’ Jazz Album chart in September 2008. “Life In The Fast Lane,” one of four new songs included on the album, spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz chart and “Bada Bing” hit No. 2. Koz’s latest single, “And Then I Knew,” produced by Rob Cavallo (Dave Matthews Band, Green Day) just went to radio … Koz also serves as the host of a weekday afternoon radio show that’s nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network; and, on weekends, as the host of the Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and syndicated in approximately 120 markets. As an entrepreneur, Koz founded Rendezvous Entertainment. As a philanthropist, he has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He recently partnered with Vinum Cellars, a Napa Valley boutique winery, and Whole Foods Market® to introduce three types of KOZ wines. He is donating all his proceeds from KOZ wines – available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada – to help Starlight continue its vital mission. Koz completed a four-year term on the Grammy Foundation Artists Committee, has served as National Trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.

I met Dave Koz at an in-store meet and greet many years ago while I was still in high school and his kindness and encouragement helped me remain steadfast in my music studies in school. He signed an autograph for me telling me that he would like to hear me play one of his songs, Castle of Dreams, one day and that alone inspired me to keep practicing. When Koz came out publicly as a gay man, his influence spoke to me even more. My good friend Sherri and I have seen Koz perform live in concert many times … and I’m just so happy that he has reached this level of success in his career. Much love and congrats goes out to Dave Koz on his big day. Instrumental jazz fans might want to check out Dave Koz‘s albums … they’re really great :)

[Photo credit: Wireimage]