NEW : Houston was a `` hero for Gen X black girls , '' one fan says . Rapper Heavy D died last year , as did Nick Ashford , who was one half of the Motown duo Ashford and Simpson . Last year 's fallen icons included American singer and songwriter Vesta Williams . Heavy D and Nick Ashford also died last year . TL;DR The music industry is in the midst of an identity crisis as it grapples with its changing audience.
NEW : Houston was a `` hero for Gen X black girls , '' one fan says . Last year 's fallen icons included American singer and songwriter Vesta Williams . Heavy D and Nick Ashford also died last year . TL;DR The music industry is in the midst of an identity crisis as it grapples with its changing audience.