Released on March 24, 2023, the live recording of “He / I Believe” from Whitney Houston’s performance at the Yokohama Arena on January 2, 1990, is one of the standout tracks on the posthumous compilation album, I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music Of Whitney Houston. This album, released by Arista Records, Legacy Recordings, and Gaither Music Group, highlights Houston’s deep-rooted connection to gospel music. “He / I Believe” is a medley of two gospel classics, with “He” being a gospel staple and I Believe” “being a popular hymn. The live recording captures a rare and powerful moment from her early career, showcasing a side of her artistry that wasn’t always at the forefront of her pop hits.
This track is particularly impactful as it allows listeners to witness Whitney Houston in her element, delivering a raw and emotionally charged performance that is a testament to her vocal training and gospel background. The live recording from 1990 reveals her incredible range and command of the stage, even in the midst of a major world tour. The song’s inclusion on the I Go To The Rock album serves as a poignant reminder of her profound spiritual influence and solidifies her legacy not just as a pop icon, but as a gospel powerhouse whose faith was an intrinsic part of her musical journey.