Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 8, 1994 TAG: 9402080178
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The movie soundtrack from "The Bodyguard," in which Houston starred with Kevin Costner in a dramatic love story, was named favorite album in the pop-rock, soul/rhythm and blues, and adult contemporary categories.
Houston also was favorite pop-rock and soul/R&B female artist. Her "I Will Always Love You" was favorite pop-rock and soul/R&B single.
"I know Dolly never thought she'd get an R&B song," said Houston, who took a leading eight nominations into the program and had 11 previous American Music Awards to her credit from 1986 to 1989.
Dr. Dre won favorite artist and new artist in rap/hip hop. In accepting the award, he emphasized the genre's legitimacy and thanked "everybody who loves the art form called hip hop music."
Eric Clapton was named pop-rock's favorite male artist, topping a field that included Michael Jackson.
Aerosmith won favorite pop-rock band and heavy metal/hard rock artist, raising the veteran group's career American Music Award total to five.
Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochee" was the favorite country single, and his "A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love)" took the country album title.
Country's top female artist trophy went to Reba McEntire, who remembered the victims of the earthquake that shook the city last month.
"I'm going to accept this on behalf of all those folks," she said.
Garth Brooks roped country's favorite male artist trophy.
Toni Braxton also was a double winner as favorite new artist in soul/R&B and adult contemporary categories.
The favorite male soul/R&B artist was Luther Vandross, who bested Jackson, Babyface and Houston's husband, Bobby Brown.
Alabama collected its 17th AMA trophy as it picked up the honor for favorite country band, duo or group. The band has won one or more trophies every year since 1983, including 11 previous favorite-band awards.
En Vogue topped Arrested Development and SWV for favorite soul/R&B band, duo or group.
Winning across categories, Stone Temple Pilots earned trophies for both new pop-rock and heavy metal/hard rock artist.
John Michael Montgomery was country's favorite new artist.
Kenny G seemed overwhelmed at being chosen over Houston and Michael Bolton as favorite adult contemporary artist.
"I would have never expected to win this thing. Are you sure this is right?" he asked.
Houston also was named recipient of the Award of Merit for "outstanding contributions to the musical entertainment of the American public." She wiped her eyes as Stevie Wonder presented the trophy.
Previous winners include Bing Crosby, Berry Gordy Jr., Irving Berlin and Johnny Cash.
The three-hour show at the Shrine Auditorium was broadcast live to the East by ABC-TV and was tape-delayed in the West.
Host duties were shared by "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star Will Smith, Meat Loaf and McEntire.
by CNB