Written by David Foster & Linda Thompson

For over twenty years, Nita Whitaker has been a fixture on many David Foster projects. This talented pop/r&b songstress began her career in the second half of the eighties with an appearance on the popular TV show Star Search. Winning the talent show and the subsequent grand championship, Whitaker was soon noticed by Foster and she flourished under his expert wing. In the early nineties, Whitaker worked with the Canadian Hitmaker as part of the vocal group Millennium which included the late, unforgettable Warren Wiebe, Wil Wheaton, Joey Diggs and Suzette Charles.

Envisioned by Foster as a modern version of The Fifth Dimension, Millennium recorded an album that was partially produced by Foster. Despite its superior musical value and the top-notch quality of the vocalists, the album never saw the light of day. It was buried in Foster’s vaults and remains one of Foster’s most sought after projects by hard-core fans. Ms. Whitaker went on to sing the original studio demos for many of Foster’s hits of the ninety’s including Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You.” In 1994, Whitaker finally released her self-titled, debut cd. Through the years, the Louisiana-born singer kept working with Foster on dozens of live events. Whenever there’s a high-profile charity concert with Foster on board, there’s a good chance that Whitaker will be part of the line-up. Recently, Whitaker was featured on Foster’s “Hitman” and “Hitman Returns” DVDs. She was seen supporting the all-star casts with her amazing backing vocals.

Whitaker released her sophomore cd in 2001 titled “One Voice.” It was an elegant, mostly adult contemporary collection that presented a handful of original compositions written by Whitaker. One highlight of this collection was the beautiful “Heaven Holds The One I Love,” a powerful ballad co-written by Foster with his then-wife Linda Thompson. For the occasion, Thompson came up with truly inspirational lyrics that paired well with Foster’s gorgeous music. Foster’s grand production gave life to a remarkable work of art. Whitaker’s vocals on “Heaven Holds The One I Love” are completely on target. Her intense performance perfectly transmits the bittersweet, aching flavor of the song. Let’s round out this review with a comment that Foster dedicated to his good friend and collaborator:

“Destined for greatness. One of my favorite girl singers, and I’ve worked with them all.”

Take a listen to “Heaven Holds The One I Love” and we are sure you’ll agree with Foster’s statement.

Listen

Lead Vocals: Nita Whitaker
Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
Acoustic Guitar: Dean Parks
Synthesizer Programming: Felipe Elgueta

String Arrangement by William Ross
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

I’ve spent my life building castles of dreams
Reaching for each distant star
As tears clear my eyes I finally realize
Happiness is where you are
And I’m still a part of you and you’re still a part of me
And I swear I’ll always celebrate your memory
You’ll live inside of me
Heaven holds the ones I love
I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above
My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud

Ohhh

Heaven holds the ones I love
At times I’m unsure
Why our hearts must endure
All the pain and such great loss
Still look what I’ve gained
I feel your kiss in the rain
It’s your smile I miss the most
And I’m still a part of you
And you’re still the biggest part of me
And I swear I’ll always celebrate your memory
And trust what’s meant to be
Heaven holds the ones I love
I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above
My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud

Ohhh

Heaven holds the ones I love
And in my grief and disbelief
One thing I know is true
Every breath I take
Brings me that much closer to you
Heaven holds the ones I love
I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above
My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud

Ohhh

Heaven holds the ones I love
Heaven holds the ones I love

In Japan it is quite common to acknowledge the works of popular music stars by organizing tributes albums comprised of famous American singers. This type of project, usually recorded in Los Angeles, includes covers of major Japanese hits with new English lyrics. Mariya Takeuchi has been the subject of a couple of these compilation releases; most notably 2002’s, “Sincerely: Mariya Takeuchi Songbook,” and 2003’s “Sincerely: Mariya Takeuchi Songbook II” The second compilation saw contributions from an A-list of names in the quality pop world like Richard Page of Mr. Mister and Pages fame, Marc Jordan with his talented wife Amy Sky, Gino Vannelli, Christopher Cross, and even David Foster making a rare appearance that featured his remarkable protégé, singer/actress Nita Whitaker. There are great songs on “Sincerely: Mariya Takeuchi Songbook II” including Cross’ bittersweet ballad, “Nostalgia” wonderfully arranged by Robbie Buchanan plus Vannelli’s delicate “The Song Of The Nightingale.” “Teko’s Theme” is the refined gift that David Foster and Nita Whitaker offers the listeners of this album. The understated arrangement gently complements Whitaker’s heartfelt rendition of this lovely Takeuchi composition. Among the other singers performing here are Cindy Lauper, Juice Newton and a surprise appearance by Foster’s daughter, lyricist Amy Foster-Gillies, who sings the danceable ditty “Convenient Lover.”

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/teko_s_theme.mp3|titles=Teko’s theme|artists=Nita Whitaker]

Performed by David Foster with Nita Whitaker
Lead Vocal: Nita Whitaker
Keyboards: David Foster
Synth Programming: Jochem Van Der Saag & Neil Devor
Arranged by David Foster
Produced by Ken Shiguma

Lyrics

Here’s a song for you
I’ve waited to sing so long
You are the one, my only love, forevermore
Darlin’ take my hand
And take me to Shangri-la
Where there’s no hate
where there’s no pain
Where there’s no sorrow
It’s not the first time
That I’ve fallen in love with you
Because your smile reminds me
Of the long lost melodies and memories

So just keep in your heart
If you wish and try hard
Any dream will come true
That’s why we’re here together
I was born to be yours
You were born to be mine
And we live in the world
Where there’s no good-bye for good, TEKO!

Here’s a song for you
I want you to sing along
I’m on your side, my only love, forevermore
Open up your eyes
We’re reaching Shangri-la
Where there’s no war
Where there’s no death
Where there’s no darkness
It’s not the first time
That you’ve come back from the past
Because your soul remains
With the man who you really love and care about

So just keep in your heart
If you wish and try hard
Any dream will come true
That’s why we found each other
I was born to be yours
You were born to be mine
And we love in the world
Where there’s no good-bye for good, TEKO!

So just keep in your heart
If you wish and try hard
Any dream will come true
That’s why we’re here together
I was born to be yours
You were born to be mine
And we live in the world
Where there’s no good-bye

Don’t keep in your heart any dreams
That’s why we’re here together
I was born to be yours
You were born to be mine
And we live in the world
Where there’s no good-bye for good, TEKO!