Who described the fallen icons as legends?
 said Shaun Jones, 47, of Titusville, Florida, adding that he jumped out of bed in disbelief when he heard news of Houston's death. 

Rapper Heavy D died last year, as did Nick Ashford, who was one half of the Motown duo Ashford and Simpson. 

And in late 2010, singer Mary Christine Brockert, better known by her stage name Teena Marie, died in her sleep. 

"It's shocking ... all these people are legends. A lot of them are dying too young. It's crazy."  