‘Where Are They Now?’

I first met Gary (Garland) Houston in 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia when I was the head men’s basketball coach at Clark Atlanta University. Despite us both being from New Jersey (Passaic and Essex counties, respectively) our paths had never crossed until mutual acquaintances from New Jersey brought us together.

Gary may be best known for being the brother of the legendary vocalist, Whitney Houston. But some may remember that the 6’4 guard was a phenomenal basketball player in high school, college and the NBA.

The year was 1979 and the NCAA basketball tournament was in full swing as I watched DePaul University for the first time – and with several players from my own state who immediately captured my attention. In the Final Four first game, DePaul faced the great Larry Bird and his Indiana State Sycamores.

But soon my attention turned to the DePaul “Blue Demons” led by the then Gary Garland and his backcourt teammate – a smooth “lefty” named Clyde Bradshaw (East Orange, NJ) who I would later come to know as well. Both represented my home state well and their success inspired me with my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player.

I had a chance to catch-up with the former NBA player, accomplished singer, businessman and family man to reminisce about his multi-dimensional life.

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.

Who were some of your early influences growing up in East Orange, NJ?
My influences were my cousins Kenny and Gregory Moss and Kenny Mack. And of course, Walt Clyde Frazier of the New York Knicks. I used to love going to Seton Hall University to watch them play basketball.

When and where did your love for sports begin?
My love for sports began when I was 7 years old. I used to love to watch my older cousins play ball in the park. I always knew that I was going to play professional basketball because of my desire to play every day. All I wanted to do was participate in sports and I trained myself to master my skills by competing with the older guys.

Was there one sport more than the others you gravitated towards growing up?
I was good at baseball but always had a basketball in my hands. I believe I was destined to master the sport. I think my mother knew more about my potential than I did. She made sure every year I had a new basketball to perfect my skills.

You played collegiately at DePaul University for legendary coach Ray Meyers where you had an outstanding career. Why did you decide on DePaul and where their other schools that you considered?
There were other schools like Belmont Abbey in North Carolina. I had influences in the New Jersey area, but I felt that DePaul was a sure bet for my college game. I did not disappoint by leading the team to the Final Four in 1979 and playing against the great Larry Bird.

You were a second round draft pick of the Denver Nuggets in the 1979 NBA draft. Can you share some of the challenges you faced?
It was a triumph to even be a part of an NBA organization – to be able to play the sport that I had so much passion for and to finally see the results of my determination. The challenge was to earn my place on the court with all of the veteran greats with whom I would play and to adjust to feeling comfortable playing with the older, seasoned players.

You attended Clifford Scott High School in East Orange in the mid-1970’s. Discuss that experience and its impact.
My experience at Clifford Scott was incredible. I shelled out 30 points and 20 rebounds per game and led the team to the state championship. I was ready for the next chapter in my life.

What was your most memorable moment as a collegiate and professional athlete?
My most memorable college moment was when we defeated Notre Dame in 1978. My most memorable professional moment was when I played in Madison Square Garden and scored 17 points my rookie year. We were close to New Jersey and my adrenaline was flowing.

Many people may not know you are a talented singer in your own right. What was it like growing up in an iconic singing family?
I grew up in music royalty. The Drinkard Singers, who were composed of my mother Cissy Houston and her siblings, paved the way for my cousin, Dionne Warwick, Whitney and me. Singing was definitely in our DNA.

Whitney and I began working with our mother at a young age and she helped mold us to always sing with conviction and believe what we were singing. We sang background for some of the greats: Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie and Chaka Khan. And we performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages. You had to strive for perfection when working with my mother or anyone else.

You have transitioned from being a professional athlete to a professional singer. Was that transition difficult?
Singing was always a passion. They called me the music man in college. I used to sing the National Anthem and then go play ball. I never left music. When I transitioned in the 80’s, I never looked back. After a 30-year career of traveling the world singing as my sister’s lead background vocalist and performing duets and studio recordings, television appearances, I’m still representing my family in music. It’s amazing what a career and life I have had.