Protecting Whitney - by David Roberts (Hardcover)

About the Book

"David Roberts was hired in 1988 to provide security for the UK portion of Whitney Houston's Moment of Truth world tour. Accustomed to working for diplomats and Fortune 500 clients, Roberts had reservations about working with a pop star. But from the moment they met at Heathrow Airport, Houston's heart of gold won him over. Roberts would work for Houston for seven years as her career soared to its pinnacle. His memoir reveals heartwarming anecdotes of life with one of the world's most recognizable stars, including privately shared moments such as the birth of Whitney's daughter, Bobbi Kristina. But there are also shocking and heartbreaking revelations, as Roberts was present for some of Houston's most challenging ordeals. His heart was ultimately shattered as he witnessed her succumb to the one threat he could not protect her from: herself"--

Book Synopsis

David Roberts was Whitney Houston's bodyguard, the real one.
Roberts was hired in 1988 for Houston's UK portion of the Moment of Truth world tour. Accustomed to working for diplomats and Fortune 500 clients, Roberts had reservations about working with a pop star. But Houston's heart of gold won him over from the moment they met at Heathrow Airport.
There's a high bar for those who work in this business: you must be willing to die for your boss. Houston made that easy. Roberts got to travel the globe with one of the most fun-loving and generous souls he'd ever met. His memoir reveals heartwarming anecdotes of life with one of the world's most recognizable stars, including privately shared moments such as the birth of Bobbi Kristina.
But there are also shocking and heartbreaking revelations. Roberts was present for some of Houston's most challenging ordeals. And he was helpless as he watched those who claimed to love and support her look the other way because they saw her voice box as a cash machine.
His heart was ultimately shattered as he witnessed her succumb to the one threat he could not protect her from: herself.

Review Quotes

"Roberts offers revealing insights into the simultaneous power and vulnerability of megawatt stars. The result is a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the price of fame." -- Publishers Weekly

"This brief, well-composed history of the author's time protecting the late superstar from dangers both internal and external reads as a moving valediction from a confidant." -- Booklist

"David Roberts captures the security challenges faced in guarding a major celebrity--both from external and internal threats that are constant when protecting a celebrity of her status. Protecting Whitney is an exciting, behind-the-scenes story of the chaotic world surrounding Whitney Houston from the improper management of her career by her family, and the critical personal relationship she had with her boyfriend, Bobby Brown." --Michael Barbieri, certified executive protection specialist

About the Author

David Roberts served in the Royal Air Force Police, became a police-trained sniper, and served as a sergeant in the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department of the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard. He was a professional bodyguard for twenty-five years. Roberts continues his work as a management consultant in security and investigations and remains active in the field of risk management and loss prevention. He lives in Florida.