February 13, 2012

Tony Bennett has called for the legalization of drugs in the wake of Whitney Houston's death.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the music icon took the stage at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy bash on Saturday, just hours after Houston was found dead in her Beverley Hilton Hotel room, to perform 'How Do You Keep the Music Playing' in her honour.

Before breaking into song, Bennett took the opportunity to ask everyone in the room to join him in the fight to get the U.S. government to end its war on drugs — which many argue is only adding to the problem — and take a cue from Amsterdam.

'First it was Michael Jackson, then Amy Winehouse, now the magnificent Whitney Houston,' said Bennett. 'I'd like every person in this room to campaign to legalize drugs.'

He continued, 'Let's legalize drugs like they did in Amsterdam. No one's hiding or sneaking around corners to get it. They go to a doctor to get it.'

While the cause of Whitney Houston's death is unknown and might not be known for weeks, speculation abounds that it was drug related. Houston is said to have struggled with addiction for years and has reportedly admitted to abusing cocaine and prescription pills.

Finally, Bennett said of the song he had chosen, 'This is a song Frank Sinatra asked me to sing. I'd like to dedicate it to Whitney. When I first heard her, I called Clive Davis and said, 'You finally found the greatest singer I've ever heard in my life.'

(Photo by PR Photos)

Report a Typo or Correction. Thank you.