Okay I guess I have to interject
When I read the original statement by Austin, my first reaction was O_O. I almost said something but actually decided it wasn't worth it. IMO The compliment could have and should have read "She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful clear voice"...period.
Perhaps it is my blackness that makes me raise an eyebrow, but I don't think so. I certainly do not wear my blackness on my sleeve. However what is "She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful clear voice for a black lady" supposed to mean? Which part of "beautiful clear" is an anomaly for black women singers? Is it the "beautiful" or the "clear"? The style of music that Whitney sang was the soulful "black" sound she learned in predominately black churches. I know plenty who sing that way. She is a natural soprano who is black. There are not going to be many raspy sopranos of any race.
I'm not assuming that Austin meant something derogatory (which is why I didn't initially respond). However, it is a curious choice of words.