Whitney Houston

ABOUT Whitney Houston was a globally celebrated American singer and actress, widely recognized for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, Houston rose to prominence as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Her career spanned over three decades, characterized by numerous chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed work in film. Houston's influence remains potent in the music industry, with a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of artists.

BEFORE FAME Whitney Houston grew up in a musically inclined family. Her mother, Cissy Houston, was a notable gospel singer, and she was also a cousin of famed singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick. Whitney began singing in church choir at a young age and, by her teenage years, was performing back-up vocals for major artists like Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls. Her incredible vocal talent was evident from an early age, paving the way for her later discovery by legendary music producer Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records in 1983 when she was just 19 years old.

TRIVIA

• Whitney Houston was the first female artist to debut an album at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with her second album, “Whitney”
• She holds the record for the most American Music Awards won in a single year by a female artist, securing eight awards at the 1994 ceremony.
• Houston's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 is often considered one of the greatest national anthem performances in history.
• Her hit single, “I Will Always Love You,” from the soundtrack of the movie "The Bodyguard," remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

FAMILY LIFE Whitney Houston's personal life was often in the public eye, especially her tumultuous marriage to fellow singer Bobby Brown, whom she married in 1992. The couple had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, born in 1993. Despite her professional success, Houston faced personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction and a highly publicized divorce from Brown in 2007. Tragically, Whitney Houston's life was cut short when she passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48. Her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also died young in 2015.

ASSOCIATED WITH Whitney Houston collaborated with numerous artists and influential figures throughout her career. She worked closely with Clive Davis, who played a pivotal role in shaping her musical path. Whitney also recorded duets with several artists, including Mariah Carey on the hit song "When You Believe" and Aretha Franklin on "It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be." Her influence extended beyond music as she worked with Kevin Costner in the iconic film "The Bodyguard," further defining her legacy as a multifaceted entertainer. Houston's contributions to music and movies have left an indelible mark, making her a revered icon in the entertainment industry.